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About Wat Rong Khun
The Golden Triangle is a triangular area located in the border area of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos in Southeast Asia, with a total area of about 150,000 to 200,000 square kilometers, which is famous for being the world’s largest source of opium and opioids. The Thai government erected a plaque with the words “Golden Triangle” at the junction of the three countries, so this area is called the Golden Triangle.
The Golden Triangle covers Shan State and Kachin State in northern Burma, Chiang Rai Province and northern Chiang Mai Province in Thailand and Luang Namtha, Phongsali and Oudomxay Provinces in Laos, as well as the western part of Luang Prabang Province, with more than 3,000 small and large villages and towns.
In the past, under strong international pressure, especially from countries such as China and the United States, these places have declared their intention to fight drugs, but the effect was not particularly obvious until the Golden Triangle transformed into rice, vegetable and sugar cane production in recent years.
How to get there
Getting to the Golden Triangle by Green Bus
To get to the Golden Triangle from Chiang Mai, Green Bus operates two direct buses a day from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
The Green Bus ticket office is on the left side of the Chiang Mai No. 3 bus bar terminal entrance.
Just show your ID (passport or Thai driver’s license) at the counter and say “Golden Triangle”.
If you cannot get a ticket, go to Chiang Rai and transfer to a minivan or local bus at Chiang Rai No. 1 Bus Terminal.
Go to the Golden Triangle with a tour company
KLOOK offers a one-day tour to the Golden Triangle.
How to get to the Golden Triangle from Chiang Rai
Minivan
Green Bus counter at Chiang Rai No.1 Bus Terminal
Take a Green Bus minivan from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 to the Golden Triangle.
For the latest information, please check with the Green Bus counter at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
Buses to Chiang Saen
Bus to Chiang Saen from Chiang Rai No. 1 Bus Terminal No. 10
Take the bus bound for Chiang Saen from platform 10 at Plat Phorm and transfer to the Song Taew bound for the Golden Triangle at the end of the bus.
The buses generally run once an hour.
Tips
How to return from the Golden Triangle
Minivans operate from near the Golden Triangle Park to Chiang Rai.
There is generally one every hour. The fare is 50 baht.
If you want to enjoy sightseeing without worrying about the return time, renting a motorcycle or car is recommended.
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