Golden Triangle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam established the Mekong River Commission to assist in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and Myanmar became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six countries now work together within a cooperative framework. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China.
The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam established the Mekong River Commission to assist in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and Myanmar became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six countries now work together within a cooperative framework. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China.
At the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen, Thailand. It's where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. It's a beautiful and relaxed place, with very friendly people.
The Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 950,000 square kilometres that overlaps the mountains of three countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
A recent picture of Sob Ruak where the two rivers convene at the famous Golden Triangle in northern Thailand.

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

5 out of 5
229 Moo 1 T Wiang Chiang Saen Chiang Rai
Stay at this luxury resort in Chiang Saen. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Hall of Opium and Golden Triangle Viewpoint ...
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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Piyaporn Hill Paradise

Piyaporn Hill Paradise

3 out of 5
858 Moo 1, T. Wiangpangkham Mae Sai Chiang Rai
Stay at this hotel in Mae Sai. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), daily housekeeping and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Wat Phra That Doi Wao and Doi Wao Market ...
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Piyaporn Hill Paradise
One Budget Chiangsaen

One Budget Chiangsaen

3 out of 5
811 Moo 1, Tambon Wiang Chiang Saen Chiang Rai
Stay at this hotel in Chiang Saen. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Golden Triangle Park and Golden Triangle Viewpoint ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Everything great

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

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One Budget Chiangsaen
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marc Hotel Maesai

Marc Hotel Maesai

3.5 out of 5
333/3 Soi Ngamjum 6, Moo 11 Mae Sai Chiang Rai
Stay at this aparthotel in Mae Sai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Wild Boars Academy Team View Point and Wat Phra ...
Marc Hotel Maesai
Fully furnished 4 bedrooms house with full kitchen

Fully furnished 4 bedrooms house with full kitchen

Maesai Chiangrai
Stay at this holiday home in Mae Sai. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions The Northernmost of Thailand and Doi Wao Market are located nearby.
Fully furnished 4 bedrooms house with full kitchen
Doi Tung View Resort

Doi Tung View Resort

2.5 out of 5
101 Moo 10, Huai Khrai, Mae Mae Sai Chiang Rai
Stay at this villa in Mae Sai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Doi Tung Royal Villa and The Hall of Inspiration are ...
Doi Tung View Resort
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Popular places to visit

Golden triangle

Golden Triangle Park

Explore the great outdoors at Golden Triangle Park, a lovely green space in Sop Ruak. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Golden Triangle Park
Khao Luang cave, Phetchaburi, Thailand

Tham Khao Luang Cave

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Tham Khao Luang Cave during your travels in Chiang Saen. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Tham Khao Luang Cave

Maesai Customs House

Maesai Customs House is just one of the places to see in Mae Sai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the waterfront or visit the casinos while you're in the area.

Maesai Customs House

Golden Triangle Viewpoint

You can find out about the history of Sop Ruak with a visit to Golden Triangle Viewpoint. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Golden Triangle Viewpoint

Hall of Opium

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Hall of Opium during your trip to Sop Ruak. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Hall of Opium

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng

After visiting Wat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Chiang Saen. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng

Cities near Golden Triangle

The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam established the Mekong River Commission to assist in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and Myanmar became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six countries now work together within a cooperative framework. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China.

Chiang Saen

Golden triangle

Sop Ruak

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