Golden Triangle tour with boat on Mae Khong River and Laos entry

The Golden Triangle sits where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at a single point in the river.

A seven to eight hour tour from town to the Golden Triangle, where you see three countries' borders from a slow boat along Mae Khong River, visit the Hall of Opium Museum, and cross into Laos at a special business area near Bokeaw. The tour includes pickup within three kilometers of town, water, traveling insurance and a live English-speaking guide. Boat passage and museum entry are paid separately at the site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Golden Triangle and surroundings

• See views of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos
• Visit Hall of Opium Museum
• Shop and relax at museum house
• Visit Laos border market and new Chinatown
• Boat sightseeing along Mae Khong River

The experience

The route heads northeast from town to the Golden Triangle, where the Mae Khong River forms the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. A car drive takes you up to Doi Wao temple, then down to the riverbank for a slow boat ride along four kilometers of the river. From the water you see all three countries at once, and the boat passes close to an island in the middle. The triangle island, which was a drug trade center in the 1960s. The Hall of Opium Museum sits in this area and holds a private collection of objects from the region's history. You can browse and rest there before moving on.

After the museum, the tour crosses into Laos at a special business area and visits Bokeaw's market near the border. A restaurant stop along the river gives time to eat and take in the view. The whole day runs seven to eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Water and traveling insurance are provided. You pay separately for the boat ride, museum entry and the Laos border crossing at the time of each stop. Your guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off within three kilometers of town.
• water during the drive.
• traveling insurance for the full trip.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• a car drive up to Doi Wao temple.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (5 to 80 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 37 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 34

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Benja Tepin

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the slow boat on the Mekong to be the main event rather than a quick stop: the route visits three countries' borders with time to linger at Triangle Island and explore the Laos business zone, plus temple and riverside dining included.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Golden Triangle and why is it called that?

The Golden Triangle is the point where the Mae Khong River forms the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, creating a triangle shape when viewed from above. It was historically known as a major drug trade area from the 1960s onward, and the Hall of Opium Museum documents that history through its collection of artifacts and objects from the region.

Do I need a visa to enter Laos on this tour?

The tour includes entry to Laos at a special business area near Bokeaw, but you pay the entrance fee separately at the border: 500 baht per person. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Check your country's requirements before booking, as the tour operator does not arrange visas.

What does the boat ride along Mae Khong River include?

The slow boat travels four kilometers along the river, passing the triangle island and giving views of all three countries' borders from the water. The boat ride costs 500 baht per person, paid at the time of the trip, and is not included in the tour price.

How much time do we spend at the Hall of Opium Museum?

The itinerary includes a stop at the Hall of Opium Museum to see the private collection and relax at the house, with time to shop for souvenirs. Entry is paid separately at the museum, 80 baht, and the duration of the stop is set by the tour schedule across the seven to eight hour day.

What meals are included, and where do we eat?

A restaurant stop near the river is built into the tour for a meal with a view. Food is ordered from the menu and paid separately. Prices range from 100 to 190 baht depending on what you choose. Water is provided during the car portions of the day.