Sop Ruak - the center of the Golden Triangle
Sop Ruak - the center of the Golden Triangle
Sop Ruak - the center of the Golden Triangle
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Sop Ruak - the center of the Golden Triangle
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
12 within 3 miles
Attractions
14 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
600 reviews
Excellent
157
Very good
219
Average
184
Poor
32
Terrible
8
sebring1970
Buenos Aires, Argentina27 contributions
Jul 2019
Worth a stop and take the boat across to Lao. Yes, it's a tourist trap but the prices are great and I saw and bought items there that I have never seen before or since, such as opium vodka. That stuff will get you talking to the cosmic blueberry muffin. At the top of the mountain is a vista, and again I bought some wonderful cheap and unique clothing there that I am having my company R&D (ripoff & duplicate) for resale in the western hemisphere. Knowing the history of the place does enrich the experience somewhat, such as opium being worth more by weight than gold, but I like any place worth visiting to stand on its own. The Giant Buddha on the Thai side has some great foto ops from the boat. I have been to all 7 continents and all 50 states in the USA, so I prob have no idea what I am talking about jajajajajaaa.
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Instantcalmer
Yasothon, Thailand1,027 contributions
Jan 2021
I found this a fascinating place because I did a little research before about the history and geography And I did a lot more research afterwards. Read about warlord Khun Sa and the opium trade. The viewpoint is pretty amazing as you stand in Thailand and view a Myanmar peninsular and Laos on the other side of the Mekong The temple? here is a bit kitschy but many Thai temples have that happy amusement park atmosphere about them. The souvenir shops were cheap and offered good service but after a while it's pretty well same same. We bought t-shirts and Lanna style clothing for peanuts really. In normal times Mekong boat rides are offered. We didn't have time to go to the opium museum but I will next time.
Written January 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,621 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Considered to be the heart of the Golden Triangle at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong, this place has obviously been set up for tourism. Some of the most notable landmarks include Phra Chiang Temple with a giant golden statue of Buddha, the Opium Museum and a monument to Phra Cha Saen with banners and elephants. You can also expect the restaurants, cafes and the obligatory souvenir shops.
Written April 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrClementLee
Miri, Malaysia253 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
1st trip to Chiang Rai. Stayed 3D/2N with family of 4. Decided to tour White Temple(Wat Rong Khun), visit long neck Karen Hilltribe, Sop Ruak and Hall of Opium (different from Opium Museum) for whole day. Prearranged with local tour guide, Mr Tony who speaks good English, friendly and knowledgeable before our arrival to CR. As the norm in Thailand, these guides( and drivers) are very punctual.
Spent only 10-15 mins at Sop Ruak, just to see 3 countries converging at where the rivers meet. Did not go down to river as we were at the view point on a small hill. There is a temple and souvenir stalls. Able to see the casino at Myanmar. Along the road, near river, will be able to see the new entertainment city operated by the Chinese on a piece of land leased from Laos.
Just for information. The Karen Hilltribe are non-citizen of Thailand.Hence they do not get any financial aid from Thai government. Since they are attracting tourists (good for Thailand economy), the Thai government allows they to stay. The children do not go to proper school. The men are only allowed to work with daily pay nearby. Hence their other source of income are from the tourists- entrance fee and souvenirs from their stalls. The only souvenir that they make are the shawls woven by them. The rest are sourced from middlemen as you will find them sold at the nightly markets too. Hence they are also businesswomen-mostly run by women and teenage girls, dressed in their traditional costumes. Before entering their 'village'. one will pass through stalls at both sides of pathway operated by other hilltribes in their own costumes. This is similarly seen at Chiang Mai too. Just give a thought before deciding not to visit them because of your believe that they are exploited for tourism. They too need to earn an honest living. They have volunteers to school their children in a hut.
Spent only 10-15 mins at Sop Ruak, just to see 3 countries converging at where the rivers meet. Did not go down to river as we were at the view point on a small hill. There is a temple and souvenir stalls. Able to see the casino at Myanmar. Along the road, near river, will be able to see the new entertainment city operated by the Chinese on a piece of land leased from Laos.
