After being attracted to the Golden Triangle by claims of delving into humanity’s dark underworld of human trafficking, illegal animal trading, and illicit money laundering schemes within gambling empires inside the “World’s Special Economic Zone” (The Diplomat), I was surprised when turns out, this is very much contained on the Laos side–not Chiang Saen, Thailand. Consequently, the things to do in Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle, Thailand, were a tad tamer than what I thought I was getting myself into.

Nestled just south of the Golden Triangle, an area bordered by three countries: Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, Chiang Saen is the oldest city in Thailand. Steeped in history and straddled by the banks of the Mekong Delta, Chiang Saen’s claim to fame is being the home base to view all three nations simultaneously.

Here are fourteen things you can do when you visit Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle area.

Is Golden Triangle Thailand worth visiting?

A journey to Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle is worth the detour for travelers coming from Chiang Rai or crossing overland from Huay Xai – Chiang Khong or the Van Pak Len – Chiang Saen Thai – Laos border crossings. The ancient ruins and fascinating opium history of this destination make it a surprisingly popular tourist spot, but it may be a bit far out coming directly from Chiang Mai.

Brief History of Chiang Saen and The Golden Triangle

I found the history of the golden triangle region captivating. Not only was Chiang Saen founded in the 13th century as Thailand’s oldest city but what fascinated me even more, is why this area was given such an intriguing name in the first place – ‘Golden Triangle.’

Why is it called the Golden Triangle Thailand?

The Golden Triangle is a triangular-shaped region formed by the Mekong, Ruak, and Mekong-Loei Rivers which sits at the convergence of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It has long been a major cultural and economic center for centuries — for opium.

Dubbed “black gold,” opium production in the Golden Triangle has a storied past of being traded for actual gold. Historically, the area was known for being one of the world’s greatest sources of opium and its derivative products, such as heroin. It is estimated that over 80% of the world’s opium production came from this region during its heyday in the mid-20th century.

While opium production in the region has decreased significantly due to government efforts, the drug trade still remains an issue. While no longer the primary product produced in this area, the infamous Golden Triangle still serves as an important hub for drug trafficking throughout Southeast Asia.

Best Tour of the Golden Triangle, Thailand

Escape to the northernmost borders of Thailand with a long, full-day trip to see the highlights of Chiang Rai, Chiang Saen, and the Golden Triangle.

See the insane Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and take a step back in time visiting the ancient monuments of Chiang Saen. Finally, join a long-tail boat trip on the Khong River right smack dab in the Golden Triangle confluence of the Mekong.

Lunch is included in your round-trip hotel transport from Chiang Mai. With only a maximum of nine people per tour, you can enjoy this experience with your local guide in a small group setting. Take advantage of everything this tour has to offer!

Where to Stay Around Chiang Saen & the Golden Triangle, Thailand

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Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen & the Golden Triangle, Thailand

I say best, but these are really the only things to do in Chiang Saen and Golden Triangle, Thailand.

1. Commemorate where Laos, Thailand, & Myanmar Meet in Golden Triangle Park

The Golden Triangle Park, located in Sop Ruak (15 minutes north of Chiang Saen), is where Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar meet. This park marks the meeting point of these three countries, and it has become an iconic symbol for the area.

Located just off the main street, this park may be small in size, but it holds a multitude of religious idols. Capture images with the brightly-colored Big Buddha statue as well as the Golden Triangle marker – after all, pic or did it even happen?

2. Lookout from a Better Golden Triangle View, Wat Phra That Phu Kao

One of the best places to get a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle is Wat Phra That Phu Kao, which overlooks the area of Golden Triangle Park. Here, you have a better bird’s eye view of where Laos, Thailand, Burma, and the Mekong River meet.

Climb the flight of stairs passing multiple religious temples to reach the top of the mountain, or ride your scooter straight to the top. Take in the sights of the casinos of Laos, the forests of Thailand and Burma, and the brown and blue water mixing in the delta.

3. Learn about Opium at the House of Opium Museum

So firstly, know that there are not one, but two Opium museums, and they both have English translations. Details below:

Initially unaware of the two different museums, I ventured into the House of Opium. It’s a relatively small museum, but I came out of there with enough digestible knowledge to satisfy me.

