Golden Triangle Ride: Chiang Khom to Chiang Rai - The Day of Golden Triangle

Route - Today is the BIG day of the ride, we ride to Golden Triangle, the place where borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet along the Mekong River, the original drug smuggling hotspot, the tick on my bucket list, the heaven of bikers and travellers alike. Leave Chiang Khong and move North on Route 1129, follow the Mekong to reach Chiang Saen and Sop Ruak. Visit the Golden Triangle and then Route 1290 to Mae Sai. Southwards to Mae Fah Luang and reach Chiang Rai.

Distance - 220 Kms.

Route Description - the road was generally along the Mekong River over hill country with reasonable roads with more traffic along highways. Jungles either side of road gave a feeling of erstwhile trade out here.

Tourism Enroute - We visited The Opium Museum, Took a boat ride on the mighty Mekong and travelled around the Golden Triangle site. This was followed by visit to Myanmar border town of Tachilek by everyone less me due to some paper work.

Opium Museum - After visit of this museum I realised that I did not know one percent about opium. It has all details from growing to making to measures to smoking to history of smuggling and offcourse the punishment aspect.

Golden Triangle - The site is actually quite touristee now with stalls, boards and parking and all. The fun part was boat rider on Mekong on one of those flat narrow boats with speed motor, probably used earlier for smuggling. The might of Mekong River can be felt once riding the waves, we were crashing into heavy waters with screams rendering the air and water plumes wetting us. Exhilarating is the word....

Myanmar Shopping - This is the place for knock offs and other stuff. Exit and reentry in Thailand is easy. Worth a visit for shopping enthusiasts.

Destination - Chiang Rai used to be the cultural capital of Northern Hills till Chiang Mai became more important in 13th century. It's also a must visit place for visitors and does not disappoint. We reached by early evening, checked into Wangcome Hotel and dinner was next to Clock Tower which changes colour on strike of every hour in the dark.

Impressions - This was the day we had come for this ride and it did not disappoint me one bit. Far better than my expectations, probably due to excellent rides, the people or ease of tourists. Each location identified for drink or meal break, each hotel or visit planned or each evening meal is an example of work and planning in detail by Jeff and Duncan of Tony Big Bikes. The experience is further enhanced with smiling faces of Thai people and sense of hospitality in them. At no point does one feel or get cheated with numerous helping hands if required.