It is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Chiang Rai province, second only to the White Temple. Why? Because this is where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (formerly Burma) meet. Here you are at a river crossing from Myanmar, and Laos lies directly across the Mekong. The confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers forms a triangle. The Golden Triangle is located 9 kilometers from Chiang Saen and 70 kilometers from Chiang Rai. It was once an important hub for opium production, a practice that was gradually abandoned thanks to the royal projects of King Rama IX. Near the Golden Triangle Park is an opium museum, the "Opium Hall." Within the park, you'll find a triangle symbolically representing the three countries (see image), an archway, and a large, stylized boat installation with a Buddhist shrine containing a seated Buddha statue. From there, you can also take a boat tour to cross the river and visit a market in Laos (notorious for its counterfeit goods) or the Laotian island of Don Sao. Since it's not a border crossing between the two countries, you have to hand over your passport before boarding the boat, which is normally prohibited. Therefore, I advise against these boat tours. Many consider the Golden Triangle an absolute must-see when visiting Chiang Rai. While the proximity to two other countries may be appealing, some travelers are a bit disappointed, but it remains an interesting sight. If you come here, take some time to explore the area around Chiang Saen. There are some interesting temples, such as Wat Phra That Pha Ngao in Chiang Saen town, Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao, and several others in the surrounding area.

To get from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle, you can take the Green Bus minivans from Bus Station 1 (50 THB) or take a regular bus or Green Bus to Chiang Khong and then a boat trip to the Golden Triangle. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Chiang Saen and cover the last 9 kilometers by tuk-tuk. If you're planning a day trip, please check the return timetable. Note that there are also songthaews that run from Mae Sai to Chiang Saen. You can also take a Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong or the Golden Triangle (see the timetable HERE). Many local agencies in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai offer tours to the Golden Triangle. But again, don't plan a day trip to Chiang Rai just for the White Temple and the Golden Triangle – you'll miss a lot and spend hours in a minivan!

How to get there

How do you get to the Golden Triangle? From Chiang Rai, you can reach the Golden Triangle using the Green Bus minivans that depart from Bus Station 1 (50 THB). Alternatively, you can take a regular bus or Green Bus to Chiang Khong and then a boat trip to the Golden Triangle. Another option is to take a bus to Chiang Saen and then a tuk-tuk for the last 9 kilometers. If you're planning a day trip, please check the return timetable. Note that songthaews also run from Mae Sai to Chiang Saen. You can also take a Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong or the Golden Triangle (see the timetable HERE). Many local agencies in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai offer tours to the Golden Triangle. However, don't plan a day trip to Chiang Rai just for the White Temple and the Golden Triangle – you'll miss a lot and spend hours in a minivan!