This is the 2nd episode of my new series, where we are visiting Chinese related places all around Southeast Asia. Each episode is in another country. New video out every Friday, feel free to subscribe to follow the journey. More interesting places are coming 1st episode from a Chinese built ghost town in Malaysia: ua-cam.com/video/HLhHeMIZbOk/v-deo.htmlsi=5Wjt2mHAu_zj-DXv Instagram for daily updates instagram.com/ken_abroad/
That boat ride along Mekong River brings back memories for me. I, too, took that type of boat and the tour guide took us to a smaller town in Laos. There were lots of China goods/stuff 😂😅
Finally, you entered Laos for the first time... But I did not imagine that you used such a special way to enter the land of Laos, instead of arriving at Vientiane as your first station... Laos is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country! This Gold Triangle Zone is also a part of the diversity of Laos! Good luck to you and enjoy your travel there!❤❤❤
This Golden Triangle Zone is not the only one in Laos! You could go to Vientiane (capital) and Boten (northern gate of Laos), which are also heavily Chinese-influenced.
Just be careful in these places, Ken, don't trust anyone you meet in the street and avoid Sihanoukville in Cambodia where could be quite dangerous. BTW, the hotel manager you talked to sounds like Vietnamese even though he told you he's local, his English accent and appearance are like Vietnamese. Anyway, great video!
It was once backed by the Chinese government but with the thriving crimehub, the government has distanced itself and left it to the purview of the Laos government. Same thing is happening in Cambodia and Myanmar.
if boten, the one who developed it was a chinese businessman, he signed 99-year lease from Lao gov in 2003, nothing to do with Chinese gov. He built casino there bcoz gambling is illegal in China. But bcoz of the crime went crazy in there, by 2011 the Chinese gov pressured Lao gov to shut down the casinos.
Actually, Chinese media report very badly about golden triangle as well. It was the opium capital of Asia, and a few years ago, the authorities of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China took it down. I guess now they're trying to rebuild this area for tourism.
That's ture. As a person lives in China, golden triangle is never on my list of travel destinations and none of the people I know has been there or considers to go there. So I'm wondering why there are so many Chinese tourists there, maybe they just go there to gamble?
@@YQC0224you think is for tourism when Broken Tooth, the leader of Homg Kong triad leader of the 14k is one of the main investor & administrator of the special administrator zone.
I have been following you since when you start your vlogging from Malaysia. You have matured and have moved up another level up by starting this Chinese series. I enjoy it.
@@KenAbroad Obviously, that's Laos‘s territory or sovereigh, what's the fxck to do with China? If a gangster group speaking with English in Laos, so you call it "UK/US Gangster"? Ridiculous!
What a brilliant video, Ken. I love and enjoy the interesting walkabout/tour of that Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. The content is excellent...very informative, knowledgeable and your narration is in fact top notch. Great that you could return to Thailand safely. Thank you very much for bringing us along. Xie xie again !
Ken, I’m currently living in USA. My village is about 30 minutes from this place and this is the safest place anyone can visit except American. American are hostile to Chinese developments. Ken, please don’t listen to western media tool much. Please judge this place by your own and let your viewers decide by themselves. This city is called tonpheung . Many local people have jobs and businesses inside the special economic zone. My nephew is from the village and he owns restaurants in the hotel. Good job Ken.
Once the investment becomes significant the investors will protect their reputation and investment. The reputation of an openly lawless zone will be cleaned up. The negative reputation is likely not pleasing to the Laotian government who no doubt expresses their concerns to their Chinese counterparts. I suspect the media has been hypercritical.
U wrong mate, this place is drug laundry, Thailand just cut off wire ,illegal wire for trans cell phone was cut off by Thai govt,we found too many human trafficking and call center from here..ha ha peace, fucking peaceful,
My wife and I are always excited to see your videos. What we like is that you show us another side of those countries not the regular tourist stuff. Keep up the great work! From Canada
The Lao currency,Kip,is not widely used in this zone not because it is barred but because many traders prefer the Chinese or Thai currencies as the Kip is very weak and volatile .As the zone serves mainly Chinese and Thai tourists,their currencies are therefore preferred for ease of transaction.
Nice to see, that you went there. Been there twice as a visa-run and its just unreal. Last time in met the hotel manager of the casino by coincidence (the same guy who brought you to the top), and he showed me the biggest suite of the complex. The hole area is just so unreal and weird! Feels just like a different world. Those golf-carts you saw at the immigration, before you took a taxi, can actually be rented per hour and they drive you around to all highlights of the city.
I was in this area a couple years ago. The construction was incredible. Lots of casinos for Chinese and Thai tourists, and of course, the scammers using the area as a communication/call centre hub. Love your vlogs Ken. Great work and you are a journalist as you are reporting on the areas, people, food, and culture.
I first took this crossing in 1998, when it was a very dusty quiet backwater town. No tarmac lead out from it so, after a few detours along (dusty) bumpy dirt tracks into beautiful farming and forested landscapes and riverscapes, the only option to cover distance was the Mekong. I believe that the only tarmac road outside of the towns in those days was the one connecting Vientiane and Luang Prabang (a route prone to banditry). I returned to Laos a few times before the Chinese presence took hold. Beautiful country, and people, lots of lovely memories.
Great video tour...I am an American retired in Bangkok...My partner of 10 years is a woman from Lao...Both of us have not heard of any kidnappings etc...A long time ago I worked in Lampang (1972-1975)....I had been up and in the "golden triangle" many times the only problems back then were occasional skirmishes with drug lords and their armies. Normally the bridge at Mukdahhan is the Lao/Thai crossing used by my wife and many others...Cheers
That's why I trusted guys like Ken from Ken Abroad more than any other mainstream media in the West. Seeing is believing. Thank you so much Ken for reporting objectively and tell us facts on the ground.