The museum guides visitors through a concise history lesson on opium as well as legends regarding its origins, production methods, tools used for smoking purposes, and artifacts related to the opium trade. Finally, an insightful video tutorial demonstrates how one properly smokes opium, like an actual live video with the man’s face out of focus.

The House of Opium is an aesthetically beautiful museum inside. Little did I know that even more knowledge awaited me at the massive Hall of Opium! Unfortunately, it was too late for me to explore further on this visit.

4. Really Learn about Opium at the Hall of Opium

The Hall of Opium Museum was established to show the effects of opium production and trade in the region. The museum contains a variety of artifacts, interactive displays, and documentaries that take visitors on a journey starting with the history of the Golden Triangle, the origin of opium, the opium war and its warlords, drug smugglers, and the effects of opium.

Further exploration reveals how governments are currently fighting against opium production and poppy growing, as well as efforts to improve living conditions for those living in the heart of the Golden Triangle.

From the exterior alone, this museum is immense. It will require a minimum of one hour but likely two to see in its entirety.

5. Take a Boat Ride Down the Mekong River

Take a leisurely cruise down the mighty Mekong River, starting at Golden Triangle Park, passing Chiang Saen and Don Sao Island. From a new perspective, appreciate the lush green expanse in the distance and see some fishing villages contrasted against the Kings Roman Casino along the way.

Operators offer different timeframes for this excursion, some lasting just thirty minutes and others for longer. They also sell different packages. I asked about one place that had two different types of boats:

1. 800 baht per boat (not per person) lasting 40 minutes for up to 12 people
2. 500 baht per boat (not per person) lasting 30 minutes for up to 5 people

6. Find the Best Viewpoint of the Mekong Delta at Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

Located only a short distance south of downtown Chiang Saen, the temple complex Wat Phra That Pha Ngao will give you an incomparable view of the Mekong Delta and its neighboring countries. In fact, this vista is better than what can be seen from the iconic Golden Triangle!

The best time to visit this site is sunset, when the sky lights up in myriad colors. Hours are between 7am and 6pm daily, with the entrance being free. To make your journey easier, pay for the truck which will take you to the top of this mountainous path – only 1 mile long but steep – for an additional fee of 30 baht. With my backpack in tow, I found it worth the dollar!

Beyond the lookout point, meander around several intriguing temples at the base of the hill.

7. Tremble on the Glass-Constructed Skywalk

At the top of Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, travelers can visit a glass-constructed skywalk overlooking the Mekong river and surrounding mountains. Take a deep breath and hope you’re not the last few pounds needed to break the thing.

The entrance fee for this attraction is 40 baht.

8. Walk Amongst the Wat Pak Sa Ruins

Just west of the Chiang Saen downtown area, Wat Pa Sak historic site is home to a 12.5-meter high stupa built in the classic Lanna style. But it is small.

The entrance fee is 50 baht, but unless you want to get up close and personal, you can view it for free from the toll booth. To be honest, when compared to Sukhothai and its historical park; Chiang Saen simply doesn’t measure up. I did get to witness a nearby funeral procession next door, though.

9. Climb the Hill of Wat Phra That Chom Kitti

Rising above Chiang Saen, find the elegant Wat Phra That Chom Kitti. Here you’ll be able to climb a steep hill leading up to the temple or just scooter to the top.

The view from the top is quite impressive, with plenty of foliage and the Mekong River in the background.

Admission to this ancient chedi and the more modern temple is free.

10. Watch the Sunset from Chiang Saen Lake (Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area)

The last stop of an unforgettable day in Chiang Saen is the lake. Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area plots a lovely lake dotted with a few canoes and fishing boats. You can watch a scenic sunset here, surrounded by relaxing nature and local fishermen.

Watch the changing colors from the many piers, the bamboo bridge, or the watchtower for the lake’s island views.

11. Grasp the History at Chiang Saen National Museum

Learn more about Chiang Saen’s anthropological history at the Chiang Saen National Museum. The place has ancient artifacts, exhibits on Buddhism, archaeology, and the city’s political importance in ancient times.

