The tour travels north to the Thai-Myanmar frontier high on Doi (mount) Tung before turning east to the "Golden Triangle" at the meeting point of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on the River.

You may return via Chiang Rai and the Mae Lao valley for a quicker route (4 days/3 nights), or you may go on a longer more spectacular route (4WD recommended, min. 5 days/4 nights) to complete the triangle by following the Mekhong east along the Laotian border to Doi Pha Tang, before turning south-west to return via Phayao. Accommodation is also listed for staying overnight in Chiang Mai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai. Advance booking is advisable.

Though our recommended and alternative routes/side trips are based on careful research, your itinerary is as flexible as you wish to make it. So relax, pack a few tapes for our car stereos (the latest popular music is locally available for less than US$ 3 a tape), and drive off into the mysterious triangle of gold.

Overview

• Day 1 Chiang Mai-Thaton (173 kms)
• Day 2 Thaton - Mae Salong - Mae Sai - The Golden Triangle (Ban Sop Ruak) (140 kms.)
• Day 3 The Golden Triangle - Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong (53 kms.)
• Day 4 Chiang Khong - Doi Pha Tang - Phayao (220 kms.)
• Day 5 Phayao - Chiang Mai (162 kms.)