The Golden Triangle: Thailand, Laos & Myanmar.
Posted by: 
Ianatlarge
N 20° 21.168 E 100° 04.974
47Q E 613027 N 2250894
The historic meeting point, now tourist destination, of these Thailand, Laos & Myanmar.
Waymark Code: WMDZYN
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 03/15/2012
Views: 14
First, let's define what we are talking about. The definition of the 'Golden Triangle', as used for this waymark, is the junction of the three countries of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Rivers delineate the borders. Think of a 'Y' lying on its side, pointing to the right. The lower part is Thailand, the left is Myanmar, the right is Laos. Simple. To the west the Ruak River separates Thailand and Myanmar. To the east the Mekong River creates the border between Laos, and Myanmar and Thailand.
The waymark location is in the Thai village of Sop Ruak. Once tiny and forlorn it is now rapidly becoming a tourist destination with a variety of made to order tourist attractions. There is a kilometre or so of markets along the Mekong selling tourist trinkets, while new hotels, guest houses, and whatnot, all with names beginning with 'Golden Triangle...', abound. Also lots of religious statuary, lots of ferries ready to sail you up and down the river, or even across, if your visa will allow. AND lots and lots of 'Golden Triangle' signs. The various merchants and such seemed oddly reserved when I visited. No aggressive marketing.
The waymark was made at the 'official' pillar on the Mekong. This is at the confluence location. While, from this spot, the confluence can be seen, a far better view can be obtained from the a viewing point from a hill above, which is in the grounds of the Buddhist temple Wat Prathat Pukhao (photo from this location in the gallery).
Getting there:
Getting there is easy enough. From the provincial capital of Chiang Rai, only 70kms distant, there are at least several semi-regular buses traversing the route. There are also mini-buses services, most likely organised by travel agents, travelling from Chiang Rai. Motorbike and private car are also viable options. The road was undergoing extensive upgrade in March 2012.
While once upon a time this was a somewhat dangerous area, in the 21st century it is now safe and secure. There are any number of other attractions in the general vicinity. Schedule at least a day.
The other Golden Triangle is a region of northern Thailand, eastern Burma, western Laos, and western Vietnam, where, allegedly, a great deal of illicit opium production takes place, however, the police of this region have taken this matter firmly in hand.
Political Entities:
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar.
Type of Location: International Tripoint
Current or Historic: Current Border
Period of the tripoint: Several centuries previous.
URL: [Web Link]
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