The Golden Triangle’s cooler morning air is the perfect time to explore. Head out on mountain bikes for a leisurely ride to nearby Sob Ruak Village. Enjoy the freedom of venturing out independently. Or join a guided group tour to hear a local’s insights about this fabled corner of the world.

With one of Asia’s most famous waterways on our doorstep, a journey by private longtail boat is a must. Depart from our jetty on the tranquil Ruak River and onto the mighty Mekong. Drift through the heart of three countries converging to form the Golden Triangle.

Pass fishermen’s huts, local life and the towering Big Buddha statue. Turn around at the historic town of Chiang Saen – expansive views of the hills framing your way back.

Open your senses to the Golden Triangle’s infamous opium history at this multi-million dollar museum. Journeying back through time, interactive displays bring to life the region’s prolific drug trading past. Learn how regeneration projects by Thailand’s late Princess Mother have created thriving cultural livelihoods, paving a positive future for local communities.

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Experience an intrinsic tradition of Thai farming culture. As the country’s staple food, rice plays a vital role in the daily life of Thai people. Farmers transfer their cultivation knowledge from one generation to the next. Through this interactive hands-on activity, we invite you to learn the ageless techniques for yourself in the tranquil surrounds of our resort’s private paddies.

Contribute to Anantara’s conservation work and leave behind a noble monument to your visit that will last for years to come. Plant a tree at Anantara and help us keep the local environment green. We’ll print a plaque or dedication with your name and care for your tree until you visit again.

No trip to the Golden Triangle is complete without standing in its heart. Take a private limousine to the riverside, near the point where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet. Here on the Thai bank, the giant golden Buddha, elephant statues and shrines to the royal family mark your arrival at the epicentre of a fabled region.

Explore the remains of antiquities and crumbled chedis of this 8th century temple, located on the hill just before the Golden Triangle.

Near Chiang Saen’s historic main gateway, these seven ruins of 14th century monuments depict Hariphunchai and Sukhothai styles, with a possible Bagan influence.

Three kilometres south in Sop Kham village, this Buddhist temple complex contains a large prayer hall built to cover a partially excavated Chiang Saen era Buddha statue. Take your time investigating the golden teak manuscript depository and a hilltop pagoda with superb Mekong River views.

The ruins of this Buddhist temple feature an 18 metre octagonal chedi in classic Chiang Saen Lanna style – giving you an idea of the architectural history from between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Chiang Rai is famed for its tea plantations, and this high quality tea manufacturer for half a century is a wonderful example. Escape to a mountain plantation that covers 1,000 rai. Take a delightful lunch break at its restaurant, enjoying dishes infused with tea ingredients.

Rising proudly as one of the highest peaks in Chiang Rai, Doi Mae Salong attracts visitors for its panoramic views and scenic trekking, Chinese heritage village and hill tribe communities, as well as tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations.

An exemplary centre of local crafts, Doi Tung showcases the region’s traditions of weaving, paper making, pottery and coffee. Interesting sites abound - from the Doi Tung Palace, Mae Fa Luang Garden, Akha and Muser tribal villages, to the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic on a mountaintop and beautiful royal residence Phra Tamnak Doi Tung.

On the border of Myanmar, this eclectic, bustling shopping haven is a great place to haggle over souvenirs.

This strikingly beautiful and haunting white temple is the mastermind of the famous artist Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, and a must-see when visiting Chiang Rai.

A tea lover’s paradise, this beautiful plantation valley was carefully chosen by Boon Rawd to produce the finest teas.

Spread across more than 100 rai, 25 northern-style buildings are installed with works from local artists – providing a broad visual perspective from past to present.

Tour a park that is home to important architectural buildings. Highlights include the teak structure Ho Kham, which exhibits ancient wood-carved candle holders. While Phra Phrato houses an ancient wooden Buddha image of the Lanna period.

Sitting on a mountainous hillside, the high altitude and fertile soil here provides ideal conditions for growing and cultivating Arabica coffee – and the Doi Chang Coffee plantation produces some of the world’s finest.