I also travelled to Laos from Thailand 15 years ago. Laos was very poor at that time. There were nothings. People were just selling their products in a dusty open area. I am actually quite happy watching your video, seeing Laos' developments, seeing people are now getting jobs.
Another interesting country from you Ken.This area in Laos is quite massive with lots of Chinese influence everywhere.I have been to Laos at another Thai entry point which has also some impressive casinos as well.Thanks for taking us on a tour of this place and it's always good to find out first hand about places that we have heard of.Continue to stay safe Ken.🇲🇾💕
Ken, thank you again! I had not heard of this place, so l really enjoyed walking around with you. It will be interesting to return in a few years when its finished and busy. I have been backpacking through the Golden Triangle many years ago but this is completely different. I cant wait for the next video. Love from South Australia. 🐨🙏🏼
I am a Laotian born Australian citizens and have been back to LAOS 🇱🇦 for the last 15 years. I find out most of the negative news about LAOS are from western world, Laotians who fledged the country and disgruntled with the new Government and especially those media bad- mouth in Thailand who always spread negative news about LAOS. I thank you very much for showing and sharing this positive story. ❤❤❤
Don't blame Thailand. Blame your government that fail to develop the country and allowed Chinese investment to rape on the territory and left nothing for Loas people.
@@AjarnKongmy you have no idea what you are talking about, your country no longer an independent country, but a Chinese province. Soon your primary language will be simplified Chinese not Lao. So you need to learn simplified Chinese before you come back.
If any country closer with china even economy , you can expect western mainstream media spread tons of negative news over them , why not Philippine? because their vassal state
Thank you! I've always heard crazy stories about the golden triangle. If it weren't for your vlog, I would never have imagined the place looks like this now! The slogan of "The Lao people lent us a piece of land while we returned them a city" is quite moving❤ I'm sure there are problems with this place, but the development and job opportunities are undeniable! 🙏
I have seen this place many times from the river whenever I visit the Golden Triangle but I have never been inside there before. Thank you for letting me see what is inside there.
I was bit nervous for you before your entry to Laos. But as soon as I see the signs in Chinese that says Golden Triangle special economic zone, keep away from the drugs, etc., I knew you would be fine. This is not to say it’s 100% safe as no place can guarantee that. But these are the signs indicate a similar fundamental governing principle that is to develop economy so everyone can have a stable and decent life, and keep away from crime.
I’m Singaporean and had no idea of such a development. I know of the Golden Triangle, but other than the drug issue and the fact that it was famous for the confluence of three countries, we’ve never really heard of this place as being dangerous.
Ken, are you sure you didn't get 60 days in Thailand on your return from Laos? Thailand recently increased the visa exempt stay from 30 to 60 days for most tourists.
"The Laos people lent us a piece of land, while we will return them with a city". What a statement! China is really helping those small and yet development countries, with huge amount of constructions and development.
and putting them into great debt, China has far more to gain than Laos does, 90% of Lao people could not afford a ticket for the fast train. Development is happening but more for the elite and so greater inequality, much the same in Cambodia.
As someone who has spent a good part of my life in a very dodgy neighborhood, I can say that usually things get pretty wild after sundown. All neighborhoods are more or less "safe" during day light. At night, that is when you start seeing the crimes taking place.
Really enjoying all the videos you made, your style of filming, the real-ness and how you try different foods and experiences locally - been marathoning your videos and will keep doing so! Thank you and keep going!
You can still use google maps offline Ken - just download the area you are travelling to beforehand. I’ve used google maps like this for years everywhere. Including in the golden triangle.
According to my research, this special zone was originally developed for gambling, because Chinese people have a special craze for gambling. So as a place with gambling as its core, public security management is very important. If this area is jointly managed by the Lao government and the Chinese government, then I believe public security is not a problem. But this park is a joint venture between the Lao government and a Chinese private company, and Laos itself does not have enough police force. Then without the management of a strong government agency, it is easy to become chaotic. Especially in places where gambling is the core competitiveness, it is easier to become difficult to control. Even in the past, Macau, under the governance of the Portuguese government, often had gang fights, and it was much better after Macau returned to China. So because the underground industry bred by gambling is easy to develop rapidly in a place without strong management power. Therefore, I think this special zone is a lawless place, and the local public security management cannot give tourists enough confidence to travel there, and it is a relatively dangerous place.
there are joint ventures between china and laos, but for legit things such as the railway and other things trade related. there may be chinese businesses who invest in hotels and other stuff there but you have to separate chinese person/business from chinese government. when it comes to gambling operations near by outside china other than macau, the chinese government has been proactive to shut them down and prosecute operators if they are chinese nationals. there is lots of info about this so anyone can look it up on their own. the problem is the 'west' likes to group anything chinese related to the chinese government. the bad resort investment in malaysia was built by a chinese company, but listed in the caymans and for all essential purposes run like a western company based in hong kong. the people who lost money in that company 'evergrande' were mostly western investors. had that company been run within the limits of china, there would have been tighter controls on how speculative their building spree could be. the main reason for the property slowdown in china right now is because the government is putting strict controls on the leverage developers are allowed to operate, controls evergrande weren't obliged to as a hong kong listed company incorporated overseas.
@@ivyshy98 you pointed out Evergrande, so you can legitimized your bias view, but you failed to named many other private and state property developers that are located in China and regulated by the Chinese government like Country Garden, Vanke, Poly and so on who are in real financial trouble as wells and is about to go under. How convenient of you.
