You are not currently logged in.

Travel Guides

Golden Triangle Travel Guide

Travel to Golden Triangle - Border Beside the Mekong

Ratings:: 4 out of 5 (4 votes)

Reviews:: Be the first to write a review

The Golden Triangle is the famed border location where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River. Notorious - and with good reason - this area was once the centre of much of the opium poppy cultivation in Thailand. As with many border posts smuggling was rife and the crossing point on the Mekong is still an important trading post. Today it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, the usually laconic waters of the mighty Mekong allowing boat trips.

This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is locally referred to as "Sop Ruak" or today, ‘The Golden Triangle’ and refers to an area between Mai Sai and Chiang Saen bounded by the Mekong River. In reality it spills over the border into Burma and Laos and south towards Chiang Rai. Opium has been illegal in Thailand for over 45 years and more acceptable crops have replaced it. This was not always the case though, with warlords such as the infamous Khun Sa smuggling the drug and its derivatives south to Bangkok and beyond. Today the region is peaceful with tourism a principle and less destructive provider of foreign exchange.

Attractions in Golden Triangle

The main towns of interest are Chiang Saen and, approximately 9 km north (the road parallel to the Mekong River) Mae Sai - where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos converge; the whole area is beautiful and there are many places to stay all along the river.

Mai Sae has the famous border post which sees a constant stream of traffic; it’s very touristy. There are caves around Mae Sai. Burma can be entered here if political circumstances allow; Laos can be entered south at Chiang Khong.

Activities in Golden Triangle

Boats can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively, depending on river currents and water levels.

Relaxing

A slow boat trip on the Mekong is a great way of seeing the countryside at a more leisurely pace.

Getting Around

You’ll need some sort of transport to explore the area. Boat is the obvious and perhaps most attractive choice, though cycling can be pleasant on the backroads. A sightseeing tour is an easy way for those with limited time to see the main ‘sights’.