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Your Complete Guide to Golden Triangle, Thailand
- Things to Know
- Best Time to Visit the Golden Triangle in Thailand
- How to Get to the Golden Triangle in Thailand
- What to See and Do on Golden Triangle in Thailand
- Mae Sai
- Oversee Myanmar at Wat Phra That Doi Wao
- Get another look of the borders at Tham Pha Chom
- Get excited at Wat Hiranyawat
- Take captivating photos at Mae Sai Border Checkpoint
- Be a tea connoisseur at Choui Fong Tea
- Sop Ruak
- Capture head-turning photos at the Golden Triangle Viewpoint
- See the Golden Triangle Buddha
- Be mesmerized by the House of Opium Museum
- Drop by the Hall of Opium Museum
- Experience solemnity at the Wat Phra That Pu Khao
- See nature at its best at Doi Sa Ngo
- Get your adrenaline rush at a Mekong River boat ride
- Chiang Saen
- Visit Wat Pa Sak Historical Site
- Be enthralled at the Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
- See Thailand’s Culture at Chiang Saen National Museum
- FAQs about the Golden Triangle in Thailand
We can’t deny that Thailand is so rich in history and culture – it’s not just its jaw-dropping beaches that draw tourists to it, after all. One such historical landmark to not miss is the Golden Triangle, which was once the heart of global opium trade!
In this guide, we’ll explore everything this attraction has to offer. Join us as we uncover the reasons why it became a driving force in the tourism industry, from just being a dark page in Thailand’s history books. Let’s go!
Things to Know
Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: +66
Location: 370, ถนน ท่าแพ, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (61.5 km)
Distance from Chiang Rai City: 66.4 km
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit the Golden Triangle in Thailand
The Golden Triangle in Thailand is good to visit all year round since it’s a historical landmark that doesn’t rely on a specific season to shine.
But, if you want to explore the rest of Chiang Rai, it’s best to do so after the monsoon season, from December to April. Simply put, you don’t want occasional rains to interrupt your adventures.
How to Get to the Golden Triangle in Thailand
Taxi: Like most of Thailand, taxis are everywhere in Chiang Rai, so they’re the most accessible mode of transportation within the province. You can book metered taxis easily using the taxi-booking Grab app or pull them up from the streets.
Private taxi companies are also available in Chiang Rai if you prefer a full-day service to better manage your schedule.
Tuk-tuk: You can also find tuk-tuks in every corner of Chiang Rai, making them a convenient option if you don’t mind a non-air conditioned ride. These public transport vehicles aren’t metered so we recommend negotiating a fare price before boarding one.
Air-conditioned Minivan: There are air-conditioned minivans in public terminals traveling to and from Chiang Rai City and Golden Triangle in Sop Ruak. Commuting in an airconditioned minivan is cheap, but it can take up to two hours due to the traffic.
The drop-off point for public transport vehicles is the car park near the Golden Triangle, along the Mekong River.
Songthaew: Songthaews are public shuttles that you can also find in public terminals that offer trips to the Golden Triangle. This public transport vehicle will be your best option if you’re coming from Mae Sai District, west of Chiang Saen District.
Rental Car/Motorbike: If you’re comfortable driving around Chiang Rai province, the best way to reach the Golden Triangle is through a rental car or motorbike. This way, you can manage your schedule better and explore the province at your own pace.
Vehicle rental is a thriving industry in Thailand so you won’t have any issue finding a place to charter a car or motorbike. Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, in particular, has car rental service counters on its first floor.
Private Boat: Boarding a private boat is another way to reach the Golden Triangle since this landmark sits alongside the Mekong River. A boat trip is an excellent option if you want to sightsee while traveling, especially in time for the sunset in the afternoon.
What to See and Do on Golden Triangle in Thailand
The Golden Triangle is a vast expanse of land roughly 200,000 square kilometers consisting of portions of three countries: northeastern Myanmar, northwestern Thailand, and northern Laos.
Three places are considered of great interest to travelers:
First, there’s Sop Ruak, the epicenter of the Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet. Then there’s Chiang Saen, a quiet yet important Thai trading city on the banks of the Mekong River.
Lastly, you have Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town, which happens to be the starting point when exploring the Golden Triangle.
Here are the top things to do in each area, so read on!
Mae Sai
Oversee Myanmar at Wat Phra That Doi Wao
Media credit: mrscamilo17
Address: Mae Sai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
West of Sop Ruak, the Mae Sai District is also rich with Buddhist temples worth visiting, like Wat Phra That Doi Wao. This mountaintop temple overlooking Myanmar is an excellent spot for sightseeing and taking mountainscape photos.