@@SumTingWong888 I never said there aren't other developers in china struggling. I mentioned one name because it was a key player in the project ken made a video about. I did mention the property slowdown that's been happening in the past few years was due to stricter government controls such as higher reserve requirements and even restrictions on purchases as investments which was a main driver since a lot of chinese don't throw money into bitcoin but rather real estate beyond primary residence. there are a lot of companies that go bankrupt in china. competition is cutthroat. I followed some manufacturing sectors such as clean energy where 90% of companies that enter the sector don't make it. whether there are good or bad businesses in china isn't the point. it's the separate between a business and china. if you don't understand how state owned enterprises in china work and how it's far removed from beijing and any government, then I can't help you short comment sections. just because a company invests overseas doesn't mean it's china, even if it's a state owned enterprise. beijing only sets long term roadmaps and targets. what companies do is entirely different.
About 15 years ago I went to a small town in Laos by the name of Bokeo when I used a motorcycle by boat to cross over from Chiang Khong in Thailand. I remember visiting the only morning market they called 'Chinese Market. A very memorable one night stay when there wasn't any immigration yet back then. Thanks for sharing Ken.🙏🏿
If you visit Indonesia, I suggest that you make a video about the history of Lanfang Republic (Kongsi Lanfang) in Western Borneo which was established there until its end in the 19th century. Even for Indonesians themselves, not many know about this particular piece of history. The Chinese-Indonesians over there live in rather stark contrast to the usual "rich overseas Chinese" image of SEA.
they are an Indonesian by nationality with chinese ethnicity, were already migrate to Indonesia since their great-grandfather or more. Not chinese from china, it's completely different thing.
Interesting Ken, I am also from Germany and visited the golden Triangle one year ago, and actually I could see a lot of things have changed since I was there. Still of course a lot of construction, but from my first impression it looked quite dead and not much things going on at the construction sights... But obviously there is still some progress, thanks for the update! 😀
This is a strange place haha. I once saw it from the Thailand border, never knew it was like this. Only knew it was all about casinos! Good that you show us how it’s really like.
@@peterthermoclineThe Chinese mafia do it with Chinese government Blessing, money, resource and infiltration. How do you think they get these special economic administration zone in Lao, Cambodia, and Myanmar without Chinese government help.
So golden triangle is must be very bad in your eyes but drug and crime or call center gang is every where in the world so just enjoy life and explore all kinds of different types of the world good and bad is in every country
I've been to Lao many times and I've always had a great time. I have family there plus I have American friends there and they have not had any issues either. Nice places in Vientiane to visit.
I came across your channel when I was researching about China as I was planning to go there in November when I go to Japan. Unfortunately, the China trip won't be happening due to visa issues (btw, you must visit Japan). Now your channel arguably has become my favourite travel channel! Keep up the fire content!
Everything was standard. By law, foreigners entering Thailand must have an onward air ticket, minimum Bt10,000 (or equivalent cash), and a hotel reservation when entering Thailand. The Thais almost never check unless you have made multiple back-to-back land crossings or you're unclean/unkempt in appearance. Laos charges many western countries US$40 or Bt2,000 (if you pay in dollars, there's an additional "service fee" of Bt200).
This is an eye opening. Very interesting visit indeed. I’ve been to Macao, live for good month in China and went to Hong Kong too. This place indeed look quite similar to Macao and the only difference is that it still under development. I went to sihanoukville , Koh Rong and Siem Reap as a solo female traveler too couple of years back and it was heavily under construction by a lot of Chinese company in Sihanoukville. Totally different sight to Laos as shown in this video.
Year 2001 I took a boat like what Ken did. In Laos, It was only 2 rows of wooden stores on both sides of the dusty track. Last March I was invited by my brother working with the casino, the new hotel and the golf course nearby. It was totally transformed. Since then I been going back more then 6 times. Dun listen to all the fake talk about this place from the western media. Come and take a look by yourself n it is totally safety. Enjoy n thanks Ken for producing this video to show the world about Bokeo Laos. 🙏🙏 One of the most successful Special Economic Zone in Laos.
Thank you for sharing your adventurers journey. Yes, you are correct, what we saw in western media is different from what you showed. At least, we now see a positive side of China. This place looks really clean, and people there are friendly as well.
Las Vegas in the beginning also had mob money connections. What a fascinating walk-through. I was also a bit nervous (and a bit excited) while you were being followed by a mystery figure in a cap and sunglasses. Did you ever find out why some cars had no licence plates? Thailand has the death penalty for drug traffickers… I watched many years ago an Australian TV series with a young Nicole Kidman called Bangkok Hilton about a young woman who gets tricked into transporting drugs, gets caught in a Thailand airport and gets thrown in a harsh Thai prison for drug traffickers. I am looking forward to your future visit to Laos.
I have family from Laos that works there. It's all controlled and run by chinese companies - some bad and some good. The majority of workers there are contracted workers from poor nations and Laos itself. There is a hidden number of trafficked girls for the sex trade, but for most, it's gambling jobs and scam callers. I haven't asked my brother in-law about illegal drugs there, but the workers themselves eventually become regular bar drinkers due to stress. My brother in-law states that as long as you're a client in the casino, they treat you very, very well. If you're just a tourist that panders around the city and records stuff, you will be marked.
