Golden Triangle – a unique place for holidays.

In Southeast Asia, the combined forces of Burma, Laos and Thailand (and some sources also mention China) create the so-called The Golden Triangle, the main source of opium internationally, which is why it got its name. The largest amount of poppies in the world is grown in the fields of Burma.

The Golden Triangle boasts a large area, covering an area larger than Poland, as much as 350 square kilometers. The famous Chiang Rai with its stunning White Temple gives the impression that we are in another world. The famous Ruak and Mekong rivers, which divide Thailand, Burma and Laos, also flow through here. Their beautiful panorama seen from above shows the majesty and power of nature. Staying and colliding with the reality of people living on the territory of these three borders is also an extraordinary experience. It is worth mentioning the Anantara Golden Triangle and Four Seasons Tented Camp hotels, from which we will be able to admire the clash of three countries and, interestingly, they are located near an elephant sanctuary. Walking with giants is an amazing and unforgettable experience. Watching elephants bathing in the Chao Phraya River stays in your memory for a long time and brings a smile to your face.

How to get to the Golden Triangle in Thailand?

The journey by private limousine to Chiang Mai, approximately 180 km away, takes approximately 3 hours and is extremely pleasant. Another travel option is a short internal flight, but we encourage you to This city is literally filled with temples and, like Chiang Rai, is famous for its very popular night markets. The flavors, smells and freshness of local products will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

Diversity of the Golden Triangle

There are 7 ethnic groups living in the nearby mountains, and some of them are divided into even smaller ones. However, each of these groups has its own language, customs and religion, and most of them are animists, believing in gods and spirits, and worshiping animals and plants. Their life depends on agriculture, although the last few years have changed this mode, focusing more on tourism.

In Sop Ruak, which is usually reached by kayak or fast boat, you must go for an unforgettable walk, viewing the river from above, and visit the local bazaar where you will find gems of handicrafts from the island of Don Sao, which belongs to Laos. Let yourself be embraced by the oldest city in Thailand, Chiang Sean, with its impressive temples and stunning sunsets, where local residents usually gather to contemplate their majesty with their families. After an eventful day, it is worth relaxing in the lake of the same name as the city, admiring the dance of water birds. You can also visit the night market on Walking Street and visit the historic Buddhist temple from the 13th century - Wat Pa Sak - which is not only magical, but also wonderfully preserved. Wat Chiang Man or Wat Phra That Chedi Luang are other temples worth visiting. Taking a journey to distant Buddhist times, Wat Phra That Ngao will also provide us with an unforgettable experience with its Golden Buddha, carved in the Sukhothai style, from which we can enjoy spectacular views of the river and mountains. There are also many attractions waiting for us in the city of Mae Sai, located on the most important border crossing with Burma, and the first thing that catches the eye is the small influx of tourists. The main attraction, apart from visiting the bustling market, walking along the main street, or crossing the bridge over the Sai River to Tachileik in Burma, is admiring the temple and their phenomenal views. Among them, the most outstanding are Wat Phra That Doi Tung, immersed in dense vegetation on the top of Monte Doi Tung, near which there is a unique terrace overlooking the Golden Triangle, and the Thamphajoen temple, located in the inner part of the valley.

Chiang Rai and the White Temple of Wat Rong Khun

Unlike most temples in Thailand, the White Temple was built relatively recently and is a contemporary design. Its construction began in 1997, but it makes a stunning impression. Fine glass has been embedded in the external structure, and every detail is carefully attended to. The center of the temple is decorated with modern paintings, e.g. angry bids or Neo from The Matrix. The resulting temple is the first element of a huge project, which will include 9 white buildings.

Boutique hotels in the Golden Triangle

One of the best hotels in the area is the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle Hotel. This is a unique facility that allows you to experience an incredible adventure among the stunning nature of northern Thailand, close to the border with Burma and Laos. During a luxurious holiday you can visit elephants, walk along mountain trails, traverse bamboo forests and relax in well-equipped tents. Elephants can be seen in natural surroundings and guests are invited to feed and bathe these beautiful animals. Gourmets will be interested in exploring the area with a chef and a naturalist.

Another facility that we recommend to all adventure seekers in Thailand is the boutique hotel Akyra Manor Chiang Mai. It provides an intimate atmosphere and exclusive apartments in the heart of Chiang Mai. It is just steps from the bustling Nimmanhaemin Soi 9.