The Golden Triangle, known among the locals asSop ruak" is that forested mountainous region in the northern part of Thailand, where it meets Laos and Myanmar (hence the name "Golden Triangle"). Despite the charged and complex history of the area, the Golden Triangle is considered a prominent and very important tourist destination, one that attracts crowds of visitors throughout the year , visitors of all ages who come for a short or long vacation. The spectacular views it offers, the coffee plantations, the traditional villages where time seems to have stood still and the winding rivers, all these and more make it a stopping point that should not be missed and one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.
The history of the Golden Triangle includes hundreds of years of kingdoms and empires pressing on its fertile hills and its borders. Then, in the 20s of the last century, the Golden Triangle became one of the main centers of opium production, which added quite a bit of violence to the area. The tribes that lived in this pastoral area (at least in appearance) suffered a lot from this, but to their happiness all this changed in the 70s, when the king of Thailand at the time initiated projects to encourage farmers to switch from poppy cultivation to opium to other agricultural crops, including coffee and tea. Thanks to these initiatives, the villages became much more prosperous and the beloved peace returned there.
When to arrive?
the best time To visit the Golden Triangle is between November and March, so the days there are very pleasant and the nights are cool. The sky is mostly clear and sunny and you can have fun from favorable weather, which is suitable for trips. Heavy haze is typical for the months of February and March and high temperatures and rains also characterize the month of April. In general, you should take into account that due to the high altitudes in the Golden Triangle it is much cooler from other regions of Thailand, south of there. At the same time, if you arrive at the right time, you can build a great itinerary and take advantage of all the abundance, beauty and beautiful spaces it offers.
How to get there?
The golden triangle is found in the northern part of Thailand. There are quite a few travelers who come to the Golden Triangle as part of organized trips, a trip of several days or one day. If you get there independently, you can use the local bus, which makes the way between Mae Sai and Chiang Sean with a frequency of every 20 minutes until 15:00 in the afternoon. If you accidentally missed it, take a tuk-tuk or get on a motorcycle-taxi.
What to see, what to do?
A vacation in the Golden Triangle region is a wonderful opportunity to get to know authentic, traditional Thailand. You can, of course, combine your vacation with a visit to other areas of Thailand, to enjoy relaxing on the beaches of the spectacular islands, but before or after your visit there, you can also explore one of the most fascinating areas of Thailand, a more primitive area, one that has not yet been touched by a hand , which relatively the number of visitors compared to the popular sites of Thailand is lower.
The Golden Triangle area is home to quite a few tribes, who still practice an age-old tradition that is reflected in almost every aspect of daily life. the city Chiang Rai It is a large and very central city in the area, which is recommended to visit as well, although you should take into account that, like other cities, it may also be crowded with curious visitors, who come there for a short or long stop. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, go to the nearby towns, such as Nan and Fang, which are close to the border with Laos and Myanmar.
The Golden Triangle is rich in pristine national parks, and you can go to them as part of organized treks and day trips. This is a wonderful way to be close to nature and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Golden Triangle, just as it is. The Golden Triangle is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, and you can come right up to them and learn a lot about them and take part in bathing and feeding them. This is a species of elephant that is in danger of extinction, and this is definitely a rare opportunity to contribute (even a little) for their sake.
Accommodation in the area
The closest city to the Golden Triangle area is Chiang Rai, and it has quite a few accommodations at all levels, depending on your budget and desire.
Recommended hotels in Chiang Rai
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Attractions in the Golden Triangle area
On the Thai side of the river, where you can see all three countries, is Golden Triangle Park. The entrance gate to it is decorated with sculpted elephant statues, which welcome visitors. On the banks of the Mekong River is a statue of Buddha sitting in a boat. Next to it are two large elephant statues.
One of the fun ways to explore the area is to take a boat ride along the Mekong River. Boats can be rented for trips along the coasts of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, a cruise that lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. cruise up to to Chiang Sean (Chiang Sean) and outside of it, will last about an hour and a half. Another recommended cruise is a short cruise toDon Sao, a small island in the river, which belongs to Laos and includes a nice tourist market, which is open to visitors (a visit to this island does not require a visa to Laos).
Another tourist destination in the area is an ancient temple, located on a hill near the Mekong River - Wat Phra That Pu Khao, a temple dating back to the 8th century. Although reaching it, the top, requires a little physical effort, the spectacular scenery of the Golden Triangle, together with the Mekong River and the designated mountains around, definitely justify it.
And for those in the area, it is highly recommended to stop by as wellHall of Opium Museum An important and recommended tourist attraction. This interesting museum presents the long history of opium cultivation and trade in the Golden Triangle. The entrance to the museum is through a tunnel, along which are statues of people, depicted as suffering from pain and the terror of drug addiction. This is a very informative museum, which presents the subject from different angles and includes interesting displays and information delivered to visitors in two languages: the local language and English.
One section of it is devoted entirely to the tribes of the passers-by in the region, who grow poppies for opium. Thanks to the initiative of the King of Thailand (as mentioned above), they succeeded in eradicating poppy cultivation in the area and helped the farmers to find a fair and successful alternative to it. The project improved the lives of poor local farmers and also helped to restore the forests. Today, as you will see in the region, there are quite a few other crops, such as coffee, rice, flowers and many types of fruits and vegetables, which are sold all over the country.
The museum is open every day, except Mondays, from 08:30 in the morning to 16:30 in the afternoon. Entrance is paid.
Off the Beaten Track
An interesting point in the vicinity is Golden Horse Monastery Known by the locals as "Wat Tham Acha Thong", where the monks spend most of the day riding horses to receive alms and also practice ancient martial arts. The monastery itself sits in a beautiful area, characterized by seasonal cherry blossoms, tea and coffee plantations, and on the premises itself there is also a cooperative store, where home-made wines, medicinal herbs and more are offered for sale.
At the northernmost border between Thailand and Myanmar, across the Sai River, you can get a glimpse of local rural life. You can do this by riding rickshaws through side streets and stopping at temples and the charming morning markets, which are packed with local produce, along with goods from southern China, Laos and Myanmar.
