The Golden Triangle for centuries was known as the centre of the opium trade. This Half Day excursion from Chiang Rai explores this scenic and intriguing corner of Thailand going right up to the borders with Myanmar and Laos.

Visit a hill top viewpoint, above the junction of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, which forms a three-way border with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Continue to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, to observe border life and explore the market for exotic goods.

Spend the day in a town on the border with Myanmar. Discover crafts such as mulberry paper making, pottery and weaving at the Royal Handicrafts Centre. Visit an Akha Village and cross over into Myanmar by boat.

Drive to the Doi Tung region, 2000 m above sea-level and visit the Royal Handicraft Center to discover mulberry paper making, pottery, and weaving and also explore the Villa where the Princess Mother spent her last years in an understated chalet. The chalet made from recycled shipping crates is simply but imaginatively decorated.

Resting on the area's highest peak, Doi Chang Moob, affords views (on a clear day!) back as far as the Mekong and over Myanmar's hills.

The Doi Tung Arboretum houses the Princess Mother's collection of flowering mountain trees from around the world.

Drive down the scenic road separating Myanmar from Thailand to the contemporary Akha village of Pha Mee, perched on a ridge overlooking plains that used to house a notorious weapons market.

Continue to Mae Sai and cross the river into Myanmar to see a local market, filled with hawkers selling everything from CD's to hardware to household goods.

Spend a day venturing through unspoiled natural landscapes, ancient religious sites and exotic hilltribe cultures. Visit an old monk’s cave, glide down river on a long-tailed boat, trek through the lush forest on an elephant and encounter exotic hilltribe cultures.

Fusing nature discovery with cultural immersion, this Chiang Rai day trip promises a memorable day out in Thailand’s northernmost province.

Depart from your hotel and start the day with a visit to the local fresh market, where your guide will buy some ingredients for today’s lunch. Continue by mountain bike and ride through the countryside, villages, easy hills, and paddy fields and reach the Ancient Monk Cave. The Cave is a beautiful stone mountain with Buddha images inside and a peaceful garden along the riverside.

From the monastery’s boat pier, start an exciting longtail boat trip on the Kok River, to a Karen hilltribe village. From the village, an elephant will take you up and down the hills and into the woods, to Yafu Lahu village.

At the village you will be the guest at a local family’s house. Your friendly hilltribe hosts and your guide will serve a delicious Northern Thai lunch. There will also be the chance to try some hilltribe dishes if you wish.

After lunch, begin the short trek to Huay Mae Xai Waterfall, where you can swim and take a short rest, before returning to your hotel.