THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

The Golden Triangle in  Northern Thailand or more locally known as Sop Ruak was the center of illicit activities , the growing and transportation of opium and heroin. It was said that most of the world's heroin came from Golden Triangle until the early 21st century.  The name  was given to the area where  Thailand, Laos and Burma(Myanmar) meets.

 Another version is .It was named "golden triangle because of the high the price of opium at that time and the area is in a triangle shape.

 

The local name  Sop Ruak means)it is where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River. These rivers serves as natural boundary to three countries, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. 

According to our guide, the Mekong River used to be abundant with fishes, not just fishes but giant catfish. They used to catch big fishes  in the river before not after China started building  a dam in the border. He also told us about a giant fish caught by American soldiers in 1973.See pic below.

There are boats for hire if anyone wishes to cruise the river but you will not be allowed to enter Laos without a visa. A newly built casino of Laos is just across the river.By the way it was so humid and foggy when we arrived there, hence my blurred photos.

 

There is not much to see here. A picture taking  at the view deck and your done. 

I think to compensate the lack of attraction in the area, they built a giant golden Buddha and other figures like elephants and mermaids. 

 

At present the land is uninhabited but a Opium Museum was erected to commemorate the history of the place and no one among the bordering countries claim authority. It's a no man's island