[2025 Chiang Saen Restaurant] Travel Guide for Golden Triangle (Updated Jul)

#ChiangRai #ChiangSen #PhotogenicRestaurant Address: 877 Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150 Thailand Access🚗: About 1 hour from Chiang Rai International Airport (about 60km) Go south on Route 1290 from Golden Triangle Park Opening hours: 10:00-0:00 Recommended points: The restaurant is located along the river where Thai and foreign ships pass by, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal You can see the glittering buildings of Laos across the Mekong River At night, the night view is beautiful and there is live music, so it's very enjoyable 4-5 minutes walk from One Budget Hotel Chiang Saen

📍Address: White Temple (1 hour) - start of in the white temple - gorgeous modern temple with both ancient Buddhist art merged with modern art. Enter the temple and explore the large grounds - around 1-1.5 hour of exploring. 💰Average Price per Person: 100 bath entry to enter You can pay 50 baht to go to the cave art exhibition to see Buddhas and other figures merged with caves. 💰Average Price per Person: 50 bahr entry 📍Address: Blue Temple Another gorgeous modern temple. You can enter to see the Buddha and the incredible painted ceilings and walls. There’s also a pagoda but not much else so only need 20-30 minutes here. 💰Average Price per Person: free entry 📍Address: Ban Dam Museum Baan Dam Museum (Black House Museum) is a private art museum comprising a mixture of traditional northern Thai buildings you can explore on the grounds with unconventional and contemporary architecture, designed by Thawan Duchanee. You see his artwork and his private art collection. It’s very unique and a bit eerie / strange but as an art lover I loved it. There’s also a museum shop and they give you a very clear map with all the buildings. Need around 1 hour here, longer if you want to explore all the buildings. 💰Average Price per Person: 80 bahr entry fee 📍Address: Choui Fong Tea plantation and shop. Incredible views and I was surprised how modern this cafe and shop was. Very photographable and the cafe sells the best cakes and coffee - definitely go if you are a matcha green tea lover as incredible matcha lattes and matcha cakes 🍵 💰Average Price per Person: free entry but to sit and admire the view you need to buy something from the cafe 📍Address: Golden Triangle. Want to see Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) in one day? Come here to see the border between these three countries. You can climb up some steps to see a viewpoint to Laos aswell. There are stalls and shops around. Only 10 minutes needed 💰Average Price per Person: free to enter 📍Address: Opium museum Just a couple minutes from the golden triangle there is the opium museum. Need around 30 mins to an hour here as there’s lots of text explaining the history of opium that is very interesting. 💰Average Price per Person: 50 bahr entry with a free postcard

The Golden Triangle in Thailand was an adventure like no other. This iconic region, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, is as fascinating as it is scenic. Standing at the viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and Ruak rivers, I felt a sense of wonder seeing three countries so close together. I visited the Hall of Opium Museum, which gave an incredible insight into the area’s complex history with the opium trade. It was both sobering and fascinating to learn how this region transformed over the years. What I loved most was the serenity of the landscapes—rolling hills, lush greenery, and the calm flow of the Mekong. The Golden Triangle is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring northern Thailand. #solotrip #thailand #travel

Sob Ruak Immigration Checkpoint in Chiang Saen The Golden Triangle on the Mekong River Connecting Three Lands in Solidarity Three Races Across Borders Intertwined

The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar converge, is a region steeped in allure and history. This area, once notorious for its opium production, has transformed into a fascinating destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Each country brings its own unique flavor to the triangle, offering a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from serene Mekong River cruises to vibrant hill tribe markets. Getting to the Golden Triangle is an adventure in itself, with several options available depending on your starting point and preferences: 1. **From Thailand**: Chiang Rai serves as the perfect gateway to the Golden Triangle. You can fly into Chiang Rai from Bangkok and then take a bus or rent a car to cover the short distance to the Golden Triangle. The journey is scenic and well-signposted, making it a hassle-free experience. 2. **From Laos**: Luang Prabang is a good starting point if you're coming from Laos. From here, you can take a slow boat down the Mekong River, a journey that offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the region. This route requires some planning, as it takes a couple of days, but it's well worth the effort for the serene beauty and intimate glimpse of river life. 3. **From Myanmar**: If you're starting in Myanmar, the most straightforward route is from Kengtung. You can take a bus or arrange a car to the border, and from there, cross into Thailand. This option might involve more logistics regarding visas and border crossings, so ensure all your paperwork is in order before setting off. Once in the Golden Triangle, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Hall of Opium Museum for a deep dive into the area's complex history. The viewpoints over the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers offer stunning vistas that are emblematic of the region's natural beauty. Each country's border area offers its unique attractions, from Thailand's bustling markets to Myanmar's tranquil villages and Laos's laid-back river towns. In summary, the Golden Triangle is a must-visit for those looking to explore the confluence of cultures, histories, and landscapes. Whether arriving by land or river, visitors will find a region transformed, ready to share its stories and beauty with the world.#mytravelhacks #localguides #historicallandmarks #familytrip

Want to be able to see Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all at once? Visit the Golden Triangle. You just need to hire an aircon minivan from Chiangrai and travel about two hours to get to where Ruak River and Mekong River meet forming a triangle. Myanmar will be to your left and Laos to your right. If you wish you can pay to go on a boat ride. Otherwise just enjoy the views, take photographs for remembrance and do some shopping at the several roadside stores lined up. Do bring a hat with you if you will visit during this time as it can get really hot!