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One day chiang rai and golden triangle tour, description:.

Visit Chiang Rai Province and The Golden Triangle (meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar). After we pick you up at your Chiang Mai hotel, your first stop will be the Maekhajan Hot Springs, a good spot to have a morning cup of coffee before heading up towards the stunning Wat Rong Khun also called The White Temple due do its dazzling white color inlaid with mirrored glass. We will proceed to the Golden Triangle where you can see the the meeting points of Thailand, Burma and Loas.  Here you have the option of boarding a boat along Mekong River to the Laos island of Don Sao. On the return leg to Chiang Mai we will stop at an Akha and Yao Hill Tribe village.

**Important** : Please be aware that this is a one day tour. It is very important to inform you that for a group tour, you only spend 15 - 20 minutes at each sites as certain parts of this tour close by 5:00pm.(except at the Golden Triangle which will stop longer than other places due to we have a boat trip option to step in Laos). During this whirlwind tour (quick overview tour) you will drive over 700km and spend more than 9 hours in your tour vehicle. So, if you are interested in spending time exploring these sites and would like to have the luxury of leisure this tour is not for you. We highly recommend that you should select   for the 2 or 3 day version of this tour that can be found under the Chiang Rai Tours tab on our main page which there are so many things to see. Therefore, we would like to advise you to choose a multi-day tour that you can enjoy the wonders Northern Thailand offers.  Itinerary • Pick up from Chiang Mai hotel around 07.00 - 7.45 am.for a group tour, and at 07.30 am. for a private tour. • Visit Maekhajan Hot Springs. • Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). • Visit Golden Triangle. • Boat trip on the Mekong to Laos Island (This is optional for an extra charge of 300Bht). • Have lunch. • Visit Yao hill tribe and Akha and Keren Long Neck Village (This is optional for an extra charge of 300Bht). • Return back to your Chiang Mai hotel or guest house around 09:00pm. Tour Price  

Tour Includes: • An English speaking tour guide - knowledgeable and certified by TAT (the Tourism Authority of Thailand). • An air-conditioned car or minivan • Admission fees • Lunch (not too spicy) • Accident insurance The tour is excludes: • Personal shopping. • Alcoholic drinks. Remark: Suitable for all ages and available all year round. Thing to bring: • Comfortable foot wear • Insect Repellent Note: Please disregard third party assistance in contacting us, as many will misrepresent our availability. Contact us directly via email or phone for best information. English spoken.

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Thailand’s Travel Gold Mine

December 28, 2022 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

A special excitement takes root in me every time I travel from Chiang Rai to Golden Triangle, whether I’m onboard a local bus or arrange a car through my hotel. This magical part of Thailand, which juts up against Laos and Myanmar, is one of the Kingdom’s greatest travel treasures.

Indeed, even if you consider yourself well versed in the destinations of Thailand , Golden Triangle experiences and scenery will delight you. Spend the morning peering into Burmese territory from an enchanting temple, and the afternoon learning about the opium trade that once domination this region.

The Golden Triangle is often the beginning of adventure and not the end, and I’ve covered this base, too. Whether you continue from Thailand to Laos or just want to explore more of Northern Thailand, you’ll want to read all the way to the end.

Where to Stay in the Golden Triangle

Most travelers go from Chiang Rai to Golden Triangle as a day trip—for all intents and purposes, this is how I’m structuring this post. My favorite hotels in Chiang Rai tend to exemplify what I call my “three Cs”: Chic, comfortable and centrally located. A favorite hotel property of mine is Le Patta Chiang Rai , while Baan Jaru is a guest house with a homier feel.

Some Golden Triangle hotels do exist, from the ultra-luxe Four Seasons Tented Camp along a rural stretch of the Mekong, to various, simply city properties in Mae Sai and Chiang Saen. Unless you have the money for the Four Seasons, however (and want to enjoy the extremely high-end experience on offer there), I’m not sure there’s much advantage to staying in the Golden Triangle itself.

Things to Do in the Golden Triangle

Start in mae sai.

Is the Golden Triangle worth visiting? I think you’ll get a good idea of this almost as soon as arriving in Mae Sai , accessible via direct bus from Chiang Rai, and also easy to reach if you travel by private car. Located on the border with Myanmar, the town (which is now world-famous as the home of the stranded Thai soccer time) has a decidedly Burmese feel.

