#4: The Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos converge by the Ruak and Mekong rivers, isn’t as golden as it sounds. Named for the overlapping mountainous region, it contrasts with the vibrant landscapes nearby.

Contrary to its appealing name, the Golden Crescent, encompassing this triangle, is infamous for illicit opium cultivation. Despite the allure of the riverside triangle, venturing into the mountainous meeting points is highly discouraged.