• The Golden Triangle Region

The Golden Triangle refers to the mountainous region where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, 60 km north of Chiang Rai. The region gained notoriety in the 20th century as the world’s largest opium-producing area. Today the Golden Triangle is primarily a historical tourism destination where visitors can stand at the border viewpoint, learn about opium history, take boat trips on the Mekong, and visit the border towns.

The main attraction in the region:

  • The border viewpoint and park at the meeting point of the three countries.
    A large golden Buddha statue, elephant statues and viewing platform mark the spot where the Ruak River flows into the mighty Mekong, with Myanmar visible on the opposite bank and Laos beyond. In the park souvenir selling vendors and a small market. Boat trips on the Mekong can be arranged from the pier, either short circling the triangle, for a longer upstream tour to Laos, or downstream toward Chiang Saen.
  • The Sop Ruak Village at the Golden Triangle junction is home to hotels, restaurants, and an opium museum. The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is the region’s most upscale accommodation, overlooking Myanmar and Laos.
  • The Hall of Opium Museum is a comprehensive, multimedia exploration of the opium’s history, cultivation, trade, use, and its impact on the Golden Triangle region and the world. The museum combines historical artifacts, interactive displays, documentary footage, and disturbing recreations telling the complete opium story. The museum is closed on Mondays.
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Mekong River, The Golden Triangle Region, Chiang Rai, Thailand, Travel with Joy

Hall of Opium, The Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand, Travel with joy