Fly Thai Air Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

Transfer by bus/mini van (60 km) to Chiang Saen - one of the oldest towns in Thailand and an ancient center of Lanna culture.

Picnic lunch in the lovely grounds of Wat Pa Sak (Teak Forest Temple) which dates back to the 11th Century.

Time to explore the Chiang Saen National Museum with its exquisite collection of stone carvings from the Lanna period, and to view the towering (58 m-190 ft) Wat Chedi Luang built in 1291.

Before leaving Chiang Saen we drive to the top of a hill (Wat PhraTha Pha Ngao) for a stunning panoramic view of the three nations in the Golden Triangle. The borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand all converge here beside the great Mekong.

Continuing west along Thailand's northern most road, we follow the course of the Mekong River through lush mountain scenery and lowland rice paddies another 60 km to Chiang Khong.

Ruanthai Sopahan Resort - a lovely teakwood mansion in the classic Lanna style -- is our lodging for the night. We sleep soundly, our first night beside the soft murmur of the Mekong - the great Mother of Waters.