In February, we rented a car from Chiang Mai and took a trip to Chiang Rai for a few days. We had visited Chiang Rai a few months earlier and absolutely loved the city, so going back was a must!

Chiang Rai has a certain charm—it’s peaceful yet full of things to do, with friendly locals and some of the best food in Thailand (in my opinion). It’s hard to explain without experiencing it yourself, but I’ve never been to a city quite like it. It’s busy, yet somehow calm at the same time.

With a full day and a car, we decided to explore some areas outside of Chiang Rai, and it ended up feeling like a mini educational tour! (Thanks to ChatGPT and YouTube for the history lessons!)

Where Did We Visit?

Tham Luang Nang Non Cave

We left Chiang Rai around 10 a.m. and drove approximately 1.5 hours to Tham Luang Nang Non Cave—a place that gained international attention in 2018 when 12 young boys from a football team and their coach became trapped inside. The dramatic rescue operation captivated the world, and their survival story was later turned into movies and documentaries. Visiting the site and learning more about what happened was a surreal and humbling experience.

Golden Triangle

Next, we drove to the infamous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) meet. This area was once the center of a booming opium trade and a key source of narcotics for the world. To my knowledge, this is no longer the case due to government intervention, but it’s still an incredibly interesting place to visit. From the Thai side, you can see the Special Economic Zone in Laos, which adds another unique element to the experience.

Tham Luang Nang Non Cave

The History of Tham Luang Nang Non Cave

The Tham Luang Nang Non Cave in Chiang Rai wasn’t always famous, but in 2018, it became the centre of one of the most intense and dramatic rescue missions in modern history. The rescue operation lasted 18 days and involved over 10,000 people, including Thai Navy SEALs, international cave divers, and volunteers from around the world. The conditions inside the cave were brutal—rising water levels, zero visibility, and dangerously tight spaces made the mission nearly impossible.

Against all odds, the team was eventually rescued in a highly dangerous operation where divers had to sedate the boys to prevent panic as they guided them through the flooded cave system. The world watched in awe as every single person was safely brought out. Since then, the cave has become a memorial and a site of deep historical significance.

How to Get to Tham Luang Nang Non Cave

Getting to Tham Luang Nang Non Cave is quite easy, whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorbike. The roads are well-paved, making it accessible for any mode of transport.

When you arrive, you’ll need to take a 40 THB shuttle service to the entrance of the national park. From there, you’ll transfer to another shuttle that operates on a tip-based system—I tipped 20 THB. This final shuttle takes you directly to the cave site.

What’s at the Site?

At the cave site, you’ll find several points of interest, all within close walking distance:

• The cave itself – The actual entrance where the boys and their coach were trapped.

• An artwork museum – Showcasing paintings and sculptures related to the rescue.

• A statue of the Navy SEAL – Dedicated to Saman Kunan, the Thai Navy SEAL who tragically lost his life during the rescue mission.

• A man-made replica of the cave – Giving visitors a better perspective of what it was like inside.

• A small café/shop – Selling drinks and snacks for visitors.

Inside the Cave

At the entrance, you’ll see actual items recovered from the rescue mission. One of the most significant artifacts is a set of bikes parked against a barrier—these were what initially alerted the families that the missing boys had entered the cave.

Other preserved items include oxygen tanks, shoes, backpacks, boots, and torches used during the rescue operation. Seeing these objects in person made the story feel even more real and put into perspective just how intense and challenging the rescue mission was.

You can walk about five minutes into the cave, where information signs provide details about the cave itself and the rescue operation. The signs are in Thai, but I took photos and used ChatGPT to translate them, which was a great way to understand everything in detail.

Doing this was incredibly interesting and really brought to life the severity of the situation and just how extraordinary everyone’s efforts were in rescuing the boys. Seeing the artifacts and learning about the operation firsthand made me appreciate the scale of the mission and the bravery of those involved even more.

Golden Triangle

History of the golden triangle

The Golden Triangle has a pretty wild history—it wasn’t always just a cool spot where three countries meet. For most of the 20th century, this area was one of the biggest opium-producing regions in the world. Farmers grew poppies in the mountains, and even governments were involved in the trade. By the 1960s and 70s, a huge chunk of the world’s heroin supply was coming from here, fueling international drug markets.

Eventually, Thailand cracked down hard on the industry, offering farmers alternative crops like coffee and tea to replace opium farming. These efforts worked, and today, Thailand’s side of the Golden Triangle is drug-free (officially, at least), but Myanmar and Laos still have some poppy fields. Now, the area is more about history, culture, and stunning river views rather than the shady past it was once known for!

If you’re interested in learning more about this side of history, the Opium Museum is a great place to visit. It dives deep into the region’s drug trade, the impact it had, and how things changed over time.

How to Get to the Golden Triangle

Getting to the Golden Triangle from Thailand is straightforward, with well-paved roads making the journey easy. There’s plenty of parking available, allowing you to get out and explore the area on foot. It’s located about one hour from Chiang Rai, making it an easy trip whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorbike. If you choose to travel by bike, the journey isn’t too long and is very manageable.

I also noticed that many tour companies offer guided tours of the Golden Triangle, which could be a great option if you prefer a hassle-free experience. These tours typically include transportation, historical insights from a guide, and visits to other attractions in the area, such as local temples, the Opium Museum, or even nearby villages.

If you don’t have your own transport or just want a more informative experience, booking a tour could be a convenient way to explore the region!

What Can You Do at the Golden Triangle?

There are a few interesting things to check out while you’re here:

• Stand in one spot and see three countries at once – Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all meet at this point, making it a unique experience.

• A market – Selling Thai souvenirs, clothing, and other local goods.

• Cafés and restaurants – A great spot to grab a drink or meal while enjoying the riverside views.

• Street food stalls – Offering local Thai snacks and dishes.

• Opium Museum – A highly recommended visit to learn about the area’s history with the opium trade.

Getting a Boat to Laos

Around the Golden Triangle, there are plenty of companies offering boat trips along the Mekong River. These tours take you around the Golden Triangle and also include a stop in Laos, where you can visit a market.

We didn’t do this ourselves since we weren’t particularly interested in visiting the market, but it could be a fun experience if you want to step foot in Laos, even for a short time. We inquired about the price, and it wasn’t too expensive. The tours seemed quite popular, as we saw plenty of boats running throughout the day.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to explore another country while in the Golden Triangle, this could be a great addition to your trip!

What is the Special Economic Zone?

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a city in Laos that you can see across the river from the Golden Triangle. The area is owned by a Chinese businessman and is home to the Roman Empire Casino. There are some fascinating YouTube documentaries and vlogs about this place, as it has a mysterious and somewhat controversial reputation. Let’s just say, not everything that happens there is great.

I really recommend doing this day trip from Chiang Rai—it’s both informative and a fun way to spend a few hours. Plus, parts of the drive itself is beautiful, with stunning views of rice fields and mountains along the way.

I hope you enjoy your trip! 😊