In the north of Thailand lies a beautiful province Chiang Rai. It’s capital is a smaller city with lots of charm. Round lanterns bedecked the streets in preparation for the Chinese New Year and the city just glowed.

Outside of Chiang Rai there is a shiny white and silver temple, Wat Rong Khun that is being built by a Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, (a 50 yr project) and already attracts huge crowds to help pay for it.  Part Salvador Dali part Vegas, it is garish and is intended to show the path from living a bad life to a good life. Small ornaments can be purchased to obtain good karma.  No pics allowed inside and strict surveillance is employed. Not sure how I felt about it….

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The Golden Triangle is north of Chiang Raiand is actually the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos through which flows the Mekong River. This mighty river originates in Tibet, and flows through China, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam into the South China Sea.  If you want to take a “slow boat to China” it takes about 2 days traveling north.  This area has been home to the opium trade for centuries and still is today with poppy fields hidden in the jungle.  It is thought that opium originated around the Mediterranean and was brought to China and India by Alexander the Great. Britain later capitalized on trading tea for opium leading to the opium wars.  These Chinese growers probably brought the cultivation of poppies to the Golden Triangle.

Near this area lies the Doi Tung Royal Villa that was constructed in the late 20th century under the order of Princess Srinagarindra.  It is believed that besides serving as a home for the princess, Doi Tung’s purpose was to dissuade the nearby hill tribes from growing opium.  The garden is gorgeous. Worthy of your time.

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