Chiang Rai, is the capital of Thailand's northern most province and about an hour and a half from Bangkok by Thai Airways or Asia Air. It is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery, the romantic Mekong river, un spoilt hill tribe villages, the Golden triangle, temples, pagodas and other ancient sites and ruins. It is an excellent starting point to various forested mountains, to border town of Mae Sai and the chance to cross to Burmese town of Tachilek Heading to northeast is Chiang Saen on the banks of spectacular Mekong river, it is a short drive to the Golden Triangle, the area where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet. The Golden Triangle is also infamous for its opium production estimated about 3000 tons per annum. Now it is also becoming a great addition to that golf vacation holiday in Northern Thailand whether starting out in Chiang Rai or beginning in Chiang Mai. Combined, the two areas are just a short 30 minute flight from each other or a four hour drive across some beautiful scenery. Santiburi Chiang Rai has long been rated as one of the very best golf courses in Asia and is still highly rated by the readers of Golf Digest. Combined with Waterford Resort and Golf Club, they provide a good two or three rounds of play while visiting this very unique area of Thailand. Booking tee times are easy with Golf A La Cart and off season specials are available now. To sample golf in Burma, we offer a side excursion to Mae Sae, the Thai boarder town just across from Tachilek. A day trip there is a very unique golfing experience and there are some good shopping bargains available when entering back into Thailand.