The Golden Triangle Rider

Captain_Slash

I took the 24 to Det Udom then the 2182 to Buntharik and on to where the army checkpoint is

The checkpoint is open today and only 1 or 2 km later the tarmac finishes

Its then this dirt track which has some deep puddles in places but didnt appear slippery

When I saw this marker post I wondered if I was in Laos

But a km or so farther on I came to the border, all I had to do was put my name in the book to go across, no passport was asked for. One of the soldiers saw my camera and said no pictures in Laos

Once out of sight it was out with the camera and it was a pleasant walk through the trees to the Laos market

The market consisted of about four places all selling the same stuff

Beerlao, reputed by many to be the best beer brewed in Asia, it certainly is better than the crap brewed here

The other side of the market was just this track to the next village

Back to Thailand and they are packing up to go home and its only just gone midday

Its back to Buntharik and a left onto the 2248

I ride about 15 km and take a left, the 2254 which goes about 10 km then stops at a village

The road is in good condition but has two holes one at each end of the bridge, I guess its cheaper to put a stick in them then fill the hole

Its back on the 2248 again

I come to a sign saying The Emerald Triangle and a left turn but no road number

Its a brilliant piece of road with only one bit that has subsided and the scenery is great too. I get stopped at the army checkpoint and he says if I want to go any further I have to walk

The end of the road, only about 200 metres since I left the bike

So this is the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. I make my way back to the 2248 and carry on to Nam Yuen then its the 2171 to Det Udom then back up the 24 home. A 400 km trip today and the only time I have ever set foot in Laos
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If Typhoo Put The T In Britain Who Put The C_unt In Scunthorpe

Auke · Posted: 30.11.2007, 07:45 Post subject:

Good to see that the "Emerald Triangle" has not changed other than that the Thais have put in a nice road.

A few years ago there were big plans for this border point (casino's, hotels, etc.) but the three countries involved could not agree on who would pay for the de-mining of this area (seems to be heavily mined) so I guess they have decided to shelve the plans for the time being.
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Take the unfamiliar road or trail, you never know what you might find.

Peter Hooper · Posted: 30.11.2007, 09:07 Post subject:

Did you make it to the Huey Luang waterfall near the border Colin ? Should be spectacular this time of year although it dries up by about May.

If you're coming to Sisaket today (Friday) there is a big party tonight at the Sugar Pub to celebrate 8 years of operation. A few sore heads in that time. All the bikers should be there.
Tomorrow night there is a Bike Party at Suan Somdet Park hosted by Sisaket Free Riders.

Radar won't be at any of the above because he is back in hospital again, stomach ulcers he says. He is in pretty bad shape and I willl try to get to see him today.

Cheers, Peter
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"The Journey is the Destination"

Davidfl · Posted: 30.11.2007, 09:47 Post subject:

Capt. Slash
Like this report, especially your "trip into Laos" - did you have a beer or not?
Also like the pic of the stick inthe road "filling in the hole."
Keep up the good work.
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Davidfl
Keep The Power On

Captain_Slash · Posted: 30.11.2007, 19:00 Post subject:

No beer yet David, I havent touched a drop for about 5 weeks now, I prefer UK beer
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If Typhoo Put The T In Britain Who Put The C_unt In Scunthorpe