Try Your Hand at Hiring a Song Thaew

Getting from Chiang Rai to Golden Triangle is easier if you have your wheels, but it’s also less fulfilling. One of my personal favorite ways to travel in this part of the Kingdom (and, in particular, to travel onward from Mae Sai) is to hire a song thaew , or a pick-up truck with a covered bed. The ones you’re looking for here are blue in color; you’ll need to haggle a price.

Visit the Golden Triangle Monument

Is the Golden Triangle dangerous? Well, only if you’re a drug smuggler! Otherwise, the main “danger” is slipping on wet pavement as you walk down to the Saam Liam Trong Kam monument, or up to Wat Phrathat Du Khao , which overlooks the very point where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, i.e. the Golden Triangle. This vicinity is small in size, but rich in experiences.

Educate Yourself at the Opium Museum(s)

I mentioned drug smuggling in the last paragraph not because I believe you will engage in it during your Chiang Rai to Golden Triangle journey, but because the illegal drug trade (in particular opium) is a notorious part of this region’s history. As you’ll see at both at the closer-in House of Opium and the Hall of Opium , which is a short ride away, strategic efforts by Thailand’s royal family stamped out the dueling epidemics of drug addiction and dealing.

End in Chiang Saen

You can enjoy Thailand Mekong River views throughout the Golden Triangle region, but some of my favorites are found in Chiang Saen . The end of the line as far as Golden Triangle day trippers are concerned, this small town sits right over the river from Laos. In addition to the scenery, a night market pops up here on weekends, allowing you to enjoy a casual, tasty dinner before getting a bus back to Chiang Rai.

Continue to Laos or Myanmar

Traveling from Thailand to Myanmar is easy via the Golden Triangle. The border crossing is literally right there in Mae Sai! You should keep a couple of things in mind when doing this. The first is that while it’s technical possible to pay a bit of money in order to cross over for the day, I would recommend getting a Myanmar visa in advance if you plan to go deeper into the country, i.e. not returning to Thailand.

As far as getting to Laos, it’s a bit more complicated. The most common way to go is not traveling from Chiang Rai to Golden Triangle, but rather to the city of Chiang Kong, which is a bit farther away. From here, you can cross the Mekong to Laos’ Huay Xai, where a slow boat to Luang Prabang awaits you. To be honest, this is one of my favorite journeys in all of Southeast Asia !

Things to Do in Chiang Rai

The good news? I’ve created an entire post that essentially doubles as a Chiang Rai itinerary . The better news? I will summarize it below in case you’re too lazy to click:

• Spend 1-2 days exploring Chiang Rai temples , including the famous “white, black and blue” ones
• Watch one sunset behind Chiang Rai Clock Tower (and enjoy food experiences nearby)
• Take a day trip to coffee and tea farms in rural Chiang Rai province
• Enjoy your second (or third) sunset at Wat Huay Pla Kang , a massive seated Guan Yin statue

Other FAQ About Thailand’s Golden Triangle

What is the golden triangle in thailand.

The Golden Triangle is the region of Thailand where the country meets Myanmar and Laos (three countries = “triangle”), located in Chiang Rai province approximately 1-2 hours from Chiang Rai city. Popular destinations include the Golden Triangle Monument, the Hall of Opium Museum and Mae Sai, a town with a decidedly Burmese flair.

What is Golden Triangle famous for?

Although it’s not a renowned tourist destination, Thailand’s Golden Triangle was once notorious for something else. Namely, it was (along with the Burmese and Laotian sides of the Mekong) the largest producer of opium in Southeast Asia. Thailand, anyway, has cleaned up its act; the history of opium production here is memorialized in a pair of museums.

Is the Golden Triangle worth visiting?

The Golden Triangle is absolutely worth visiting! If you’re feeling non-committal, do it on a day trip. Ride a bus from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai, then get a Song Thaew to the Golden Triangle monument and on to Chiang Saen. Once you finish there, ride all the way back to Chiang Rai city by bus.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of what you get up to after you travel from Chiang Rai to Golden Triangle, you’re going to love this magical part of the Kingdom. I generally started in Mae Sai, on the Thailand- Myanmar border, before riding a song-thaew along the Mekong to the Saam Liam Trong Kham monument itself. Following a stroll through (and dinner in the night market of) Chiang Sean, I return to Chiang Rai in time to have a walk around the town center. This assuming I don’t spend a night in the Golden Triangle, which is always an option!