Of course, Wat Phra That Doi Wao itself is an Instagrammable spot, with various ornate temples, statues, and golden structures to see on its sacred grounds. The only issue with this place is the daunting staircase you must climb to reach its summit.
So, if you come here in a rental vehicle, you must park your ride at the temple’s base for 20 baht. Don’t worry; completing the climb will serve as a worthwhile achievement, thanks to the stunning panoramic view Wat Phra That Doi Wao offers.
Get another look of the borders at Tham Pha Chom
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Address: Wiang Phang Kham, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Contact Number: +66 89 990 0058
Like the previous temple, Wat Tham Pha Chom sits on the mountaintops of Mae Sai, giving you an unobstructed panoramic view of the Myanmar-Thailand border. This temple isn’t crowded since only locals typically go here to pay respects and pray.
The only time Wat Tham Pha Chom gets a big crowd is during special events, so most of the time you’ll have a peaceful experience if you stop by. People will also visit this place for the Buddhist relics residing on their temple’s second floor.
Get excited at Wat Hiranyawat
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Address: Ko Chang, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Due to the sheer number of Buddhist temples in Chiang Rai province, the sightseeing experience can feel monotonous. But, unlike most temples, Wat Hiranyawat stands out for its bamboo-woven Buddha statue.
Sure, the statue’s creators applied lacquer over the bamboo strips, but you’ll be surprised how they made it look like it’s genuinely made with metal. This statue alone should be a sufficient reason to put this temple on your must-visit attractions in Mae Sai.
Take captivating photos at Mae Sai Border Checkpoint
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Address: Mae Sai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Although not much of a tourist hotspot, the Mae Sai Border Checkpoint connected to Myanmar is a marvel to look at. It’s definitely worth stopping by just to take Instagram photos while traveling to or from the Golden Triangle in Thailand.
Aside from the massive building-like arch, there’s also a smaller white arch with golden patterns where most people take their photos.
Be a tea connoisseur at Choui Fong Tea
Media credit: chouifongtea
Address: 97, Moo 8, Pa Sang, Mae Chan, Chiang Rai 57110
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Contact Number: +66 53 771 563
Website: https://www.chouifongtea.com/
A famous tourist attraction in Chiang Rai province, Choui Fong Tea is renowned for its world-class tea products and vibrant plantation. Since it’s open to the public, you’re free to explore the vast plantation and take Instagram-worthy landscape photos.
However, keep in mind that it’s still a private-owned land so you must behave while visiting the plantation. Inside, you can find two cafes where you can relax and order tea and snacks.
Overall, Choui Fong Tea is a unique attraction that you shouldn’t miss after visiting the Golden Triangle in Thailand.
Sop Ruak
Capture head-turning photos at the Golden Triangle Viewpoint
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Address: The Golden Triangle, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to see where the three countries (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) that make up the Golden Triangle meet, it’s this viewpoint. As a result, this vantage point is where you can take the best photo of this meeting point.
What’s more, the Golden Triangle Viewpoint in Thailand has site markers where you can have your photographs taken. It’s a must-visit spot if you want to keep a memento of your time at this historic landmark, perfect for sharing with your Instagram friends.
See the Golden Triangle Buddha
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Address: The Golden Triangle Park, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Upon arriving at the Golden Triangle Park, one of the things you’ll notice immediately is the giant golden Buddha statue. This landmark, in particular, is even more impressive than the Golden Triangle in every aspect except for historical significance.
Thus, it’s understandable if the Buddha statue sitting atop a ship captures your interest from the get-go. Plus, you can also find huge elephant statues and elegant golden structures around this Buddha statue, giving you tons of photo opportunities.
Overall, the Golden Triangle in Thailand is worth visiting solely for this golden Buddha statue since you can shoot stunning and unique photos here.
Be mesmerized by the House of Opium Museum
Media from houseofopium_musem
Address: 212, Moo 1, Tambon Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Fee: 50 baht
Contact Number: +66 53 784 060
Website: https://houseofopium.co/en/
A remarkable place for an educational tour, the House of Opium Museum is where you can learn about the history of the Golden Triangle. Here, you can see a vast collection of antique tools like scales, harvesting knives, pipes, weights, mats, and pillows.
Not only will you understand these tools’ historic significance to this tri-country meeting point, but the museum will also teach you about the biology of the opium poppy. But, contrary to this museum’s name, their exhibits aren’t limited to opium tools.
If you head to the second floor, you’ll see a vast collection of marijuana and tobacco terra cotta and water pipes. Made with wood, bamboo, ceramic, or stone, these pipes will feature gorgeous and intriguing patterns that you’ll surely love to see.