Haha I am from Singapore, thank you for the video! Laos is supposed to be a less wealthy SEA country but its so strange to see so many nice cars in Laos haha, seems like a Lamborghini Urus right behind you at the casino and a row of higher end cars at the hotel and everywhere you go, it's so strange that we don't even see that many exotics in Singapore and more majority Toyota/Honda/Benz/BMW. Almost feels like a Utopia in the middle of the rural towns of SEA! Really mind boggling considering the average wage of Laos probably couple hundred USD per month
The lobby manager of the casino appeared to be very spooky. Stay vigilant, Ken. Golden triangle is no joke. Remember when you told that two workers you were here alone for just two hours, they said "you are brave."
It amazed me seeing these Bentleys, Lamborghini SUV’s and all other luxury vehicles in the back ground driving around whilst Laos being an under developed country.
You should go to the Boten SEZ in Laos also. That place also started as a gambling complex but the Chinese and Lao governments shut it down due to unsavoury activties.
Hi Ken, subscriber here in USA. Great video and informative about what I suspected, Chinese moving in on countries peacefully to take over. Although many travelers are going to China as tourist to its beautiful cities, must consider what they are doing politically outside of China. Some involve human rights besides territorial.
This is the 2nd episode of my new series, where we are visiting Chinese related places all around Southeast Asia. Each episode is in another country. New video out every Friday, feel free to subscribe to follow the journey. More interesting places are coming
1st episode from a Chinese built ghost town in Malaysia: ua-cam.com/video/HLhHeMIZbOk/v-deo.htmlsi=5Wjt2mHAu_zj-DXv
Instagram for daily updates instagram.com/ken_abroad/
Awesome vid, one of your best imo. Please check out my comment in the comment section. Thanks much 👍🏼.
That boat ride along Mekong River brings back memories for me. I, too, took that type of boat and the tour guide took us to a smaller town in Laos. There were lots of China goods/stuff 😂😅
Finally, you entered Laos for the first time... But I did not imagine that you used such a special way to enter the land of Laos, instead of arriving at Vientiane as your first station... Laos is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country! This Gold Triangle Zone is also a part of the diversity of Laos! Good luck to you and enjoy your travel there!❤❤❤
This Golden Triangle Zone is not the only one in Laos! You could go to Vientiane (capital) and Boten (northern gate of Laos), which are also heavily Chinese-influenced.
Just be careful in these places, Ken, don't trust anyone you meet in the street and avoid Sihanoukville in Cambodia where could be quite dangerous. BTW, the hotel manager you talked to sounds like Vietnamese even though he told you he's local, his English accent and appearance are like Vietnamese. Anyway, great video!
As a Chinese I wanna say Chinese media is also negative about this place. Drug dealers, online fraud and so on…
没办法，在政府之前接收开发这里之前，这里的人想要轻松获取金钱，有小部分人从事了这些负面分工作。
If Chinese media even says so, then you'd better take notes
It was once backed by the Chinese government but with the thriving crimehub, the government has distanced itself and left it to the purview of the Laos government. Same thing is happening in Cambodia and Myanmar.
if boten, the one who developed it was a chinese businessman, he signed 99-year lease from Lao gov in 2003, nothing to do with Chinese gov. He built casino there bcoz gambling is illegal in China. But bcoz of the crime went crazy in there, by 2011 the Chinese gov pressured Lao gov to shut down the casinos.
Chinese, please take your illegals and cultures back to your country. Europe, American, and even Asian Countries don't like them. Plz plz plz.
“A country inside a country” is a really striking concept and as someone who’s never entered Laos, i was together with you exploring the spaces
Same as in US. Culture within subculture.
There’s a country inside a Country in South Africa and Oman
@@winnerwinnerchickendinner8809 there also one in your head.
Be careful. That is the only thing I wanna say. Too many people were kidnapped
quite a few countries use USD as national currencies in Central and South America...
Actually, Chinese media report very badly about golden triangle as well. It was the opium capital of Asia, and a few years ago, the authorities of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China took it down. I guess now they're trying to rebuild this area for tourism.
That's ture. As a person lives in China, golden triangle is never on my list of travel destinations and none of the people I know has been there or considers to go there. So I'm wondering why there are so many Chinese tourists there, maybe they just go there to gamble?
@@YQC0224you think is for tourism when Broken Tooth, the leader of Homg Kong triad leader of the 14k is one of the main investor & administrator of the special administrator zone.
Probably just a change in upper management.
I don’t think there’s much triads illicit activities left in the region, most of them have gone legit.
check out bloomberg's documentary. pretty good
Thank you Ken for showing this to us.
I have been following you since when you start your vlogging from Malaysia. You have matured and have moved up another level up by starting this Chinese series. I enjoy it.
Thanks a lot 🙏
@@KenAbroad Obviously, that's Laos‘s territory or sovereigh, what's the fxck to do with China? If a gangster group speaking with English in Laos, so you call it "UK/US Gangster"? Ridiculous!
What a brilliant video, Ken. I love and enjoy the interesting walkabout/tour of that Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. The content is excellent...very informative, knowledgeable and your narration is in fact top notch. Great that you could return to Thailand safely. Thank you very much for bringing us along. Xie xie again !
Ken, I’m currently living in USA. My village is about 30 minutes from this place and this is the safest place anyone can visit except American. American are hostile to Chinese developments. Ken, please don’t listen to western media tool much. Please judge this place by your own and let your viewers decide by themselves. This city is called tonpheung . Many local people have jobs and businesses inside the special economic zone. My nephew is from the village and he owns restaurants in the hotel. Good job Ken.
👍👍👍
Once the investment becomes significant the investors will protect their reputation and investment. The reputation of an openly lawless zone will be cleaned up. The negative reputation is likely not pleasing to the Laotian government who no doubt expresses their concerns to their Chinese counterparts. I suspect the media has been hypercritical.
