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> The Golden Triangle Self Drive
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Golden triangle self drive Route: Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao - Mae Salong - Chiang Saen - Chiang MaiWhilst touring Thailand on this self drive adventure, you'll explore the unspoilt area between the borders of Laos and Myanmar (Burma). You'll visit the famous Golden Triangle, the spot where the Mekong River forms a natural border between three countries - Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma). This used to be part of the Opium Route - the greatest drugs trafficking route in the world. A photo underneath the Golden Triangle sign is a must-do, but what really stands out about this area is the mountain tribes, the temples and hectic markets. With your own four wheels, you can take the pace as fast or slow as you wish. We'll arrange your accommodation along the route in hotels with local character. Armed with a detailed route description provided by our local agent, you'll begin touring Thailand as you take to the road on a self drive adventure. The information pack will include tips about where to fill up, where to eat, and the daily distances you will travel. |
| Duration | Four days / three nights |
Accommodation |
Three nights in a double room |
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Price |
From £175 per person - based on two people sharing (car cat. A) |
Includes |
Accommodation with breakfast, car hire with basic insurance and route description. |
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Transport |
Rental car (see full conditions and car categories). |
Excludes |
Petrol, other meals, excursions, entrance fees, extra vehicle costs (such as a second driver). |
Day 1: Chiang Mai - Chiang DaoThis morning, after your rented car is delivered to your hotel in Chiang Mai, you can begin touring Thailand on a self drive adventure. The representative will hand over the car keys, and, once you've packed your things, you'll hit the open road.Driving in this area of Thailand is really very easy. The roads are quiet and well-maintained with good quality tarmac. If you haven’t been trekking in Northern Thailand already, we would advise you to set off early and enjoy the morning elephant demonstration in the Maesa elephant training centre, which starts at 9:30am. The centre is located 25km north of Chiang Mai, and during your touring Thailand trip you can hand feed sugarcane and bananas to the baby elephants. On the way, you can visit an orchid farm, a snake and butterfly farm, and the Mae Sa waterfall, which is a lovely spot for lunch. |
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After your trip to the waterfall, the route becomes even more spectacular as you drive up into the mountains. It's another 55km to the cave complex at Chiang Dao. Some of the chambers are lit and open to the public. We recommend that you hire a guide with a gas lantern to learn about the history of the mystical caves. Legend has it, that anyone who takes a piece of the rock from the caves shall get lost and never return... Your accommodation is located in a mountain valley resort not far from the caves. We would advise that you bring a warm sweater for the evenings. The resort has a very good restaurant for some well-deserved dinner. The total distance covered today is about 175 km. Your car is delivered with a full tank of petrol, so there will be no need to fill up. |
Day 2: Chiang Dao - Mae SalongAfter breakfast, you'll continue touring Thailand as you set off towards Fang, which boasts the highest peak in Thailand. The Fang National Park is a forested area overflowing with waterfalls, caves and natural hot springs. The largest geyser blasts a steamy jet of water over 50m into the air. Don't forget your swimming gear if you want to enjoy a hot spa as a break from your Thailand touring trip.From Fang, you travel on to Thaton (about 25km), a good spot for lunch. There are various restaurants on the Mae Kok River to sample the tasty local cuisine. From Thaton (route 1089), the road climbs over a heady mountain pass to Yapa, known as the 'three tribes village'. As the name suggests, the town is home to three tribes, including the Padaung, who all live together harmoniously. You'll pay a small fee to enter the protected village. If you have the time whilst touring Thailand on this self drive trip, it is really worthwhile to explore the area between Thoed Thai and Mae Kham along the Myanmar (Burma) border. In this area, far from any other tourists, you'll find many tiny mountain villages nestled in the hillsides. From here, it will take about another 1½ hours to reach Mae Salong, your destination for the night. You’ll stay overnight in a lovely bungalow with a stunning view of the mountains. The resort has an outstanding kitchen serving excellent Thai and Chinese dishes. |
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Day 3: Mae Salong - Chiang SaenToday, you'll leave Mae Salong and head towards Ban Sop Ruak, the area known as the Golden Triangle. The total distance you'll cover today is only about 95 km, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop for walks and photos. You'll travel towards the Golden Triangle via Mae Chan and Mae Sai to Doi Tung mountain on the Myanmar border. The road is only partially paved for this part of your Thailand touring trip, so you'll trundle slowly along past the Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Hmong tribes, who live amidst the tea plantations and paddy fields. These tribes formerly harvested opium, but as it is now prohibited, the Royal Thai government has seen to it that other crops are cultivated.The Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, part of the Royal Palace of Doi Tung, are also worth a visit. Your morning journey will end at the bridge linking Thailand with Myanmar (Burma). There are many restaurants and stalls lining the Thai side of the bridge. You can grab fresh fruit and local snacks before travelling on to the Golden Triangle. |
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Whilst touring Thailand on this self drive trip, you may even have the opportunity to cross over the border into Myanmar (from 8am to 5pm). Bring your passport and $5 dollars for the Burmese Customs officers. However, the border may well be closed, depending upon the political climate at the time of your travels. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Sop Ruak. This is where the Thai border meets those of Laos and Burma- the true ‘Golden Triangle’. The temple on the hill gives you a wonderful viewpoint of the confluence of the Mekong and Sai rivers, and the meeting point of the three countries. On the way to Chiang Saen, your final destination, you can make a quick visit to the interesting Hall of Opium Museum (closed Mondays). You'll stay overnight in Chiang Saen. Your comfortable accommodation is perched on a hill with views over the legendary Mekong River. |
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Day 4: Chiang Saen - Chiang MaiIn Chiang Saen, a sleepy little town on the Mekong, you'll have the morning free to take a break from touring Thailand. In the past, this town was the capital of the Kingdom of Yonok, and there are some interesting temples here. Alternatively, you can take a river trip on the Mekong. In the afternoon you'll make your way back to Chiang Mai.Today's journey is 240 km via Mae Chan, about 4½ hours travel. Fancy a coffee with apple pie? Then stop at the Charin Garden Resort for a quick treat. After you pass the town of Mae Kachan, you can paddle your feet in another hot spring and stretch your legs. You'll then have only 60km to drive until you reach Chiang Mai where you'll hand back the car (with a full tank of fuel) and end your Thailand self-drive trip. We strongly recommend spending at least one more night in Chiang Mai before continuing your Thailand trip. This means that you can relax and let your Northern Thailand experiences slowly sink in over the evening meal. The majority of travellers head for South Thailand after this module. Click here for a map of Thailand or to see our Southern tours in Thailand. |
TipsBest time to travelWhen touring Thailand on this self drive module, the weather is good almost all year round. However, August and September you can expect a lot more rain than at other points in the year. In the winter, the temperature can drop to 10°C at night, so be sure to remember to bring something warm. Malaria For the most up-to-date information and advice concerning precautions against malaria, you should consult a suitable medical institution before departure or check with the WHO (World Health Organisation). It is very important to minimise the risk of being bitten by using an anti-mosquito cream (DEET) on all exposed skin, especially in the evenings, and to sleep under a mosquito net. In rooms without air conditioning, a mosquito net is provided. |
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Touring Thailand - Accommodation (click to enlarge)
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