The Golden Triangle is in Chiang Rai province, in the far north of Thailand. It is the meeting point of three countries: Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, hence its name.

Understand

History

Historically the Golden Triangle had been an area well-known for the growing of opium. However, this practice has been eradicated.

Landscape

The landscape is hilly, divided by the Ruak River that flows into the Mae Khong (a.k.a. Mekong) River. These rivers form a natural boundary between the three countries Laos (to the east of the Mae Khong), Myanmar (to the north of the Ruak), and Thailand (to the west of the Mae Khong).

Mae Khong (Mekong) River

Flora and fauna

Dense tropical jungle, with fields in low-lying and flat areas.

Climate

Hot and humid tropical all year round.

Get in

• By tourist coach from Chiang Rai (via Mae Sai).
• By rental car or taxi.

Fees/Permits

None.

Get around

• On foot along the Mae Khong river.
• By boat on the Mae Khong river.

See

• The point of intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
• The Golden Buddha statue beside the Mae Khong river.

Buddha statue next to the Mae Khong river

• The National Hall Of Opium.

Do

• Take a photo at the gate marking the Golden Triangle.
• Go on a boat ride across to a small island belonging to Laos. No visa for Laos is required to make this trip. This is popular among tourists, and many small boats offer this service. Technically you are in Laos when on the island and can thus claim to have visited the country, although you are not allowed to enter into the rest of Laos from there without a visa.

Buy

• Cheap souvenirs.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Avoid mosquito bites as there is a danger of Malaria transmission.

Get out

• Exit through the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sai
• By bus, rental car or taxi to Chiang Rai.
• Via Mae Sai to Myanmar.