How To Get To The Golden Triangle

If you’re trying to get to the Golden Triangle from Chiang Rai, Thailand, then look no further, because here’s everything you need to know.

Transport

There are two options available to you here. The first is to take the “easy and expensive” road and book a tour to get there. We saw prices advertised online for 1,200-2,800 baht (€35-€80) per person depending of the type of tour. Some tours include the Golden Triangle and the Hall of Opium tour, while others include the Golden Triangle, a cruise on the Mekong and lunch.

We chose the cheap and cheerful option and rented a scooter. This appealed to us because of the cost and also because it meant we could come and go as we pleased. We rented the scooter from our hostel and it cost 200 baht (€5.80) for 24 hours. Fuel cost us an additional 100 baht (€2.90), bringing the total cost to 300 baht (less than €9) for the two of us. Bargain! (Please note that you will need a scooter license and international driver permit to “legally” drive scooters in Thailand.)

The Route

• To get there you will need to get onto Route 1 and head north.
• After about 40 minutes you will need to turn right onto the 1016.
• Continue on this road until you reach a roundabout.
• Take the first exit on the roundabout onto the 1290.
• At the T-junction turn left and continue on the 1290 until you reach the Golden Triangle (you’ll know when you’ve reached it don’t worry)

Signage

You will not see many signs along the way for the Golden Triangle so don’t panic. The fist one you’ll pass will say “Golden Triangle 41km”. The next sign will not be until you are 14km away. You will see one or two more between there and your destination. The signs have a somewhat homemade feel about them and are not the flashiest so keep your eyes peeled. Follow the signs until you reach town, then park up your scooter and enjoy the views.

So that’s the craic with The Golden Triangle.

Let us know what you thought of your trip there in the comments below 🙂

Heading south to Bangkok? Read how to get to Lumphini Park to escape the madness of the city.