In 2008, Chiang Saen in Thailand's Golden Triangle in the northern province of Chiang Rai will be hosting the Mekong River ITU Triathlon. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Rai provincial authorities, Chiang Saen municipality, the Triathlon Association of Thailand and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) are jointly organizing the 2008 Mekong River International ITU Triathlon Asian Cup competition to promote sports tourism and foster closer relations among the six Greater Mekong Subregion member countries namely Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and southern China.

The ancient Lanna capital and historic town of Chiang Saen is at the crossroads where people of various ethnic origins such as the Akha, Hmong and Lisu hill-tribe people, Burmese, Laotians and Thais converge. It remains a quiet rural town and an important trading post on the bank of the Mekong River.

The Golden Triangle is a scenic area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. The name conjures up images of mist-shrouded mountains and forested slopes – home of the hill-tribe villages overlooking the mighty Mekong River.

Mystical Chiang Saen Destination Highlights