The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort

The Golden Triangle (Chiang Rai nearest VT spot!)

by Ric

"GOLDEN TRIANGLE: Thailand, Burma, Laos"

The Mekong River confluence of Thailand (left), Burma (above) and Laos (right, not visible). Still a wonderful place for trekkers and those who want to get away from "most of it" but not all of it. Affirmative to all of the following: cheap internet, fantastic food, good prices, drugs... Thailand's Queen Mother has built a state-of-the-art Opium Hall (anti-drug museum), which is not to be missed.

"GOLDEN TRIANGLE: Chiangsaen, Thailand"

Chiangsen on the Mekong River boasts luxury hotels (Imperial Golden Triangle) as well as economical guest houses. It is the old capital of the Lanna Kingdom before it transferred to Chang Rai, away from the Mekong. The giant Buddha and two elephant statues dominate the riverfront; it is a way station for many forest monks.

"GOLDEN TRIANGLE: Taichelek, Myanmar/Burma"

Lively regional trade through this back door to Burma. A one-day visit (visa $5) to Taichelek includes the fantastic open market and a dramatic hillside vista from Taichelek's copy of the Wat Po (original in Yangon/Rangoon). Be sure to return to the Thai side before immigration officers decide to quit for the day!

The Akha Tribe

by easterntrekker

This Hill Tribe originated in China. and migrated from Burma to Thailand in 1903. Today their are more than 30,00o Ahah people in Thailand.

We first met the Akha people in the HillTop Tribe co-op center which is North of Chaig Rai. They had a little village with it's traditional wooden gate decorated with charms to ward off evil spirits .The Akha house is made from bamboo, wood and the roof from cogon grass. The house is built on stilts and the living section is divided into two rooms - a women's room and a man's room.

They were very welcoming with big smiles for us . When they spotted us approaching they rounded up a few of their neighbors a put on a dancing show with traditional music.

While in Northern Thailand we often saw people from the Akha tribe selling their crafts at night markets . It is are easy to recognize them as the women have elaborate headress decorated with feathers and beads.