Human trafficking in golden triangle is real. It happens in Thailand, Lào and Myanmar and Cambodia
U wrong mate, this place is drug laundry, Thailand just cut off wire ,illegal wire for trans cell phone was cut off by Thai govt,we found too many human trafficking and call center from here..ha ha peace, fucking peaceful,
Good job by showing this interesting place
My wife and I are always excited to see your videos. What we like is that you show us another side of those countries not the regular tourist stuff. Keep up the great work! From Canada
Thank you 🙏
Great and interesting sharing. I love it once again. Keep up the good work.Thanks Ken. 👍👍👍😍😍😍
Thanks for watching 💪
The Lao currency,Kip,is not widely used in this zone not because it is barred but because many traders prefer the Chinese or Thai currencies as the Kip is very weak and volatile .As the zone serves mainly Chinese and Thai tourists,their currencies are therefore preferred for ease of transaction.
Thanks for giving us concrete information before people started accusing China
Nice to see, that you went there. Been there twice as a visa-run and its just unreal. Last time in met the hotel manager of the casino by coincidence (the same guy who brought you to the top), and he showed me the biggest suite of the complex. The hole area is just so unreal and weird! Feels just like a different world. Those golf-carts you saw at the immigration, before you took a taxi, can actually be rented per hour and they drive you around to all highlights of the city.
I was in this area a couple years ago. The construction was incredible. Lots of casinos for Chinese and Thai tourists, and of course, the scammers using the area as a communication/call centre hub.
Love your vlogs Ken. Great work and you are a journalist as you are reporting on the areas, people, food, and culture.
I first took this crossing in 1998, when it was a very dusty quiet backwater town. No tarmac lead out from it so, after a few detours along (dusty) bumpy dirt tracks into beautiful farming and forested landscapes and riverscapes, the only option to cover distance was the Mekong. I believe that the only tarmac road outside of the towns in those days was the one connecting Vientiane and Luang Prabang (a route prone to banditry). I returned to Laos a few times before the Chinese presence took hold. Beautiful country, and people, lots of lovely memories.
It’s sad because it’s happening everywhere with stunning nature and then the Chinese decide to ruin it with their dystopian ways of development.
I didnt know there is such a place in Laos until I watch this video. Awesome info. Tq, tq Ken once agn. 🙏🙏👍
Glad you went back to Thailand safely. Great vlog !
Great video tour...I am an American retired in Bangkok...My partner of 10 years is a woman from Lao...Both of us have not heard of any kidnappings etc...A long time ago I worked in Lampang (1972-1975)....I had been up and in the "golden triangle" many times the only problems back then were occasional skirmishes with drug lords and their armies. Normally the bridge at Mukdahhan is the Lao/Thai crossing used by my wife and many others...Cheers
2012 年，金三角毒枭头目“糯康”策划杀死了三个中国船员，并在中国的船上放上毒品，试图嫁祸给中国船员，三个船员尸体被泰国人在河里发现，改案件有中国及其 3 国联合审理，最后抓到了很多人，被移交到中国，事实上 ken 现在看到的金三角很安全，真是因为这么多年过去了，没有永远的地狱，不是吗
This is going to b one of the most interesting video to watch. Shall watch till the end n repeat. Tqvm Ken for the great video. 🙏👍👍👍😍
Thanks for watching 🙏💪
That's why I trusted guys like Ken from Ken Abroad more than any other mainstream media in the West. Seeing is believing. Thank you so much Ken for reporting objectively and tell us facts on the ground.
I also travelled to Laos from Thailand 15 years ago. Laos was very poor at that time. There were nothings. People were just selling their products in a dusty open area. I am actually quite happy watching your video, seeing Laos' developments, seeing people are now getting jobs.
Most of these "jobs" are people who have been human trafficked into the GTSEZ and had their passports taken from them..
I always have an impression that this is a very mysterious place. Thanks for showing this to us! Great video
Another interesting country from you Ken.This area in Laos is quite massive with lots of Chinese influence everywhere.I have been to Laos at another Thai entry point which has also some impressive casinos as well.Thanks for taking us on a tour of this place and it's always good to find out first hand about places that we have heard of.Continue to stay safe Ken.🇲🇾💕
Ken, thank you again! I had not heard of this place, so l really enjoyed walking around with you. It will be interesting to return in a few years when its finished and busy. I have been backpacking through the Golden Triangle many years ago but this is completely different. I cant wait for the next video. Love from South Australia. 🐨🙏🏼
Thanks for sharing the trip. Much enjoyable. Thanks Ken
Very interesting video. Thank u!
Ken i like your vlogging style, so calm and composed, well presented. Thank you for sharing such content
I am a Laotian born Australian citizens and have been back to LAOS 🇱🇦 for the last 15 years. I find out most of the negative news about LAOS are from western world, Laotians who fledged the country and disgruntled with the new Government and especially those media bad- mouth in Thailand who always spread negative news about LAOS. I thank you very much for showing and sharing this positive story. ❤❤❤
Don't blame Thailand. Blame your government that fail to develop the country and allowed Chinese investment to rape on the territory and left nothing for Loas people.
