Bordertown Shuffle

We drove for a short time and arrived at the border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Not much of an event here, we just looked over the border across a river and saw the entrance to Myanmar. That was it. Now off to opium country.

On the border….

Sart and his second career

The dreaded ice-beer shot

This area in Thailand was / is known as the “Golden Triangle” because the three countries, Thailand, Myanmar & Laos, meet at this point and are only separated by the Mekong river.

Nice vista but the real history here is opium. For hundreds of years this was the region where opium was grown, harvested, processed and enjoyed. Opium dens lined the streets and a “laid back” culture took control. That was then.

Now, this area is known more for tourism than opium. Enterprising as they are, the locals decided that since selling opium was now taboo, let’s do a show & tell instead. The museum, although interesting wasn’t something we requested as part of our tour, but it was close so why not.

The proper way to kill yourself with opium

Dried opium pods

We saw how opium poppy’s are were grown, how to process the raw opium and then the various methods of enjoying the fruits of your labor. And that’s about all I can say for that…….

Back to the van and time for lunch.

After another great meal, this one was traditional Thai from a local restaurant that was one of Sart’s favorites. Just so happens that his Uncle owns the place but hey, still good food!

Off to the Laos Island Market!

Ugh, what a disappointment! First impressions were that this dirt market located right across the river from where we parked, is nothing more than cigarettes, bottles of booze with bugs or snakes in them, and knock-off purses and luggage. Nothing more to say except if you ever travel here and they want to include Laos Island Market in your adventure, PASS!!!!!

Poisonous snakes fermenting in moonshine! Ah yes, just the cure for what ails you.

Justin’s favorite. I believe this now resides on his dresser.

Laos marketplace

End of our tour in the mountain region of Thailand. Great tour with Sart and Mr. Noon and saw lots. Tomorrow we fly to Phuket, the tourist hub of Thailand, for a few days of beach and R&R.