The tourists travelled aboard two Chinese boats (“Yenta 7” and “Yenta 8”) and one Thai boat (“Kasalongkham”) that departed the Guan Lei port in China’s Yunnan province.

They are mostly from the lowlands of Xishuangbanna and included 180 Chinese media members.

Company executive Chu Xuan Xu, who led the tour group, said this was the first time Chinese tourists had visited Thailand via the Mekong River, which linked China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and was usually used for cargo transport.

Chu said the group was impressed by the beautiful natural riverside sceneries.

He said as many Chinese tourists were keen on travelling to the Golden Triangle, this colourful river cruise route had high tourism potential.

The Chinese tourists are scheduled to stay in Thailand for three days and will visit Chiang Rai attractions including the Doi Tung development project, Baandum Museum (Thawan Duchanee) and Wat Rong Khun, as well as attractions on Myanmar’s Tha Chilek side.