😂😂😂😂 พูดถึงไทยขนาดนี้ คงอ่านไทยออกนะ เธอออกจากลาวไปนานเดินไปไม่เคยได้รับความเดือนร้อนอะไร แต่ไทย ที่โดนฐานแก๊งคอลเซ็นเตอร์ แห่งนี้หลอกเงินดูดเงินเป็นพันๆล้านบาท คนไทยเสียหายมากมาย โดนหลอกจนหมดตัว เราก็ต้องประนามที่แห่งนี้แน่นอนที่สุด ก็ไม่ได้ว่าร้ายให้ลาวเราว่าคนที่มันเป็นต้นเหตุทำความชั่ว ความจริงก็คือความจริง บางคนอยู่กับความชั่วจนชินไปแล้วเลยไม่คิดว่าตัวเองเลว เช่นพวกโทรหลอกเงินคนอื่น
@@AjarnKongmy you have no idea what you are talking about, your country no longer an independent country, but a Chinese province. Soon your primary language will be simplified Chinese not Lao. So you need to learn simplified Chinese before you come back.
Chinese gangster owned lao land is positive? 🤔 wonder what sort of businesses are being conducted here. “Bad mouths media”?
If any country closer with china even economy , you can expect western mainstream media spread tons of negative news over them , why not Philippine? because their vassal state
I wouldn't know this place without you.Thanks!
Thank you! I've always heard crazy stories about the golden triangle. If it weren't for your vlog, I would never have imagined the place looks like this now! The slogan of "The Lao people lent us a piece of land while we returned them a city" is quite moving❤ I'm sure there are problems with this place, but the development and job opportunities are undeniable! 🙏
I have seen this place many times from the river whenever I visit the Golden Triangle but I have never been inside there before. Thank you for letting me see what is inside there.
We would love a LAOS series!!!❤
to be honest... To be really honest... I like your video and your attitude
I was bit nervous for you before your entry to Laos. But as soon as I see the signs in Chinese that says Golden Triangle special economic zone, keep away from the drugs, etc., I knew you would be fine. This is not to say it’s 100% safe as no place can guarantee that. But these are the signs indicate a similar fundamental governing principle that is to develop economy so everyone can have a stable and decent life, and keep away from crime.
I was scared for you! 😮 I was nervous thru the whole video!
I’m Singaporean and had no idea of such a development. I know of the Golden Triangle, but other than the drug issue and the fact that it was famous for the confluence of three countries, we’ve never really heard of this place as being dangerous.
never heard about telefraud and organ harvesting? Man Thailand is the biggest market of illegally obtained human organs
ตอนนี้ทางการไทยกำลังปราบปรามอย่างหนักส่งเจ้าหน้าที่ข้ามไปที่นี่เพื่อตัดสัญญาณอินเตอร์เน็ต เพราะมีการลากสายสัญญาณเนตเถื่อนไปที่เพื่อนบ้านทั้ง ลาว เขมร พม่า ซึ่งเป็นแหล่งอาชกรรมของคอลเซ็นเตอร์ และทำความเสียหายให้ไทยเป็นหมื่นล้านบาท ทางการไทยทยอยจับแก๊งชาวจีนสีเทาเป็นจำนวนมาก
not atypical of singaporeans being ignorant of the world at large- speaking as a singaporean
@@ygy3110man, the guy is sg dude, he is living in a golden cage for hamsters and don't know much beyond changi airport 😅😅😅😅
Another fascinating video - good luck to you in your adventure(s) again!
This man is risking his life for us😩 love from New Zealand ❤
First, there is no risk, this place is very safe. Second, this video is not made for you. This video is made for him to make money.
@@mcfly7 mate stfu🤣 clearly you don't know shit and here only to hate on him
Ken, are you sure you didn't get 60 days in Thailand on your return from Laos? Thailand recently increased the visa exempt stay from 30 to 60 days for most tourists.
"The Laos people lent us a piece of land, while we will return them with a city".
What a statement! China is really helping those small and yet development countries, with huge amount of constructions and development.
This statement make me feel sick tbh.
This city primarily develops gambling and telecom fraud.
Maybe better than drugs 🤔
@@chirameth048exactly. Those who actually know what’s going on can see past the simple phrases and understand their true meaning.
and putting them into great debt, China has far more to gain than Laos does, 90% of Lao people could not afford a ticket for the fast train. Development is happening but more for the elite and so greater inequality, much the same in Cambodia.
@@chirameth048same as when the Brits built Hong Kong. They built it and gave it back to China. Life goes on.
Great Job, Ken. Thanks
What an interesting video, knew this place existed but not much other than that!
As someone who has spent a good part of my life in a very dodgy neighborhood, I can say that usually things get pretty wild after sundown. All neighborhoods are more or less "safe" during day light. At night, that is when you start seeing the crimes taking place.
Daytime doesn't stop people from getting shot in American cities. It happens 24/7.
看bbc看的
I like this video good job Ken👍👍
Really enjoying all the videos you made, your style of filming, the real-ness and how you try different foods and experiences locally - been marathoning your videos and will keep doing so! Thank you and keep going!
Thank you 😊
Excellent video and very interesting. Love your videos always
You can still use google maps offline Ken - just download the area you are travelling to beforehand. I’ve used google maps like this for years everywhere. Including in the golden triangle.
Nice vlog Ken. I like it ❤❤❤😊 You so brave 😅
According to my research, this special zone was originally developed for gambling, because Chinese people have a special craze for gambling.
So as a place with gambling as its core, public security management is very important. If this area is jointly managed by the Lao government and the Chinese government, then I believe public security is not a problem. But this park is a joint venture between the Lao government and a Chinese private company, and Laos itself does not have enough police force. Then without the management of a strong government agency, it is easy to become chaotic. Especially in places where gambling is the core competitiveness, it is easier to become difficult to control. Even in the past, Macau, under the governance of the Portuguese government, often had gang fights, and it was much better after Macau returned to China. So because the underground industry bred by gambling is easy to develop rapidly in a place without strong management power.
