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⚲ CHIANG RAI

 

AUTHENTIC JOURNEY TO THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

 

From Poppy Seeds to Coffee Beans

Day 1: CHIANG RAI TO CHIANG SAEN

Choui Fong Tea Plantation – Begin your journey with a visit to one of northern Thailand’s most renowned tea estates. Walk through lush, rolling tea fields, learn about sustainable tea cultivation, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup while admiring the misty mountain views.

 

Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden – Travel to Doi Tung, where the late *Princess Mother led a transformative development project. Tour the elegant Royal Villa, which reflects her vision for sustainable change, and explore the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden, a vibrant sanctuary of flowers and indigenous plants—once barren opium fields, now a flourishing symbol of renewal.

Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at the Doi Tung Café*, featuring organic produce from local hill tribe farmers.

Golden Triangle & Viewpoint – Arrive at the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Once infamous for opium trafficking, this region now represents resilience and change. Take in sweeping views of the Mekong River and the surrounding hills, once controlled by drug lords, now home to sustainable agriculture projects.

 

Boat Trip on the Mekong River – Board a boat for a cruise along the mighty Mekong River, a lifeline of the region. Float past traditional fishing villages, riverside temples, and the Laotian riverbank, where you’ll catch a glimpse of everyday life along this historic waterway.

Hall of Opium – Step inside this world-class museum for a compelling deep dive into the history of the opium trade. With interactive exhibits and powerful storytelling, the Hall of Opium unveils the region’s struggle with addiction, crime, and conflict, and how Thailand has fought to replace opium with sustainable livelihoods.

Arrive in Chiang Saen, an ancient town along the Mekong River. Check into a riverside hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening with a traditional northern Thai dinner by the water.

Overnight at ATHITA - the hidden Court Chiang Saen, a comfortable Boutique Hotel which reflects the region of Chiang Saen, as the whole building is made from Athita Teak Wood and the same traditional Bricks as the ancient Temples and Pagodas scattered throughout the town. The hotel offers free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, a shared kitchen, a garden and a restaurant.

 

HERE ARE ALL OUR HOTEL OPTIONS IN CHIANG SAEN.

Day 2: HIGHLAND COFFEE & TRIBE TRADITIONS

Suan Lahu Organic Coffee Farm & Highland Village Experience – Venture into the highlands to Suan Lahu, an organic coffee farm run by the Lahu ethnic community. Here, coffee is more than just a crop - it’s a story of transformation. Learn how the Lahu people transitioned from opium cultivation to organic coffee production, walk through their coffee fields, and taste the rich, aromatic brews they now proudly produce. This visit also offers an intimate look into their village life, culture, and traditions.

 

Enjoy a home-cooked meal with the Lahu community, prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Return to Chiang Rai reflecting on the inspiring transformation of the Golden Triangle—from opium fields to a hub of sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation.

WHY THIS TRIP MATTERS
This journey is not just about beautiful landscapes—it’s about understanding one of the most remarkable social transformations in modern history.

In 1969, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej founded the Royal Project Foundation to combat opium production and improve the lives of highland communities. By introducing alternative crops like coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices, the foundation provided a sustainable way for farmers to earn a living without relying on illicit trade.

A key part of this initiative is the Doi Tung Development Project, a holistic and integrated model for sustainable alternative livelihoods. Through education, healthcare, reforestation, and economic opportunities, entire communities have transitioned from poverty and opium dependence to self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Today, Thailand is recognized as a global model for alternative development, proving that with vision, perseverance, and community-driven efforts, even the most challenging social and economic issues can be overcome.

Join us on this journey to witness history, connect with communities, and explore this remarkable transformation story firsthand.

Recommend by your Thai Insider.

𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗦
with real insights into Thai life & culture.
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.


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