Infamous or legendary, it covers a large area involving Northern Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Southern China. The Golden Triangle is a region where all kinds of smuggling have taken place historically. Primarily famous for opium that used to be the currency in the hills here, but also for guns, gems, human trafficking and amphetamine. There is a long history relating to this, going back to the opium war.

Then the migration of hill tribes into Thailand brought opium with them. Then the trade of colonial powers like England and France and complicated allegiances during the Indo – China conflicts. The smuggling involved and involves even today various drug lords and regional armies.

Back in the days, it was the Shan commander Khun Sa, General Li Mi of the Kuomintang, and in more recent times, people like Wei Hsueh-Kang, commander of the United Wa State Army and in big in the jade and drug trade. There is plenty of players and involvement, and corruption is plentiful high up in the hierarchy of Myanmar’s top brass. However, I am not digging deeper into that here. The point is that the real Golden Triangle is so much more than a sign declaring where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

The Golden Triangle is today a tourist attraction called สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ Saam Liam Thong Kham. Locally known by Sop Ruak, the Mekong River meets the Ruak River.

Reginald Le May about the Mekong and Golden Triangle

Reginald Le May served with the British legation in Bangkok for a while and as Vice Consul in the north. In An Asian Arcady is an account of a long trip he took by an elephant in 1914.

Below my feet the river bank went sheer down for nearly fifty feet; the river itself was a mighty expanse of water flowing swift and clear, with just the top of an island showing, and far away on the other side the bank rose fully as high again, lined with row upon row of tall palms, looking like small shrubs in the distance.

Reginald Le May, An Asian Arcady, Cambridge 1926. Reprinted in Bangkok 1986.

Anyway, when you travel to Sop Ruak, there will be police and military checkpoints. Call it a witness that trade and smuggling are still present. But the landscape at Sop Ruak, even though recently infested with casinos on the Myanmar and Laos side, is very picturesque. One of the best places to enjoy the view is to have lunch on the terrace of the Golden Triangle Imperial hotel with the idea of the border meeting of the three countries. If the restaurant is busy, they set up a buffet here with some lovely spring rolls, pad thai and other dishes.

I always saved myself for the creme caramel dessert. Staying overnight at this classic hotel is also not a bad idea, but make sure to book a room with a Mekong River view.

When it comes to my touring in the north, I have only stayed overnight here a few times. Sop Ruak’s attractions consist of the viewpoint, a small tourist market and two opium museums.

What is also popular is to rent a boat to go out on the Mekong to get close to the neighbouring countries borders. Then do a close up with the ship to the casino in Myanmar.

In the old days, we usually went to the small Laotian island Don Sao. It was charming and laid back, kapok trees growing here and there. It was to get a flavour of Laos, maybe try some Beer Laos, enjoy some knockoff deals, or buy a postcard and post it from Laos.

Nowadays, the landscape has changed entirely on Don Sao, with the casino, a China Town and an arena. The island is apparently on lease to China. In more recent years, we have preferred not to go to Don Sao. But if you intend to, make sure that you bring your passport.

If you don’t overnight here, just a half-day is more than enough before you continue to Chiang Saen or Chiang Kong.

Four things to recommend to do in Sop Ruak/Golden Triangle:

1. Have lunch at the Golden Imperial for the view and atmosphere(sit outside). You can also go to the top of Wat Phra That Doi Phu Kao. Walk the Naga staircase or follow the road up to the hilltop for stunning views.
2. Visit an opium museum (you will also learn about the hill tribes and their culture). House of Opium or the larger Golden Triangle Hall of Opium.
3. Shop around at the small market
4. Take a boat ride on the Mekong

When you are in this area, it is well worth continuing to the charming riverine Town of Chiang Sean. Read more about it here.

Documentary about Khun Sa

Lastly, If you like to dig in a bit deeper into some of the poppy, opium and heroin-related history of the area, here is a YouTube video documentary about Khun Sa, the most wanted, unwanted drug lord or freedom fighter friend and foe with everyone.