Golden Triangle

Originally launched into notoriety by the opium trade, this sleepy part of Southeast Asia is now a popular jungle escape and jumping-off point for visits to hill tribe villages populated by the White Hmong, Akha, Karen, and Lahu people. Most regional tours start in Chiang Rai, although some also make the trip from Chiang Mai. On a full-day tour, discover cultural delights of Northern Thailand such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the impressive Hall of Opium Museum, and Chiang Saen's ancient Buddhist ruins.

You can also visit farther-flung rural villages, ride in a tuk-tuk, peruse local markets, and cruise the Ruak and Mekong rivers. Some longer tour options cross into the Myanmar part of the Golden Triangle at the border town of Mae Sai, while other excursions venture into Laos via the Fourth Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge.

• On tours that cross into Laos or Myanmar, it's helpful to carry a small amount of US currency in addition to Thai baht.

• A valid passport is required for border crossings into Laos and Myanmar.

• Each traditional hill tribe community has its own style of dress, language, and cultural customs. Visitors should be respectful, always ask before taking photographs, and consider purchasing local handicrafts.

• Thailand's northern region is more conservative than Bangkok, the islands, and the beaches down south. Cover your shoulders and avoid wearing swimming attire at religious sites.

The Golden Triangle's official center is the town of Sop Ruak, located at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The capital city of Chiang Rai (the departure point of most Golden Triangle tours) lies roughly 113 miles (182 kilometers) north of Chiang Mai, a 3-hour journey by road. Multiple buses travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai daily, though most visitors travel by car or guided tour.

Winter is the most popular time to visit, when the days are usually dry and warm. Monsoon season lasts from late April through October, bringing rain and humid weather.

Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand aren't the only places where you can delve into a "golden triangle" of lush landscapes, ornate architecture, and local cultures. You can also visit India's Golden Triangle, which generally includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, as well as A-list sights like the Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Red Fort, and the Pink City. Some Golden Triangle tours of India also include a visit to Fatehpur Sikri or a tiger safari.

Yes, the Golden Triangle is worth visiting if you stay in Chiang Rai. Not only is it a novelty to stand on the point at which Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar intersect (and take a photo beside the monument that marks the spot), the area is rich in history. It is an excellent place from which to cruise on the Mekong River.

Golden Triangle tickets for a tour typically combine the border intersection with Chiang Rai's top temples—White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)—and tend to start from around $50. Tour prices typically cover your admission tickets to the attractions and include stress-free transport between each.

How long a Golden Triangle tour takes depends on where you're departing from and if you're visiting any other attractions. From Chiang Rai, tours typically last around 8–10 hours, but from Chiang Mai, they tend to take a few hours longer to account for the journey time.

The three countries that intersect in the area known as the Golden Triangle (or Sop Ruak to locals) are Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. It forms part of the Chai Chiang Rai province and is home to Chiang Saen and Mae Sai, both sleepy market towns perched on the banks of the Mekong River.

Thailand's Golden Triangle is famous for its history—the area's poppy fields were once at the center of Asia's opium trade. It's also renowned for being where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect and for its scenic position on the banks of the Mekong River.

Tours of the Golden Triangle typically depart from Chiang Mai—tours rarely combine sightseeing in Chiang Mai with the Golden Triangle due to the distance between the two. However, nearly all Golden Triangle tours include spending time in Chiang Rai, home to the famous White and Blue Temples.