The entrance fee is 100 baht, and the museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Wednesday – Sunday. They may close for an hour for lunch; at least, they did the day I visited.

12. Bike Around Exploring Ancient Temples & Ruins

Chiang Saen is blessed with many ancient temples and ruins scattered around the city. One of the best ways to explore and understand their history is by bike. Rent a bicycle from any rental shop in town, or your accommodation may also have some. 

This shouldn’t cost more than 50-60 baht daily rental.

13. Admire the Traditional Hill Tribe Villages

The unique tribes in Thailand’s north and northeastern regions have been here long before the nation was formed. Take a trip outside Chiang Saen to witness their colorful clothing, artisan crafts, and culture. 

Various cultures like the Akha and Yao dot the area, but the most famous Thailand hill tribe village is the Karen Long Neck Tribe, who wear brass rings on their shoulders from a young age. There are two such villages within a 30 – 40 minute drive from Chiang Saen.

14. Take a Day Trip Over to the Laos Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Cross the border to find yourself in the bustling Laos special economic zone just over the border. After getting a visa (which can be arranged beforehand or on arrival) from the Sop Ruak Immigration Border Crossing, take a day trip to see if the area’s scandals are as blatant as the internet says. 

Try spotting illicit wildlife items like Tiger’s bone and Pangolin meat, try some local Laotian cuisine, or participate in a few gambling games.

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Where to Eat in Chiang Saen

Have Dinner by the Lively Chiang Saen Riverside

For dinner, I recommend stopping by the lively Chiang Saen Riverside Market. Here you can sample freshly-caught local seafood, have a beer or two, and watch fishermen mooring their boats nearby. It’s filled with locals every day of the week, so you can’t go wrong with eating by the riverside.

Get the Dirty Latte At Mong Doo Nam Cafe

At another blogger’s advice, I went to Mong Doo Nam Cafe for the best latte in town. It’s a small, local’s cafe with a view of the river with insanely good coffee at reasonable prices. I may have waited 30 minutes for my ‘dirty latte,’ but it was so amazing that I would be willing to wait for it any day.

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FAQs: Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle, Thailand

How do I get to Golden Triangle?

By Flight: The nearest airport will be Chiang Rai international, where you will then set up transport either by bus or rental vehicle to Chiang Saen.

By Bus: From Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, buses run daily and take you directly to Chiang Saen. Check 12Go Asia or directly at the local bus station for the most up-to-date times and prices.

By Car or Motorbike: You can rent a scooter or car and drive yourself to Chiang Saen. This will make the most sense if you are starting from Chiang Rai, as it would only be a one-hour drive. I drove from Chiang Mai, which took about four hours. Check up-to-date rental car prices here.

By Tour: There are full-day tour options from both Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai that will pick you up from your hotel, provide transport, and lunch. Check out this 4.5/5tour from Chiang Mai here.

When is the best time to visit Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle, Thailand

The best time to visit Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle in Thailand is the dry season, typically from November to February. This time of year brings milder temperatures, more pleasant weather, and no rain. 

Starting in March, the burning agriculture season starts to be in full swing. Beyond the terrible smell, you likely won’t see too much through the air pollution. April through October can be hot and rainy, making it less than ideal for sightseeing.

How Many Days to Spend in Chiang Saen

In general, one full day is a good amount of time to spend in Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle to get a good overview of the area. You can easily cover most of the area’s attractions in just a day trip from Chiang Rai. However, if you have more time to explore deeper, stay overnight or hop over to Laos SEZ to check it out.

Is it Safe in Chiang Saen?

Despite Chiang Saen’s association with opium and nearby scandals, Chiang Saen is generally a safe destination, as with all of Thailand. However, visitors should always exercise caution, and although I don’t have personal experience – particularly, if they choose to traverse the Laos Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

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Bucket List Worthy? Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle, Thailand

From its beautiful view of the tripoint of the Mekong Delta to the Opium Museums that grasp its dark history, this region is a unique place in northern Thailand. Although, I would not go as far as to say Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle should be on your bucket list. 

Engage in more peaceful activities such as biking around old temples or taking in the sunsets from Chiang Saen Lake; although still touristy, it is still quite off-the-beaten-path here.

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