Therefore, I think this special zone is a lawless place, and the local public security management cannot give tourists enough confidence to travel there, and it is a relatively dangerous place.
there are joint ventures between china and laos, but for legit things such as the railway and other things trade related. there may be chinese businesses who invest in hotels and other stuff there but you have to separate chinese person/business from chinese government. when it comes to gambling operations near by outside china other than macau, the chinese government has been proactive to shut them down and prosecute operators if they are chinese nationals. there is lots of info about this so anyone can look it up on their own.
the problem is the 'west' likes to group anything chinese related to the chinese government. the bad resort investment in malaysia was built by a chinese company, but listed in the caymans and for all essential purposes run like a western company based in hong kong. the people who lost money in that company 'evergrande' were mostly western investors. had that company been run within the limits of china, there would have been tighter controls on how speculative their building spree could be. the main reason for the property slowdown in china right now is because the government is putting strict controls on the leverage developers are allowed to operate, controls evergrande weren't obliged to as a hong kong listed company incorporated overseas.
@@ivyshy98 you pointed out Evergrande, so you can legitimized your bias view, but you failed to named many other private and state property developers that are located in China and regulated by the Chinese government like Country Garden, Vanke, Poly and so on who are in real financial trouble as wells and is about to go under. How convenient of you.
@@SumTingWong888 I never said there aren't other developers in china struggling. I mentioned one name because it was a key player in the project ken made a video about. I did mention the property slowdown that's been happening in the past few years was due to stricter government controls such as higher reserve requirements and even restrictions on purchases as investments which was a main driver since a lot of chinese don't throw money into bitcoin but rather real estate beyond primary residence.
there are a lot of companies that go bankrupt in china. competition is cutthroat. I followed some manufacturing sectors such as clean energy where 90% of companies that enter the sector don't make it. whether there are good or bad businesses in china isn't the point. it's the separate between a business and china. if you don't understand how state owned enterprises in china work and how it's far removed from beijing and any government, then I can't help you short comment sections. just because a company invests overseas doesn't mean it's china, even if it's a state owned enterprise. beijing only sets long term roadmaps and targets. what companies do is entirely different.
@@SumTingWong888du ma
hahahaha that is only the front, but its a scam and drug haven. my god. lol stupid
Love your energy, very interesting thanks you 🎉
Thanks, I didn’t even know this place exists. And your commentaries of the places u visit is always fair and unbiased
From USA I am enjoying watching your videos I ‘m also born in Lao growing up in USA
loved your video Ken..........it was very interesting...keep up the good work...cheers
Found your video fascinating you’ve got a new fan 👍
About 15 years ago I went to a small town in Laos by the name of Bokeo when I used a motorcycle by boat to cross over from Chiang Khong in Thailand. I remember visiting the only morning market they called 'Chinese Market. A very memorable one night stay when there wasn't any immigration yet back then. Thanks for sharing Ken.🙏🏿
Great video once again. I had no idea about this place and each of your videos always gives us something new as well as knowledge. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your video, as a Malaysian we have been told how dangerous this place is. I will never think of visiting this golden triangle😢.
Excellent walk-around....love it!!
quite a brave move based on negative news but then again you are brave Ken - thanks for opening a new door👍👍
I'm early! Always love watching your videos. Keep up the great work 💙
Thank you 🙏
If you visit Indonesia, I suggest that you make a video about the history of Lanfang Republic (Kongsi Lanfang) in Western Borneo which was established there until its end in the 19th century. Even for Indonesians themselves, not many know about this particular piece of history. The Chinese-Indonesians over there live in rather stark contrast to the usual "rich overseas Chinese" image of SEA.
也就是那里华人不富有
they are an Indonesian by nationality with chinese ethnicity, were already migrate to Indonesia since their great-grandfather or more. Not chinese from china, it's completely different thing.
@@edwardprasetya6405 Nothing what I said indicates anything you mentioned.
Interesting Ken, I am also from Germany and visited the golden Triangle one year ago, and actually I could see a lot of things have changed since I was there. Still of course a lot of construction, but from my first impression it looked quite dead and not much things going on at the construction sights... But obviously there is still some progress, thanks for the update! 😀
Never judged the book by its cover & it’s far beyond from what you thought it was. Be safe always
Good channel. Informative!
This is a strange place haha. I once saw it from the Thailand border, never knew it was like this. Only knew it was all about casinos! Good that you show us how it’s really like.
The sky is just picture perfect that day, you got so lucky! 😮
You're great to watch Ken, greeting s from Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you and greetings to Australia 🇦🇺
@@KenAbroad haha 😄
Made my day 👍
🇦🇺🦘
I am Chinese, and what most Chinese people know about the Golden Triangle is: drugs and telecom fraud.
Have you seen what the Chinese Mafia did to Cambodia, it's the same, but worse😭😢
@@peterthermoclineThe Chinese mafia do it with Chinese government Blessing, money, resource and infiltration. How do you think they get these special economic administration zone in Lao, Cambodia, and Myanmar without Chinese government help.
@@peterthermocline Have you seen what Western sex tourists and pedophiles are doing in Southeast Asia? 🤮🤮🤮
@@peterthermocline Have you seen what the Taiwanese Mafia did to Cambodia, it's worse.........
So golden triangle is must be very bad in your eyes but drug and crime or call center gang is every where in the world so just enjoy life and explore all kinds of different types of the world good and bad is in every country
Thank you Ken for this interesting adventure
Thank you for sharing the information and great video. 👍
Thank you for traveling video, you take me to those countries I dreamed to visit. I'm watching from Palau in western Caroline islands
Great video Ken! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Oh nice to see you traveling around.
