The Golden Triangle is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. The name “Golden Triangle”—coined by the CIA—is commonly used more broadly to refer to an area of approximately 950,000 square kilometres that overlaps the mountains of the three adjacent countries. This wider area is closely associated with the growing and distribution of opium. Nowadays it is a tourist destination with boat trips from Sop Ruak across to either Myanmar or Laos where the are parks and tourist attractions including a giant Buddha.

In 1986 however, there were no cross border trips available and indeed there was only one monument. Viewing the confluence had to be done from a distance. Nevertheless, this was my first tripoint and the beginning of a journey to visit many more.

YouTube Videos of LAMMTH ( a more modern view)