Overnight on the Mekong

This module combines an organised excursion to the mysterious Golden Triangle with a night on the legendary Mekong River. You'll travel north from Chiang Mai with your guide by minibus. Your first stop will be some steamy hot springs in the mountains- perfect for a therapeutic dip. You'll then criss-cross this beautiful region with its caves, waterfalls and mountain people, and travel along the border with Burma. You'll visit a local a market and see the trading that is so typical of the border towns. After this, you'll visit the famous Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet in a triangle formed by the confluence of the Mekong and Sai rivers. You'll stay overnight in a lovely resort on the Mekong (100m walk) and you’re free in the mornings to take a boat trip upriver or to cycle through the hills to the Opium Museum.

Duration	Three days /two nights	Accommodation	Overnight in a double room with breakfast. Comfort level 3 (see accommodation)
Price	£70 per person - based on two people	Includes	Accommodation, transport Chiang Mai to Chiang Saen, excursion to Golden Triangle with English-speaking guide on Day 1
Travel	Minibus from Chiang Mai - Chiang Saen	Excludes	Drinks and other meals, other excursions and entrance fees. Bus Chiang Saen - Chiang Rai (Approx £2 pp) Bus Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (5 hrs approx £3.50 pp)

Day 1: Chiang Mai - Golden Triangle (Chiang Saen)

Around 7.15am you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai, together with your fellow travellers. You can leave your luggage behind at the hotel and take a small rucksack for your overnight trip. With your English-speaking guide, you'll criss-cross the incredible terrain north of Chiang Mai, full of orchids and butterflies. After a while, you'll arrive at the wonderful hot springs, where you'll have half an hour or so to wander around and enjoy a dip. Then, you'll travel on and catch your first sight of the legendary Mekong River. You'll travel alongside the West Bank of the river to Sop Ruak. This is your opportunity to get a photo of the famous 'Golden Triangle' sign. The area is famous, or perhaps infamous, for being the greatest drugs producing region in the world during the last century. On the border with Thailand (at Mae Sai), lies Tachilek in Burma, the self-appointed ‘capital’ of the Golden Triangle. Depending upon the political climate, you may be able to visit the city on a day trip from Thailand without a visa.

There's a huge trade here in products from Burma, and it's a busy meeting place for all sorts of folk. You'll stop for lunch in a restaurant on the Mekong River and afterwards you'll set out for the town of Chiang Saen. At around 4:30pm, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, which has a lovely swimming pool and air conditioning in all rooms.

Chiang Saen is a sleepy little town dating from the Lanna period. In the past, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Yonok and the seat of King Saen Phu. The town still has the remains of a city wall. There are some interesting temples here, of which Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Pasak are the most spectacular. However, the most important reason for staying in Chiang Saen is its proximity to the legendary Mekong River. It is a mere 10 minute stroll down to the banks of the river from your hotel. You'll find small boats offering short trips, so hop on board if you fancy a quick trip upstream. In the evening, you can wander through the centre of Chiang Saen and find a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 2: Chiang Saen - Chiang Rai

This morning, your time is your own to do as you wish. If you're feeling active, you can hire a bike from the hotel and take to the hills, for the 10km trip to the Opium Museum. Its a really worthwhile trip, and really explains the history and the atmosphere of the area. You can also opt to relax by the pool or simply take a stroll along the Mekong. Alternatively, you can take a quick boat trip on the Opium River.

In the afternoon the hotel staff will point you in the right direction of the bus station, where you'll arrange you're bus ticket from the short ride from Chiang Saen to Chaing Rai. In Chiang Rai you'll spend your second night in this lovely laid back town, breakfast is as always included.

Day 3: Chaing Rai - Chaing Mai

This morning you have free time to wander around the city, maybe pay a visit to the Hall of Opium (local opium museum). In the afternoon you'll make your way to the bus station, buy your bus ticket (Approx.£3) and board the bus back to Chiang Mai. The journey takes about four to five hours and meanders through a very impressive green mountain landscape. Naturally we can arrange an extra night back in Chiang Mai for you, as you'll arrive back in to Chiang Mai mid to late afternoon, just let us know.

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