Just for information. The Karen Hilltribe are non-citizen of Thailand.Hence they do not get any financial aid from Thai government. Since they are attracting tourists (good for Thailand economy), the Thai government allows they to stay. The children do not go to proper school. The men are only allowed to work with daily pay nearby. Hence their other source of income are from the tourists- entrance fee and souvenirs from their stalls. The only souvenir that they make are the shawls woven by them. The rest are sourced from middlemen as you will find them sold at the nightly markets too. Hence they are also businesswomen-mostly run by women and teenage girls, dressed in their traditional costumes. Before entering their 'village'. one will pass through stalls at both sides of pathway operated by other hilltribes in their own costumes. This is similarly seen at Chiang Mai too. Just give a thought before deciding not to visit them because of your believe that they are exploited for tourism. They too need to earn an honest living. They have volunteers to school their children in a hut.
Written February 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
webbie65
Melbourne, Australia34 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Yesterday my wife and I [both 70] hired a private car and driver[ PAUL ]for a day trip from Chiang Mai to the Golden triangle which is where the borders of Thailand,Burma and Laos meet on the Mekong river.
We were picked up at the Holiday Inn in Chiang Mai at 8am and proceeded to the hot springs and then on to the White Temple just before Chiang Rai.then to the Baandam Museum for lunch.
We then headed to the Golden Triangle at Sop Ruak where we hired a small boat and driver to take us across the Mekong river to Laos island for a 30 minute shopping expedition.Some good deals found!
The driver then took us to Son Mai [a big city ] which is the crossing town from Thailand to Myanmarr
After spending 30 minutes there, we headed back down the highway to Chiang Mai arriving back at 9.30 pm.
The total cost for the day for 2 persons was 5000baht [about Au$184.00] which included the boat trip.
Our driver Surapon Sansuwan on 089 701 8975 was the most quiet and obliging driver we have ever had and I would certainly recommend him to any discerning clients.
We were picked up at the Holiday Inn in Chiang Mai at 8am and proceeded to the hot springs and then on to the White Temple just before Chiang Rai.then to the Baandam Museum for lunch.
We then headed to the Golden Triangle at Sop Ruak where we hired a small boat and driver to take us across the Mekong river to Laos island for a 30 minute shopping expedition.Some good deals found!
The driver then took us to Son Mai [a big city ] which is the crossing town from Thailand to Myanmarr
After spending 30 minutes there, we headed back down the highway to Chiang Mai arriving back at 9.30 pm.
The total cost for the day for 2 persons was 5000baht [about Au$184.00] which included the boat trip.
Our driver Surapon Sansuwan on 089 701 8975 was the most quiet and obliging driver we have ever had and I would certainly recommend him to any discerning clients.
Written April 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sttusvi
St. Thomas43 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
This is a small town/village. Yes, the area around the Golden Buddha is a tourist trap but there is more to the town than that. Also look out for the mobile coconut ice cream lady who is often by the Golden Buddha around noon.
The Hall of Opium Museum is worth a visit and surprisingly well done.
I stayed in the town and enjoyed visiting the local market early in the morning, walking around the lake, and seeing the monks being given alms of food and in return blessing the donors. All things most tourists will never see.
The Hall of Opium Museum is worth a visit and surprisingly well done.
I stayed in the town and enjoyed visiting the local market early in the morning, walking around the lake, and seeing the monks being given alms of food and in return blessing the donors. All things most tourists will never see.
Written October 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hydtie
91 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Unfortunately we didn't bring our passport to get a stamp from Laos and Myanmar, but we took pictures at the sign. When you're in the north of Thailand this is a must see tourist attraction.
We went by motorcycle (>70 km from Chang Rai), this is a nice experience. We love the view on the way, with the rice fields and mountains. Picture stop once in a while, eat and drink at a nice photo spot. (Take Highway 1 to Mae Chan/ Mae Sai, then turn right to Chaing Saen highway 1016)
At the Golden Triangle we took a boat ride. Be careful with the prices, it goes from 1200/1500 down to 500 Bath (price for 3 people). Walk around a bit and dare to ask everyone for prices.
There're more "boat operators"
We went by motorcycle (>70 km from Chang Rai), this is a nice experience. We love the view on the way, with the rice fields and mountains. Picture stop once in a while, eat and drink at a nice photo spot. (Take Highway 1 to Mae Chan/ Mae Sai, then turn right to Chaing Saen highway 1016)
At the Golden Triangle we took a boat ride. Be careful with the prices, it goes from 1200/1500 down to 500 Bath (price for 3 people). Walk around a bit and dare to ask everyone for prices.
There're more "boat operators"
Written August 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert A
Chiang Mai, Thailand62 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Visiting the actual triange on the Mekong River doesn't sound very exciting but it is of great interest given the history of the area. And to see what the Chinese are doing across the border in Laos is almost criminal. You must visit The Opium Museum - you will be gob-smacked at the level of detail and the extensive layout of the place - truly amazing!
