House of Opium

Informative but won't get you high

Opium weights at the House of Opium

What we say: 3 stars

The House of Opium (Baan Fin in Thai) in Chiang Rai province's tiny Sob Ruak near the Golden Triangle is a small but worthwhile museum dedicated to the notorious soapy smelling resin of the poppy flower.

The flowers once covered huge swathes of mountain slope in this area and brought loads of money, and trouble, to the local people.

We didn't see anyone actually puffing opium here, but you can use your imagination while perusing displays of antique ceramic pipes.

Other exhibits include maps, dioramas, opium weights, wax sculptures of some very faded looking hill tribe people, and a notably thorough display that explains the history of opium in Southeast Asia and its major players like Khun Sa and the KMT.

Information is posted in English and Thai and there's even some info in French; you can also visit the newer Hall of Opium nearby.

More details
Central Sob Ruak
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00-20:00

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