Next, we headed to the Golden Triangle in the Chiang Rai Province. The Golden Triangle is where the 3 countries of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The Mekong River meets the Ruak River, separating the 3 countries. The Golden Triangle was well-known for their opium production. According to the guide, drug trafficking is still a huge problem. Drugs from Laos and Myanmar are transported through Thailand in order to get to the international market.
After the Golden Triangle, we headed back to Chiang Rai for the night market and then stayed the night.
On the drive from Pai to Mae Sai. Stop at a road-side market.
Road-side market.
Lunch: fish balls + noodles + soup
Short stop at an orange grove.
Mae Sai - The northern-most city of Thailand.
Mae Sai - Bridge to cross into Tachileik, Myanmar. Many Thai people cross over for the day to buy products which are cheaper in Myanmar and then return.
Mae Sai - Thailand and Myanmar is separated by a small river, the Mae Sai River.
Mae Sai - Shops - This town is an interesting mixture of Thai, Chinese, Burmese, and English. Quite a different feel than the rest of Thailand.
Mae Pai - Main road leading to the border crossing.
Golden Triangle.
Golden Triangle - Golden Buddha
Golden Triangle - Took a boat to cross to Laos
Golden Triangle - From the boat, across the river, you can see a casino in Laos.
Golden Triangle - Another casino in Laos
Golden Triangle - In Thailand, next to the river - Restaurants above, housing on the bottom, small crops growing near the river banks.
Golden Triangle - The boat takes you to a small island, Don Sao, in Laos. A small shopping area for tourist.
Golden Triangle - Don Sao, Laos - Snake whiskey
Golden Triangle - Don Sao, Laos - Wide angle of the main area.
Golden Triangle - Taking the boat back from Laos to Thailand as the son was setting.
Golden Triangle - House of Opium - Museum
Chiang Rai night market for dinner - Chim Chum - Thai-sytle hot pot.
Chiang Rai night market.
Spent the night in Chiang Rai.
