Thailand's Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is located in the far northeastern area of Thailand, the northwestern part of Laos and the eastern region of Myanmar. This triangular area spans roughly 365,000 square kilometres and earnt its name in reference to the region's association with the illicit opium trade. The convergence of the three borders is situated along the banks of the Mekong River, which runs through much of Southeast Asia. The Mekong serves as a key geographic feature of the region, providing both a lifeline for transportation and trade, as well as a natural barrier between the countries. At this point, the Mekong River meets the Ruak River, which forms the natural boundary between Myanmar and Thailand, creating a distinctive riverine border that defines the heart of the Golden Triangle.

In its most ancient form, the region was part of the powerful kingdom of the Mon and later, the Burmese Empire. The Mon people, whose history dates back to 3000BC, were among the first to introduce Theravada Buddhism to Southeast Asia. As Buddhism spread from India, the mystical, spiritual influence of these early settlers left an indelible mark on the culture and folklore of the region. The mythical narratives of gods, spirits and demons were stories passed down through generations.

The borderlands became notorious when the seeds of the heroin trade were sown in the 19th century, during the colonial expansion of Britain. Although widely used for thousands of years for medicinal and recreational purposes, the British established large scale opium production to supply the growing demand for the drug, particularly in China. The production of opium in Myanmar’s Shan State became the centrepiece of this illicit industry and its remote location, coupled with its lack of effective government oversight, created the perfect conditions for an underground economy to boom.

The shift from opium to heroin began in earnest in the 1940's & 50s. The process of converting raw opium into heroin became increasingly sophisticated, making the drug easier to transport and far more addictive. In the 1960s and 1970s, as political instability spread across the region, the Golden Triangle became a hotbed for heroin production. The area was home to numerous guerrilla groups, ethnic militias and rebel forces, many of whom turned to heroin production as a means of funding their operations. The remote terrain made it difficult for governments to intervene, allowing drug cartels to thrive.

Perhaps the most infamous figure in the history of the Golden Triangle was Khun Sa, a warlord of Shan ethnic descent. In the 70-80's, Khun Sa controlled one of the largest heroin empires in the world. Operating primarily out of Myanmar’s Shan State, Khun Sa and his forces took advantage of the political vacuum left by the Burmese military government. His "Golden Triangle Army" controlled much of the region’s poppy fields and heroin production and he became known as "The King of the Golden Triangle." His reign over the heroin trade was marked by violence and brutality but also by his ability to navigate the complex web of local ethnic groups, militia and international law enforcement. For years, he managed to avoid capture despite being one of the world’s most wanted drug lords. His control over the heroin trade, coupled with his alliances with various political factions, made him one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the region. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Khun Sa finally surrendered to Myanmar’s government but by then, the heroin trade was well established.

In the modern era, heroin production remains a thorny issue for Southeast Asia, with Myanmar still ranking among the world’s largest producers of opium. Although activity has shifted to other regions, the Golden Triangle’s legacy continues to shape local communities and influence global drug policy. Its impact is deeply felt across the borderlands, where it has fueled conflict, entrenched poverty and devastated entire generations. While there has been progress in combating the opiate trade, it remains a powerful force within the global narcotics underworld. The Golden Triangle remains synonymous with the illicit heroin trade, a legacy of violence, addiction and the enduring power of the drug lords who still rule the area.

Location : Golden Triangle Viewpoint, Sop Ruak Village, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

How to get there : The Golden Triangle at Sop Ruak is about 70km's or a 1-2 hour drive from Chiang Rai city. The easiest way to get there is via taxi and will cost about 800THB. Alternatively, catch a bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 and take a public bus to Chiang Saen. Buses depart regularly and the fare is around 60THB.​ Upon arrival in Chiang Saen, transfer to a blue songthaew heading to Sop Ruak. The fare is approximately 20 THB and they operate every 20 minutes from 8am - 12pm. Many tour groups will also include a visit here, along with stops at the famous temples.

Attraction info : This scenic lookout looks over the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, with flags marking each country. It is always "open" and is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.

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