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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
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 ...
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
View khong Hotel

View khong Hotel

3 out of 5
304 Chiang Saen Chiang Rai
The price is AU$42 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
AU$42
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Overall very good experience. A few things to be aware though... Staff don't speak much English, so get a translator app on your phone (e.g. Google Translator with offline Thai language pack) before you travel. Restaurant closes at 9PM, but there is a great place called Come Moon with live music. ...

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025

View khong Hotel
Afterglow hostel

Afterglow hostel

2.5 out of 5
139/5 M.4 Wiang Phang Kham Mae Sai
The price is AU$22 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
AU$22
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Mae Sai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Wat Phra That Doi Wao and Wat Phra That Wai Dao are ...
Afterglow hostel
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
Tantawan Tented Camp Chiang Rai

Tantawan Tented Camp Chiang Rai

1 out of 5
614 Moo 10, Pa Teung Subdistrict Mae Chan Chiang Rai
Stay at this campsite in Mae Chan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pa Tueng Onsen Hotsprings and Choui Fong Tea ...
Tantawan Tented Camp Chiang Rai
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Golden Triangle

Explore a world of travel with Expedia