Tea journey
Tibet
There are still places such as the autonomous region of Tibet or the rebellious province of Xinjiang that are subject to special regimes.
Explore Tibet
Tea journey
Myanmar
The same can also be said of the people and their openness. Just a few years ago, for fear of the ruling Junta, the local populace were more timorous...
Explore Myanmar
Tea journey
Thailand
It is true that the main goal of the trip to these places was not focused on tea plantations because of the fact that nobody had ever heard that tea could appear in these parts.
Explore Thailand
Tea journey
Srí Lanka
Buddha once came to this country to turn the wicked cannibal tribes - the Rakshashi - to the true faith.
Explore Srí Lanka
Travel diaries
From the Most Remote Tea Gardens of the World
For more than thirty years, tea lover Jirka Šimsa has been traveling to places where tea is grown, from the misty hills of Myanmar and the wild tea gardens of Laos to the high-mountain gardens of Taiwan. Captivated by the tea culture of China, Korea and Japan, he has also visited the wild tea lands of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. However, his tea heart beats in northern Thailand, where, he believes, there are still untapped sources of wild tea gardens. These are his stories about people who have connected their lives with tea.
Where the tea grows
Destinations
3 stories
China
During my last visit to China, I made the acquaintance of an expert who fulfilled both of my chief requirements…
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1 story
India
I can't explain why, but every time I leave India I say to myself, "Never again!" Perhaps it's because I'm always…
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1 story
Japan
It was never my intent to aim for perfection by practicing the way of Zen, various martial arts, flower arrangement, or the hardly accessible and…
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1 story
Korea
No matter how monstrous the machine may look at first glance, even in this phase one can meet with poetic moments. At one point…
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2 stories
Laos, Vietnam
In the northern parts of Laos near the Chinese border in the altitude over 1.500 meters little town Phongsali is spread on the mountain slopes.
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1 story
Myanmar
In the mystic land of Myanmar irrigated by the majestic Irrawaddy river tea is grown in the very remote parts of hills…
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1 story
Nepal
In fact once back in 1995 I even secretly crossed the Nepal border during my first trek along the mountain ridge between the Sandakphu and Phalut…
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1 story
Srí Lanka
In a hut built of bamboo stems and palm leaves stuck together with clay, a kerosene burner was glowing and the sound of boiling water began…
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1 story
Taiwan
It’s always more entertaining to set out for foreign lands when you’ve got a clear idea of what you’re looking for.
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1 story
Thailand
Maesalong is the spot where you can find best Oolong teas in Thailand produced by Taiwanese method. Tea tradition is not very…
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1 story
Tibet
It is not a big surprise that tea is most common beverage in Tibet. Yes, no problem. Black tea from Chinese Yunnan province mixed with Yak butter…
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1 story
Turkey
When flying over Turkish territory, memories of my visit to the town of Rize always comes back to me.
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From the journal
Latest Stories
Tibet
Green Mao Tea in Tibet
It is not a big surprise that tea is most common beverage in Tibet. Yes, no problem. Black
October 28, 2014
Taiwan
“Frozen Peak” Is Not a Peak, in Fact, It’s Not Even Frozen!
It’s always more entertaining to set out for foreign lands when you’ve got a clear idea of what
October 22, 2014
Nepal
A Visit to the “Younger Brothers” of the Tea Family in Nepal
Fear unfounded, yet fulfilled I have been travelling to Asia once a year for many years now. India
October 8, 2014
Japan
CHAKABUKI – Tea Show
Whilst upon my return from my first visit to China I immediately began contemplating my second trip, truth
September 2, 2014
Turkey
Tea and Football in Turkey
Traveling to the Town of Rize, 1995 When flying over Turkish territory on the way to India or
August 31, 2014
China
Search for the tea King (1997)
“In China tea was originally prepared using tea leaves from wild trees, which would be cut down to
August 31, 2014
About the author
Jirka Šimša, the Tea Pioneer
Founder of Dobrá Tea chain of Bohemian tea rooms was born in Czechoslovakia in 1961. Travelling all around tea producing countries in last 20 years he has collected thousands of photographs and unforgettable memories. Best of them are shared in his travel diaries on www.teapioneer.com.