Golden Triangle
The city and province of Chiang Rai host some of the Thailand's oldest civilisations. The
province borders Chiang Mai. From Chiang Rai city, home to some 100,000 persons, to the
outstanding surrounding areas intrepid visitors are bound to find something of interest. Doi
Tung and Mae Salong are both revered and naturally beautiful. Mae Sai a Burmeseborder
town hawks unbeatable bargains in crafts and consumer items from Taichalek, across the river,
and is an interesting place for a stop. Chiang Saen established over 1,200 years ago, has had
primitive residents for over 500 centuries. The towns many ruins offer a fascinating glimpse of an
ancient civilisation. A small, but well kept museum has interesting artefacts or tribal and Lanna
culture. The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Burma converge at the mighty Mae
Khong River affords awesome panoramic views whilst Chiang Khong is the breezy town with
access to the world's seventh longest river. There are also river crossings to Laos an the
opportunity to further travel in this landlocked country. Activities, in Chiang Rai, include jungle
trekking, boat trips and hot spring settings. Resorts abound and, as with city and river hotels
afford the visitor with a memorable, if not unique, natural setting. Town restaurants tend to be
simple with a focus on value rather than the latest fads in cuisine presentation. fast food is
available in Chiang Rai city.

For those short of time a one day tour can be made from Chiang Mai which highlights many of
the provinces attractions.

Major Rivers
The Kok river (130 km/82 miles long) connects Chiang Rai to Thaton and joins the Mae Khong
in the North. The Mae Khong is the world's 7th longest river at 4160 km (2,600 miles) and the
largest river fish, weighing 100's of kilograms, are caught in September.

Geography
785 km from Bangkok, 180 km from Chiang Mai. Mostly mountainous with an average above
sea-level height of 580 m (1,900 ft).

History
Predates Chiang Mai (founded 1296) by 34 years the city of Chiang Rai was the centre of the
mighty independent kingdom of Lanna. Became part of Siam (Thailand) in 1786 and was
proclaimed a province in 1910 by Rama IV.


TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen
Pick up passengers from various major Bangkok hotels and transfer to Bangkok domestic
airport. Depart Bangkok by limousine TO Chiang Mai, where your guide well meet and greet
you.Drive to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao with an en route stop at a Karen village and the
Hot Springs. Lunch at a local restaurant in Chiang Rai. Continue to Chiang Saen, the former
capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom, situated on the Mekong River on the border between
Thailand and Laos. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing 383 steps to the top of the hill.
Continue by long-tailed speedboat on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle, where
the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Dinner and overnight at IMPERIAL
GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT.

Day 2: Chiang Saen - Doi Mae Salong - Mae Sai - Chiang Rai
After Breakfast, depart from Chiang Saen to Mae Sai, the northern-most point of Thailand on
the Thai - Burmese border. In the border town of Mae Sai visit a Factory and the colorful
market, where handicrafts and souvenirs are on sale. The next stop will be made at the Fish
and Monkey Cave. Proceed to Doi Mae Salong, passing through mountain scenery. The view
from the top takes in a large part of Thailand, Burma and the Mekong Valley, which makes this
trip very worthwhile. Lunch at Doi Mae Salong Villa. Continue to visit Akha, Yao and Lisu Tribes
before returning to your hotel in Chiang Rai. Dinner and overnight at WIANG INN HOTEL.

Day 3: Chiang Rai - Thatorn - Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge
After Breakfast, transfer to the boat pier. Board simple long-tailed motorboats for a three-hour
journey on the Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages, bamboo huts and jungle scenery.
Further upriver, visit to a Lahu hill tribe village. The last stop before arriving at Thatorn is made
at the village of Ban Pha Tai. Lunch at Maekok River Village Resort. Proceed by bus to Mae
Rim via Fang and Chiang Dao. Continue by pick-up truck to your resident. BBQ dinner followed
by a presentation of Meo dances and songs.