3. Doi Tung, Mae Sai, Golden Triangle and Chiang Saen Tour
This tour program covers most of Chiang Rai ‘s tourist spots. Our first stop of the day is at the Black House – less popular than the White Temple but in our opinion – a more rewarding visit. Next, we proceed to the Doi Tung Factory where you can observe hand paper making and hand weaving. An alternative to this is to proceed to the botanical garden at Doi Tung and the Royal Palace.
The Doi Tung project was initiated by King Bumiphol’s mother to encourage tribal people to reduce their dependence on opium as a source of livelihood. The crop replacement project introduced new types of agricultural crops such as Arabica coffee and Macadamia nuts.
Proceed to Mae Sai where you can cross into Thachilek City (Union of Myanmar). (Border crossing fee into Myanmar is not included in our fee).
About half an hour’s drive from Mae Sai towards the east is Sop Ruak where you can see Thailand meet up with Myanmar and Laos.
Learn more about this history of opium by visiting the House of Opium (included in our fees) or from the more expansive Hall of Opium (200 Baht additional charge for museum entrance fee). You will need at least 2 hours for the Hall of Opium.
Ten kilometers to the south is Chiang Saen, an ancient city believed to have been established more than 1,000 years ago. The city was along an important “highway” that was the Mekong River and was one of the most important cites of the Lanna Kingdom.
The city fell into ruin after soon after the Burmese were defeated in the 18th century. This picturesque ancient city is beginning to reawaken. Much restoration work has been done on ancient structures such as temples, pagodas and the earthen city ramparts to keep enemies away.
Minimum number of passengers recommended is two.