If you open the map of Asia, you will find a point where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. This little point has been a precious spot throughout history and is mostly known for the illegal trade of Opium. It’s also known as the Golden Triangle.
View over all the 3 countries. Just a little hike up the hill from our hotel.
So serene! I always become a hippie whilst in the nature.
Did a day trip to Chiang Saen… we only stayed for an hour.
Market in Chiang Saen
I’ve only been there once before, and going this time was just as exciting as the first time. There’s so much history and beauty and you’ll always encounter something new. This round we had time to go visit The Hall of Opium, which is one of the best museums I’ve ever been too. So exciting and the layout made it so fun to learn! We only had 1.5 hour to wander around as all museums are closed on mondays, meaning we had to make it during our Sunday sightseeing. We did not get enough time to look at everything thoroughly, as there are 3 full floors of learning. So, if you go, make sure to have a bit over 3 hours put aside.
So many nice seating places at the hotel!
Nature along every pathway…
Every day was spent by this pool.
It was so hot the day we went sightseeing so we did not cross the borders at the Golden triangle. I did it a couple of years ago, and it was quite the experience. If you can, and aren’t afraid of getting sweaty… and you haven’t gone before. You must go. I’ll never forget the enormous difference between Thailand, Laos and Burma and how much wealthier we are on this side. We all know about it, read about it, and see it one the screen. But once you’re there in person, stepping out of the boat or walking over the border, It’s extreme. I was just a kid the first time I crossed to Laos, and I remember I had an ice tea that I was drinking on the boat ride. Needless to say it was hot and when I arrived my drink was warm and I was throwing it away. At this time a child comes up to me and asks if he can have it and shares it with all of his friends… It’s in moments like these that you realize how great of a life you have, how grateful we should be, and that we should be doing all we can to help others.
Entrance of the hotel. So pretty!
During our long weekend in Chiang Rai, we stayed at the Anantara Golden Triangle. I can go as far as saying it was the best Anantara hotel we’ve ever stayed at. Yes, they do have an amazing location making it hard to fail, but what I liked the most was the service. Everything was on point, and they do their uttermost for the guest to feel comfortable and at home. And how can you not love being surrounded by nature and elephants.
This is where I had my breakfast 😀
I just wanna hug him all day long. They come to see you in the reception every morning at 9 am!
Room View
Someone was loving his view. I think he was spotting some elephants in the wild!
I will definitely invest in a bathtub like this. It was soooo big.
Must do’s while in Chiang Rai:
- Visit a tea plantation, the tea center at Doi Mae Salong is very pretty, but the selection is better at Choui Fong.
- Singha park, do a day tour followed by dinner and sunset at their restaurant.
- Visit the white temple aka Wat Rong Khun.
- Golden triangle sightseeing
Where to stay:
Happy trekker in Chiang Rai
Most of the photos used in this post was taken at the Anantara golden triangle.
Xoxo
-A
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