Being stuck in northern Thailand during the Covid-19 outbreak of 2020, we decided to leave Chiang Rai for a short motorbike tour. The first stop of this trip was the Phi Pan Nam Mountain Range where we spent a night camping on Phu Chi Fa Forest Park and went for a short hike on Doi Pha Tang Mountain in the morning. Now, still early morning, it was time to leave the mountains and go for a ride along the entire length of the Thai bank of the Mekong River.
We met Mekong River at Ban Chaem Pong Village and closely followed the bank until the so-called Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge at the confluence of Mekong and Ruak rivers. It was a pretty long way, some 150 km altogether along the riverbank alone, but not in the least boring. The views of the broad river from up the cliffs, with the occasional vessel gliding quietly over its slow-flowing surface, kept our interest high during the whole trip. This was definitely one of the best bike routes I have ever driven in Thailand.
Shortly after we met the Mekong at Ban Chaem Pong, we stopped for a coffee at a place called Panorama Coffe (coordinates: 20.1679, 100.4921). They had a cozy terrace at the edge of a steep hill over the river. We got a seat in a comfy couch and spent there some two hours marveling at the epical view of the Mekong and Laos across. The owners were also exceptionally friendly.
Interesting was also driving under the Chiang Kong Border bridge that connects Thailand and Laos. I don’t know how busy this should normally be, but then it was altogether deserted due to the Covid-19-related border shutdown.
We kept driving, now on a motorway, then on small regional dirt-roads, going past many a cute little village and numerous viewpoints. By afternoon, we finally made it to Chiang Saen fort town. We had a late lunch in one of the few open restaurants by the riverbank, surveying the Mekong while eating. We then drove around a bit and checked out the town’s copious historical sights and its ancient walls.
Lastly, we drove for a few more km until the point where the Thai Mekong bank ends and Myanmar takes over. This spot, known as the Golden Triangle, is where the three Southeast Asian countries meet each other. Apart from the nice views, we also got to see a lavish temple and Buddha statue that is located on the spot. There is also a museum called the Opium House, which must surely be very interesting, but was unfortunately closed during our visit.
After a beer, we got on the motorway and drove straight-line back to Chiang Rai.
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