I've been to Lao many times and I've always had a great time. I have family there plus I have American friends there and they have not had any issues either. Nice places in Vientiane to visit.
I came across your channel when I was researching about China as I was planning to go there in November when I go to Japan. Unfortunately, the China trip won't be happening due to visa issues (btw, you must visit Japan). Now your channel arguably has become my favourite travel channel! Keep up the fire content!
Thanks a lot 🙏
真可惜，希望你下一次来到中国🇨🇳，欢迎来到中国🎉
It’s awesome seeing you led around by the same guy at the hotel who led around Mike Okay when he went
it feels like to visit this place with you. most people would never have chance to go there in person. nice vlog
Thanks for watching 🙏
I never knew this place. Thanks for your brave exploration. Very interesting. I don't even see any Chinese Vlogger reporting this.
This is the first time i saw the confluence of 3 countries at one river port, the chinese leased this place,, not much ppl,,, thank you ken,,
Everything was standard. By law, foreigners entering Thailand must have an onward air ticket, minimum Bt10,000 (or equivalent cash), and a hotel reservation when entering Thailand. The Thais almost never check unless you have made multiple back-to-back land crossings or you're unclean/unkempt in appearance. Laos charges many western countries US$40 or Bt2,000 (if you pay in dollars, there's an additional "service fee" of Bt200).
This is an eye opening. Very interesting visit indeed. I’ve been to Macao, live for good month in China and went to Hong Kong too. This place indeed look quite similar to Macao and the only difference is that it still under development.
I went to sihanoukville , Koh Rong and Siem Reap as a solo female traveler too couple of years back and it was heavily under construction by a lot of Chinese company in Sihanoukville. Totally different sight to Laos as shown in this video.
very informative video. thanks! 😊
Year 2001 I took a boat like what Ken did. In Laos, It was only 2 rows of wooden stores on both sides of the dusty track. Last March I was invited by my brother working with the casino, the new hotel and the golf course nearby. It was totally transformed. Since then I been going back more then 6 times. Dun listen to all the fake talk about this place from the western media. Come and take a look by yourself n it is totally safety. Enjoy n thanks Ken for producing this video to show the world about Bokeo Laos. 🙏🙏 One of the most successful Special Economic Zone in Laos.
Thank you for sharing your adventurers journey. Yes, you are correct, what we saw in western media is different from what you showed. At least, we now see a positive side of China. This place looks really clean, and people there are friendly as well.
Legendär, dass du da warst!
Tolles Video Ken. Grüße aus Hongkong 🎉
🙏
Another great review Ken, Seems quiet during the day, wonder if things are different at night 🤔
Las Vegas in the beginning also had mob money connections. What a fascinating walk-through. I was also a bit nervous (and a bit excited) while you were being followed by a mystery figure in a cap and sunglasses. Did you ever find out why some cars had no licence plates? Thailand has the death penalty for drug traffickers… I watched many years ago an Australian TV series with a young Nicole Kidman called Bangkok Hilton about a young woman who gets tricked into transporting drugs, gets caught in a Thailand airport and gets thrown in a harsh Thai prison for drug traffickers. I am looking forward to your future visit to Laos.
Thanks Ken, interesting.
Nice content ken..i just remind you all that end of time is near prepared with do charity to your goodness in eternal life..
I have family from Laos that works there. It's all controlled and run by chinese companies - some bad and some good. The majority of workers there are contracted workers from poor nations and Laos itself. There is a hidden number of trafficked girls for the sex trade, but for most, it's gambling jobs and scam callers. I haven't asked my brother in-law about illegal drugs there, but the workers themselves eventually become regular bar drinkers due to stress.
My brother in-law states that as long as you're a client in the casino, they treat you very, very well. If you're just a tourist that panders around the city and records stuff, you will be marked.
Only 30 days on the Thai visa exemption? I heard that most foreigners are now entitled to 60 day visa exemptions.
I was wondering the same... If its because it's a land border, or if this video is pre July 2024
视频进步很大，这系列棒
Haha I am from Singapore, thank you for the video! Laos is supposed to be a less wealthy SEA country but its so strange to see so many nice cars in Laos haha, seems like a Lamborghini Urus right behind you at the casino and a row of higher end cars at the hotel and everywhere you go, it's so strange that we don't even see that many exotics in Singapore and more majority Toyota/Honda/Benz/BMW. Almost feels like a Utopia in the middle of the rural towns of SEA! Really mind boggling considering the average wage of Laos probably couple hundred USD per month
You are a kuki(sweetheart) ken ❤
And quite aesthetically you make your videos unlike other youtubers
The outsides are stunning . Behind the scenes ? Rooms , facilities ?
Nice and in fact intersting video 👍👍
The lobby manager of the casino appeared to be very spooky. Stay vigilant, Ken. Golden triangle is no joke. Remember when you told that two workers you were here alone for just two hours, they said "you are brave."
It amazed me seeing these Bentleys, Lamborghini SUV’s and all other luxury vehicles in the back ground driving around whilst Laos being an under developed country.
You should go to the Boten SEZ in Laos also. That place also started as a gambling complex but the Chinese and Lao governments shut it down due to unsavoury activties.
Hi Ken, subscriber here in USA. Great video and informative about what I suspected, Chinese moving in on countries peacefully to take over. Although many travelers are going to China as tourist to its beautiful cities, must consider what they are doing politically outside of China. Some involve human rights besides territorial.