Getting to The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is most easily accessed from the city of Chiang Rai. The city can be reached via bus or plane from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other destinations. Hiring a car for the journey from Chiang Mai is worthwhile as the drive is lovely, but be careful of reckless driving on this windy route. An alternative route, via Thaton, is recommended. The drive along the Mekhong river from Sob Ruak to Chiang Kong is lovely, and the latter town has some peaceful river-front guesthouses. It is also here that you can board boats to Luang Prabang in Laos - a traditional two-day journey, now popular with backpackers.