Sop Ruak: Thailand's Golden Triangle

Ever wanted to know more about Thailand’s mysterious Golden Triangle? We’re here to tell you what you need to know about this iconic area in northern Thailand.

First things first. The Golden Triangle is located in Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand.It earned its English name from being where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. To the locals it’s Sop Ruak, as it is where the mighty Mekong and Ruak Rivers meet.

This lush jungle and misty mountain area is steeped in history, and is famous for its opium growing past. Today, the Golden Triangle is a popular tourist destination, but still well worth a visit.

What’s to see

Hall of Opium, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand, +66 53 784 446

Beyond the triangle

Looking to explore the surrounding area? Hiring a boat to take you along the Sop Ruak, popping over to Don Sao, a small Laotian island, or heading down the Mekong River to Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong are great options. If you’re keen to skip the tourist touts then simply catch a local songthaew (communal taxi) from the Golden Triangle to explore Chiang Saen, Thailand’s oldest town. Chiang Saen offers a more authentic Thai experience and is a perfect stop-off point for discovering the charming towns of Phrae and Nan.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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