Chiang Saen, history in the Golden Triangle
The historic city of Chiang Saen is located about 60 kilometers northeast of Chiang Rai on the Mekong. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Chiang Saen was founded in 1328 by Saenphu, the grandson of King Menrai.
Discover the unforgettable soul of Chiang Mai, a city that defies time. Intertwined with the rich history of the Kingdom of Lanna, it offers a unique symbiosis of culture, nature and tradition. Here, where every corner tells a story, adventure is never far away.
The Golden Triangle and the Drug Cartels
Read one of these days an interesting story in the NRC about the Golden Triangle written by Saskia Konniger. Among other things, she is the Southeast Asia correspondent of the said newspaper and in an article she sheds light on the extensive drug trade in the difficult-to-access 'Golden Triangle' between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, which is notorious as the world's largest synthetic drug lab. The mafia has free rein and the Thai authorities can only try to intercept drugs.
Chiang Rai, a highlight in the North of Thailand (video)
Chiang Rai is not the best known, but it is the northernmost province of Thailand. Chiang Rai province shares its borders with Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. The provincial capital Chiang Rai is located almost 800 km north of Bangkok and 580 meters above sea level.
The northernmost part of Thailand is a treasure trove of adventure and culture. A journey of discovery through this area is a must for every Thailand lover. Chiang Rai has an illustrious history that is known for the opium trade in the famous Golden Triangle, the border area of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Mae Salong's 'Lost Army'
In 1949, Mao Zedong's forces defeated the Kuomintang. Many of them, including Chiang Kai-shek, fled to Taiwan, but the 93rd Division of the 26th Army Corps and the remnants of the Chinese Nationalist Army's 8th Army Corps, numbering some 12.000 men plus their families, systematically managed to retreat. fighting, to escape from Yunnan in their own version of Mao's 'Long March' and decided to continue the fight from Burma.
How the drug trade disrupts society
Almost every week on Thai television you can see how drugs are intercepted, often involving yaba pills. Officers and other drug fighters stand proudly at a police station behind a table with the packs of drugs on display, sometimes even with the weapons of these criminals.
Chiang Rai: a good choice for expats and retirees
If you are considering a new life in Asia, if you do not want to live in a big city, but do not want to be one of the few foreigners in a small city, Chiang Rai could be a good choice.
In this video you see images from the province of Chiang Rai that should give you an impression of the beauty of this northern region.
Many surprises outside of Bangkok
The countryside around Bangkok is less well known, such as the floating market in Damnoen Saduak. Even further inland into its other highlights.
Mass arrest drug trafficking in Northern Thailand
The drug trade in the Golden Triangle seems to be booming lately. A police action against these activities resulted in 172 arrests in one day.
Reader question: Golden triangle and Visa run
I stay in Udon Thani and have to cross the border every three months, the easiest is a trip of about 50 km to Laos etc… Now I would like to go to Chiang Rai to visit the golden triangle there and then cross the border there to get my stamp.
These images make the heart of every motorcyclist beat faster. Together with their GT bikes, these men discover the mountains and valleys of the Golden Triangle. They also visit the village of Ban Toed Thai, once the hiding place of the international drug lord Lord Khun Sa.
David Unkovich is a well-known motorcycling expat. With his GT bike he has been touring the Golden Triangle (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) for years.
Buddha's Lost Children Revisited – trailer (video)
Hidden in the hills, in Thailand's Golden Triangle, lies the 'Golden Horse Temple'. At the risk of his life, the Buddhist monk Khru Bah fights against drug abuse in the surrounding mountain villages.
Romantic Chiang Rai (video)
Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai (the kingdom of a million rice fields).
Hit a ball with elephants
You may have never heard of it, but on March 22, the annual “King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament” will be held. This is a polo match played with elephants. The sponsorship proceeds from this go to various charities in Thailand. The popular event will take place from March 22 – March 28 in Chiang Saen, a city in Thailand's northernmost region known as the Golden Triangle. This year it will be, once again…