Drop by the Hall of Opium Museum
Media from hallofopium_incc
Address: The Golden Triangle Park, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Admission Fee: 120 baht (12 years old and below are free)
Contact Number: +66 85 910 3290
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086644074415&ref=embed_page
Another museum to look forward to in Sop Ruak is the Hall of Opium, which is managed by the International Narcotics Control College (INCC). If you’re curious about the history of the opium trade, this museum is a must-visit.
Here, you can learn about this historic landmark’s history with opium production and trading in full detail. It also helps that the museum’s halls have interactive designs, which should make the educational tour more fun and easier for you to follow.
If you’re a history buff, we can guarantee that visiting this government-run museum will be a worthwhile experience.
Experience solemnity at the Wat Phra That Pu Khao
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Address: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Contact Number: 053 784 444 6
A tranquil and solemn place, this Buddhist temple offers a peaceful escape from the over-commercialized Sop Ruak town. In this temple, you can see the remaining antiquities dating back as far as the eighth century during its foundation.
Like most temples in Thailand, Wat Phra That Pu Khao doesn’t have an entrance fee, you can stop by to relax while sightseeing in the Golden Triangle. The soothing atmosphere of this riverside temple is perfect after an exhausting tour of Sop Ruak.
On top of that, Wat Phra That Pu Khao offers a good view of the Golden Triangle in Thailand and the surrounding mountainscape. It’s safe to say that you won’t regret giving this place a chance.
See nature at its best at Doi Sa Ngo
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Address: หมู่ที่ 7, 98 Si Don Mun, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Fee: 20 baht (for wooden bridge)
Contact Number: +66 92 263 6394
Away from the busy streets of Sop Ruak, Doi Sa Ngo is a secluded hideaway for nature lovers visiting the Golden Triangle in Thailand. Nestled five kilometers west of town, this hidden gem is a must-visit, offering a superb panoramic view of the Mekong Valley.
Like the Golden Triangle, this magical place lets you see the beautiful meeting point between the three countries. Here, you have the unique opportunity to witness the sun rising from Laos in the morning, and later setting in Myanmar during the afternoon.
Doi Sa Ngo only has small wooden huts and rental tents for camping, so don’t expect to find a luxurious facility if you plan to stay the night. Also, hiking to this location can be tricky due to the steep dirt road, but a truck is available to reach the summit faster.
Get your adrenaline rush at a Mekong River boat ride
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Address: หมู่ที่ 7, 98 Si Don Mun, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 24/7
Costs: 600+ baht
If you only traveled to the Golden Triangle in Thailand by land, you don’t want to miss out on a boat ride through the great Mekong River. Since this river is the longest in Southeast Asia, it’s a fantastic opportunity that any tourist should grab.
However, keep in mind that riding a boat can be expensive, especially since Sop Ruak is a massive tourism hotspot. Although it’s worth trying at least once, it’s not a very economical way to get around town.
If you’re splurging on a boat ride in the Mekong River, you’ll only get your money’s worth by booking a ferry service. This way, you get food and drinks during the trip, which can also be a romantic boat date surrounded by colorful town lights and bright stars at night.
Chiang Saen
Visit Wat Pa Sak Historical Site
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Address: Mae Sai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Fee: 50 baht
Wat Pa Sak Historical Site is a dreamland if you’re into archeological sites and ruins. Sitting at the heart of Chiang Saen City, this site lets you explore the remains of an ancient Lanna temple amidst a teak forest from the thirteenth or fourteenth century.
This historical site is peaceful and spacious, making it the perfect location to go for a stroll or jog. During foggy mornings and afternoons in Chiang Saen, you have the opportunity to capture magical photographs of the ruins here.
Be enthralled at the Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
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Address: หมู่ที่ 5, 391 Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Contact Number: +66 53 777 151
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phangao391/
An ornate Buddhist temple, Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is a must-visit whenever you’re heading to the Golden Triangle in Thailand. Thanks to this sacred temple’s mountaintop location, you can get an unobstructed view of the Laos-Thailand border.
More importantly, Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is home to a remarkable red-brick-built pagoda, hosting a distinct and massive headless Buddha statue. The temple grounds are full of sculptures, so you’ll have a blast exploring and taking pictures in the area.
See Thailand’s Culture at Chiang Saen National Museum
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Address: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
Admission Fee: 100 baht
Contact Number: +66 53 777 102
Facebook: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/chiangsaen/index.php/th/
Chiang Saen National Museum should be on your list if you want to learn more about the tribal culture and beliefs of the ancient Lanna people of Northern Thailand. Although small, this museum is full of antique crafts, Buddhist statues, and ancient inscriptions.
For a cheap entry fee, you can get a fantastic tour around the museum, thanks in part to their informative staff. But here’s the kicker; the museum sometimes doesn’t charge an entry fee, making it worth checking out when visiting the Golden Triangle in Thailand.