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Golden Triangle Tours   590/2  Tambon Wiang,  Amphur Muang, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand  Tel. : +66 53 713918, +66 53 740478 Mobile : +66 81 9926312 (Rek) , +66 81 7654258 (Natcha Whatsapp ) E-mail : [email protected] Copyright ©2017 www.goldenchiangrai.com All rights reserved. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): Licence No. 23/1111  

Chiang Rai + White Temple + Blue Temple + Golden Triangle + Hilltribes + Long Neck Village.

Description:

Chiang Rai one day + Hot Spring + White temple + Blue temple + Golden Triangle + Hill tribes Village + Long Neck Village. Highlights of The Trip.               Visit the Northern most point of Thailand and the glittering temple "Rong Khoon" as well as the "Blue temple". The famous site of the Golden triangle, the famous land of the opium trade in the old days. See the view point of Khun Nam Nang Non or Doi Nang Non the slepping lady mountain where the big news of the suvivors of the 13 boys from the Thai youth football team were recued. Hilltribesvisit in Yao and Akha village and the lady long neck with the incredible length of the necks.

             Soon before Chiang Rai City, stop at “ Rong Khoon ” or “ White Temple ” which stand glittering against the sun. You’ll amaze with the beautiful Thai and temporary art by Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat , one of the greatest artist in Thailand who wanted to present the art which can relate to the Buddhist in his own idea. Not only the magnificent view from outside, but also inside the main building where you can see the beautiful painting on the walls which he wanted to present what he has seen in his lifetime which you’ll be amazed. Take a walk around the temple area for photos. If you wish to have a painting for a souvenir, Please contact at the souvenir of the temple. After that visit to "Blue temple" with the fuses modern art Buddhism.

             Continue on the road again to the Golden Triangle where the three countries meet. See Thailand, Laos and Myanmar which divide by the two rivers : Ruak River ( For Thailand and Myanmar) and Mae Khong River in between Myanmar – Laos and Thailand – Laos. Lunch in the local restaurant then heading to the visit ot the hilltribe villages. On the way, we  could see  Khun Nam Nang Non or Doi Nang Non , the slepping lady mountain where the big news of the survivors of the 13 boys from the Thai youth football team were rescued from the main street.Then visit the hilltribes people called “ Yao” who came from Yuan Nan from southern part of China with the nice decorated red scarves on the original costumes and the colerful embroidery pants. Visit to the “ Akha ” who came from Tibet and Myanmar with the silver hats on the ladies head. On the trip you are going to visit the   Long Neck Tribe who immigrated from Khaya  State of Myanmar with the brass rings decorated around the ladies' neck as well as their legs to present as the most beautiful ladies in the village. Then heading back to Chiang Mai with safe and sound.  Itinerary. 7.00 am.  Pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city. 8.30 am.  Arrive at Chiang Rai Hot Spring. 9.00 am.  Leaving the hot spring to the White Temple. 10.30 am.  Arrive at White temple for you to see the unique temple which present in white color and visit Blue temple. 11.30 am.  Heading to the Golden Triangle where the 3 countries meet. See the big Buddha image at the Golden Triangle Here you could decide to go on the boat trip on Mae Khong  River to Laos ( 1 hr for this trip. It is optional tour. Pay on spot.) 12.00 am. Lunch in the local restaurant. 1.30 pm.  Leaing the restaurant and continue the trip to the hilltribes village of Yao and Akha 2.40 pm.  On the way to the hilltribes  village, you could see the view point "  Khun Nam Nang Norn " or " Doi Nang Norn " the slepping lady mountain  3.30 pm.  Arrive in the  hilltribes village of Yao and Akha tribes as well as the Long Neck village. 4.30 pm.  Leaving the hilltribes and continue the trip back to Chiang Mai.  8.00 pm. More or less depending on the traffic, arrive in Chiang Mai with safe and sound. _________________________________ End of Service ________________________________________

