Hi, when we are in Chiang Mai, we are thinking of heading up to the border to extend our visa's. Can someone give me an idea what there is too see up there????

Thanks

Karin

since in the area, a trip over to golden triangle would be nice. although the triangle itself is nothing special except it's reputation, there is a very nice opium museum there, giving a non white washed view of the history of opium and thailands use/abuse/rehab from it. excellent place, started by royal family, do a google search and you should get plenty of info. less than 100 kms from mae sai, which except for the border crossing and large markets selling wares from across border and the usually thai trinkets and junk, not much you probably can't get in CM. maybe a bit cheaper. but the museum is located in chiang saen on the river, with, i'm guessing, plenty of guesthouses along the river to stay at. seemed like a nice town, but i was moving on and stayed a bit further down the road at chiang khong, which was about the same type of town, with guesthouses along the river and restaurants. good luck and if can't find info about opium museum, post and i'll dig up what i have. there is another opium museum, private run, i'd pass that up for the one established by the royal family. it was the highlight for the whole north of thailand for me.

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LA
http://www.geocities.com/laphanphon/hp.html

ok, made the small effort needed, link below.
TOURISM NEWS -- EXPLORING THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: New Perspectives of Mystical Chiang Saen

__________________
LA
http://www.geocities.com/laphanphon/hp.html

a link for the museum itself:

Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room

__________________
LA
http://www.geocities.com/laphanphon/hp.html

the GT - I think the border / river town is Sop Ruak or something, but that is just from memory. You can buy all kinds of Chinese goods like mushrooms there at knock down prices. The food at the restaurants by the water are great too. I think the way the little clouds peel off one by one from the mountain mists then float just above and along the Mekhong is a site I will never forget. What used to be Le Meridien Hotel there is well worth a stay.

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Thanks for that La and Mark. Any other favourite places in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas??? Will have a look at your links tomorrow La. Thanks for that. Really appreciate it.

Karin