Chiang Rai and The Golden Triangle

Considered by many as a smaller and quieter version of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is both of these and retains the feel of a small provincial Thai capital. It is also the northernmost province of Thailand and is where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

• Interact with the elephants & their mahout’s in the Golden Triangle
• Drive through the breath-taking mountain scenery & remote hill tribe villages
• Visit the opium museum to learn of when this was once a heroin producing region
• Take a tour to the Golden Triangle; where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet
• Marvel at the quirky & extraordinary ‘White Temple’ – Wat Rongkun

This area, also known as the Golden Triangle was once home to the notorious and lucrative opium trade, but is now best known for being an area of beautiful, lush mountain scenery and home to a number of colourful ethnic hill tribes such as the long-necked Karen, the Hmong, Akha or Yao, all of whom have their own fascinating customs, culture, religion, clothing and language.

The rugged forest terrain is ideal for some excellent hiking and it is possible to visit the many charming tribal groups and their villages up in the hills. Other highlights include elephant-back riding, bamboo rafting, longtail boat rides down the Ruak river or even continue across the border into Laos with a fascinating 2 day / 1 night boat trip down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang.