Joanna James
The Golden Triangle is where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. The hills of Chiang Rai are beautiful sanctuaries to explore home to nomadic hill tribes, elephant camps and verdant splendours.
This museum highlights the opium trade that flourished in the region in days of yore. Tracking the opium trades history and how it was eventually controlled the museum displays interesting exhibits on the 19th century opium wars while highlighting the Southeast Asian opium trafficking problems faced during the 20th century.
This is quite an amazing museum that's ranked as one of the best in Southeast Asia. Built and planned with foreign collaboration this museum takes you on a marvellous journey of the opium trade. Insightful exhibits take you through the history of opium and the impact the narcotic had on the region. Although much pricier to enter than the previous museum, this one is well worth the extra fee.
This museum is found in close proximity to the Wat Chedi Luang. Housing a variety of historical artefacts the place is ideal for learning about the early settlers of the region. One of the best attractions in Chiang Saen the museum is home to vintage masks and bejewelled Buddha statues.
Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple is a little over an hour's drive from the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. The place is also central to the city centre of Chiang Rai and well worth a visit. The white structure is one of Thailand's most beautiful temples covered in pieces of cut mirrored tile. The result is a temple that dazzles and glows in the sunlight. Created by Thai artists Chaleumchai the temple is work in progress with new edifices being constantly added. The place is also a popular venue for high society weddings and ideal for observing tradition and culture.
The Golden Triangle is home to a fascinating collection of vintage temples that house ancient artefacts. The beautifully adorned temples feature gilded interiors and elaborate architectural designs. Wat Chedi dates back to the 13th century with the chedi dating back to the 16th century. There is also Wat Phra That Chom Kitti dating back to the 10th century; there you can see a beautiful chedi with a bronze spire and fascinating Lopbhuri style Buddha images.
Enjoy views of Thailand and Laos as you sail along the Mekong River. A typical river trip will take around three hours and can be booked from you hotel. Chiang Rai is a good base to set off on these river safaris which covers a 20km course through lush jungles and rustic canyons. River trips are best taken during the dry season as weather conditions tend to be a bit perilous during the rainy season.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
