Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( Rte 1290; admission 200B; 8.30am-4pm Tue-Sun)
One kilometre north of Sop Ruak on a
40-hectare plot opposite the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, the Mae Fah Luang
Foundation has established the 5600-sq-metre Hall of Opium. The multi-media exhibi-
tions include a fascinating history of opium, as well as engaging and informative displays
on the effects of abuse on individuals and society. Well balanced and worth seeing.
House of Opium
(
www.houseofopium.com
; Rte 1290; admission 50B; 7am-7pm)
This small museum with historical
displays pertaining to opium culture is worth a peek. Exhibits include all the various im-
plements used in the planting, harvest, use and trade of the
Papaver somniferum
resin, in-
cluding pipes, weights, scales and so on, plus photos and maps with labels in English. The
museum is at the southeastern end of Sop Ruak, virtually across from Phra Chiang Saen
Si Phaendin.
MUSEUM
Phra Chiang Saen Si
Phaendin
( Rte 1290; 7am-9pm)
The first sight you'll inevitably see in Sop Ruak is Phra Chi-
ang Saen Si Phaendin, a giant Buddha statue financed by a Thai-Chinese foundation. The
statue straddles a boat-like platform, and visitors are encouraged to donate by rolling
coins from an elevated platform behind the statue.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Wat Prathat Pukhao
( Rte 1290; daylight hours)
Next to the House of Opium are some steps up to the
Buddhist Wat Prathat Pukhao, from where you get the best viewpoint of the Mekong
meeting of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Mekong River Cruises
(1hr cruise max 5 people per boat 400B; 6am-6pm)
Long-tail boat trips on the Mekong River can
be arranged at one of various piers. The typical trip involves a circuit upriver for a view of
Myanmar's casino hotel and a stop at the Lao island of
Don Sao
, roughly halfway between
Sop Ruak and Chiang Saen. Upon arrival in Laos, a 30B tax is collected from each visitor.
RIVER CRUISE
Sleeping & Eating