The price              :   3 ,8 00  THB /person   ( Private tour only. Minimum 2  persons .) Pick up  time       :   7:00 am. from the hotel lobby. Tour duration      :   Daily from 07:00 am.- 08:00 pm. Type of the trip    :    Private tour only. ( Minimum 2 persons to start the trip) Service provided by   : Chiang Mai Tour Center only. Tour includes.  - All entrance fee as mentioned in the program. - Long neck Village. - Private Transportation. ( Toyota van commuter  with a/c or similar ) - Lunch. - Drinking water and Refreshing towels. - An English speaking guide. -   Free Accident Insurance. (Names, Nationalities, Passport numbers are needed.) Tour does not include. - Tipping. - Boat ride on Mea Khong River. - Entrance fee for crossing into Tha Kheelek  in Myanmar. - Other expenses on the trip. - Optional tours which not mentioned in the plan. - All airline tickets. - Hotel accommodations. - Shopping for souvenir. What should you bring on the trip?   -   A Camera. - Sun Glasses. - Sun lotion. - Insect spray. What will you see on this trip? 1. You will visit the hot spring at Mae Khachan Village. 2. You will see the most famous White temple and Blue temple with beautiful white glittering in the sun light and the contemporary art on the mural painting inside the mall hall. 3. You will see the Golden triangle where the 3 countries meet. 4. You will visit the Hill tribes people called " Yao " from China and "  Akha  " from Tibet. 5. You will visit the Long Neck Tribe with the Brass rings decorated on the ladies' necks. Weather  tips!

November - February.                    During the winter in Thailand, the temperature is between 5 - 12 degrees Celsius / 41 - 54 degrees Fahrenheit. You should come prepared with appropriate clothing. This is the best time for traveling in Thailand, due to the nice and cool weather. The landscape is covered with blooming flowers and lush vegetation which makes the bio diversity of birds and wildlife plentiful. March - May.                   This is summer time, the temperature is between 28 - 33 degree Celsius / 82 - 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest time of the year is April, when temperatures can reach as high as  43 degree Celsius / 109  degrees Fahrenheit.  Bring something light and thin to wear. Hat , sun glasses and sunscreen is recommended.

June - October.                   This is the rainy season, the temperature is between 18 - 25 degree Celsius / 64 -77  degrees Fahrenheit. An  umbrella or rain coat are recommended. Flip flops or thongs are the best shoes to wear during these months. Why should you select Chiang Mai Tour Center as your service provider? 1. Our staff works with responsibility from their hearts. They are punctual, sincere, friendly and fun. 2. We have been serving tourists for the past twenty years with utmost dedication. 3. We treat you as our family member with love and care. 4. We have child friendly staff members working in our company. 5. Our pricing is reasonable and provides good value for your cost. 6. We are spontaneous and flexible in our programming. 7. We are promt in attending to the needs of our clients.

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Tourism authority of thailand : chiang rai office (chiang rai – phayao).

www.tourismchiangrai-phayao.com

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Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle is about 9 kilometers from the Chiang Saen old town to the north along the road parallel to the Mekong River. The area is locally called “Sop Ruak” where the Mae Khong meets the Ruak River and also where the borders of three countries, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, meet together. There are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the area having been settled by people in the past. In addition, boats can be hired to view scenery around the golden triangle from Sop Ruak along the Mekong River to Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong which takes around 40 minutes and 1.30 hours respectively.

Contact Nava Luk Luang, Tel. 0 5365 2076 Rua Hiran Nakhon, Tel. 0 5378 4021-2 Tha Siwan Pier, 400 Baht per boat (5 people), 08.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m. around the Golden Triangle to Talat Klang of Lao PDR. The journey takes 1 hour, Tel. 0 5378 4101.

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Latest News

“head up north” invites tat chiang rai office.

    With Thailand fully open as of June of this year, tourists are returning. Chiang Rai province has, according to TAT Chiang Rai, been preparing for the return of both Thai and foreign visitors since December of last year when it kick-started the Blooming...

TAT Chiang Rai challenges tourists to find cupids

  As part  of the 25 Unseen the New Series campaign to promote further-flung tourist destinations, TAT Chiang Rai is getting creative. “There is a temple here, Wat Nantaram in Chiang Kham District of Phayao Province, which has been selected as one of the top 25...

TAT Phayao launches cultural campaign to attract tourism

  Phayao aims get itself on the tourism route by promoting some of its more unique offerings. This year it will be promoting the Tai Leu culture, especially the candle procession ceremony on water, the only one of its kind.Lychee is also a famous product from...

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