This paper begins with the global context of the rubber expansion. The paper then summarises what have been seen as the upland problems and some limited success to resolve the upland problems. In the following section, the paper considers why the state considers that a rubber tree is likely to be compatible with the attempt to develop the uplands. Two different paths of rubber boom in two upland communities in Luang Namtha province are also detailed for considering how ‘civilisation’ climbs hills.