Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The charm of this place lies in its geography and history, not its glitz and glamour. Here, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River, and the name derives from the opium trade that once traversed these hills. There's an opium museum, for which you should set aside an hour, a temple, and viewpoints overlooking the water and the glittering Laotian casinos on the opposite bank. The area offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.

Be honest with yourself about your expectations. Many visitors are disappointed, and not entirely without reason. The market offers the same souvenirs at every stall, and parts of the area look worn and neglected. At least the prices in the shops aren't as exorbitant as they used to be. The boat trips are the absolute highlight. You glide out on the Mekong, with views of all three countries, and that's when you truly understand the place.

It is approximately 90 minutes from the city of Chiang Rai, so it is recommended to combine the trip with the ruins of Chiang Saen rather than just going up to the viewpoint.