Written July 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mackasx2
Sunshine Coast, Australia254 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
We were surprised by the feelings this area provoked.
Overlooking the three countries (Laos, Myanmar and Thailand) and thinking of the history of the Mekong River was quite amazing. There is so much that has happened in this area it is hard not to go back in time.
There are a lot of markets here and also tourist attractions. A big gold Buddha holds pride of place but there is also a very old temple at the top of the hill which is worth a look.
You can take a boat trip on the Mekong so you can say you have been to the three countries.....we didn't bother.
Also from Thailand, you can see a large red roofed building in Myanmar and if you look over to Laos, you can see a large building with a blue skylight roof. Apparently both these buildings are casinos.
Overlooking the three countries (Laos, Myanmar and Thailand) and thinking of the history of the Mekong River was quite amazing. There is so much that has happened in this area it is hard not to go back in time.
There are a lot of markets here and also tourist attractions. A big gold Buddha holds pride of place but there is also a very old temple at the top of the hill which is worth a look.
You can take a boat trip on the Mekong so you can say you have been to the three countries.....we didn't bother.
Also from Thailand, you can see a large red roofed building in Myanmar and if you look over to Laos, you can see a large building with a blue skylight roof. Apparently both these buildings are casinos.
Written June 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean J
Chiang Rai16 contributions
Dec 2011 • Friends
In the Opium Museum in the middle of Ban Sop Ruak, mostly called the Golden Triangle, you find probably the worlds greatest collection of parafernalia related to the use of opium. The museum houses an amazing collection and explains with texts, drawings, pictures and maps the history of opium cultivation and trade of this area. It's a relative small museum and aside of the opium theme also tobacco and the 'Long Neck' Karen have their own attention.
Visiting the original golden triangle (the sandbank in the river - later a greater geographical area) this little museum is a must. The entrance is about one US dollar and you can buy quality souvenirs, books and coffee as well and at on top of that for reasonable prizes.
The Hall of Opium is not a museum but a more Disney-like presentation of the same theme. The 'book' of the exhibition was written by an American, a Bangkok design studio stood for the display and a Japanese foundation paid the bill. The management resorts under the Mae Fah Luang Foundation and it has double prizing (foreigners pay as much as about 10 dollars).
Visiting the original golden triangle (the sandbank in the river - later a greater geographical area) this little museum is a must. The entrance is about one US dollar and you can buy quality souvenirs, books and coffee as well and at on top of that for reasonable prizes.
The Hall of Opium is not a museum but a more Disney-like presentation of the same theme. The 'book' of the exhibition was written by an American, a Bangkok design studio stood for the display and a Japanese foundation paid the bill. The management resorts under the Mae Fah Luang Foundation and it has double prizing (foreigners pay as much as about 10 dollars).
Written August 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Come si può arrivare in questo luogo dal centro di Chiang Rai? grazie..
Written October 28, 2016
Il modo migliore per spostarsi è tramite escursioni organizzate (sia dall'Italia sia direttamente in Thailandia).
Written November 1, 2016
We are going to Thailand in December 2015. We are planning to go to the golden triangle. I have a couple of questions. 1.) we are planning to drive from Chiang Rai then take a boat to mai Sai or Sop Ruak (not sure)? Where do we get the boat and is it safe to leave the car behind? 2) The markets at Sop Ruak what days are they open and when is the best time to go?
Any other details to help us go to the three countries will be appreciated. Thanks
Written May 14, 2015
Hi, We took Golden triangle day tour which began in Chiang May and finished in Chiang Rai. So, one option is to take a day tour from Chiang Rai.
In Soap Ruaki port there are many boats waiting for tourists. You can join group or take a private boat.
As I know, Thai people are very honest, so it should be safe to leave the car to the parking lot.
Written May 15, 2015
How about Mobile data roaming network available at this resort ?
Is Ooredoo network available at resort ?
How about DhiMobile ?
Reason why becuase my malaysia telco have listed above two operators as data roaming partners.
I worry whether above telcos signals / network available at this Meedhupauru resort ?
Thanks,
Sunny
Written December 27, 2014
I think you have selected the wrong place for your question. Or Tripadvisor messed it up.
This place, the Golden Triangle is in Northern Thailand.
There is mobile roaming provided. Local mobile providers are DTAC, AIS or True.
The ones you ask about are based on the Maldives and are not available in Thailand. Likely they have roaming contracts with the local providers here. This is a question which needs to be directed to the providers of your sim.
Written December 28, 2014
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing