Chiang Saen in the north of Chiang Rai, the guide to discover the Golden Triangle

The complete guide to Chiang Saen, a quiet town on the banks of the Mekong, a picturesque and historic place that was one of the major cities of the Lanna kingdom.

See also:
Chiang Rai: the complete guide

Description

Chiang Saen is a small town located 60 km north of the city of Chiang Rai (about 2-3 hours' drive), it is part of Chiang Rai Province.

Like Chiang Mai, the historic town of Chiang Saen is surrounded by an old wall, but the fourth “wall” is formed by the Mekong River.

In the old town of Chiang Saen

Chiang Saen is an ideal place to discover the history of the region through ancient remains, crafts and images of Buddha in the style of Lanka, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.

On the famous Golden Triangle

The charming town of Chiang Saen is located at the junction between Thailand, Burma and Laos, the famous Golden Triangle which has long been an opium-producing region.

Nowadays, officially, opium production no longer exists in Thailand, but it continues in Myanmar (Burma) and neighboring Laos.

History

According to legend, the town dates back 2000 years and was once a hidden ancient city called Yonok Nak Phan.

With the help of the Nagas (giant snakes), the King Singhanawat of Chiang Rai is said to have founded the town, which became very prosperous.

Yonok Nak Phan would then have been completely destroyed and is now said to be under the Chiang Saen Lake.

Historical research on Chiang Saen proves that the city was under the control of King Meng Rai of the Kingdom of Lanna and derives its name from the ancient Tai language used by the Burmese and the inhabitants of northern Thailand.

“Chiang” means “dense city” and “saen” probably comes from the name of King Meng Rai's nephew, King Saen Phu, who was the third king of Chiang Saen.

King Saen Phu ruled Chiang Sean as the capital from 1327 to 1341 before his son, King Kham Fu took control.

When the city declined, it was no longer a capital, but it was marked by the expansion of Buddhism through its many governors, as demonstrated by the discovered ruins - 75 temples in the city and 66 outside.

Later in 1557, many cities including Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen were invaded by the Burmese and the troops of Ayutthaya.

Map of Chiang Saen temples

Find a hotel in Chiang Saen

You can find the best hotel deals in Chiang Saen with Booking.com

Things to see and do in Chiang Saen

The Saturday night market is located along the river in the north of the city.
The Sunday market is near the bus stop and songthaew.

Eat

Chiang Saen Chinese Restaurant

The food of the north is very renowned, inspired by its neighbors: China, Laos and Burma.

There are many restaurants in the city, especially around the market, along the river and near the bus station.

If you like Khao Soy, you have to try the local version:

Khao Soy of Chiang Saen

Stroll along the Mekong

Many strolls are offered, you can join Chiang Kong or Sop Ruak (see below how to get there).

If you have a Chinese visa, you can even join China (Jinghong)

Chiang Saen National Museum

To discover the archaeology, colonies and history of the city.

There are dozens of ancient relics, Lanna-style sculptures, Buddha statues and engraved stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen.

There are also exhibitions of indigenous art from Thai Yai (ไทย ใหญ่), Thai Lu (ไทย ลื้อ) and other hill tribes.

These objects include musical instruments, ornaments, opium-smoking accessories, etc.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00.

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

Located in the old town, this temple was built by King Saen Phu, the third sovereign of the Lanna kingdom at the beginning of the 13th century.

The site has a main Chedi in the shape of a bell, in the Lanna style, which measures 88 meters high with a base 24 meters wide, it is the largest structure in Chiang Saen.

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong

Located within the city walls, built by Prince Thong Ngua, son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th ruler of Lanna, in 1489.

The temple has a Buddha statue weighing 1200 kilos, 2 meters wide and over 3 meters high, called 'Phra Chao Lan Tong'.

Wat Pa Sak

Chedi of Wat Pa Sak

Located about a kilometer west of the city, this temple was built by King Saen Phu in 1295 and three hundred teak trees were planted, hence the name Pa Sak (Teak).

The temple's Chedi is in the architectural style of Chiang Saen and the exterior faces are meticulously decorated with designs.

The chedi is 12.5 meters high with a base of 8 meters wide.

There are also several ancient sites outside the city wall such as Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, which is a place for the practice of dharma (see also Meditating in Thailand), Wat Chedi Ched Tod is a peaceful place, located 1 km from Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, about 1.7 kilometers from the city, and Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell the stories of the different lives of Buddha.

The Chiang Saen Lake

It's a large natural reservoir in a picturesque setting. Waterbirds (aquatic and migratory birds) migrate to the site during the winter.

The lake is located 5 kilometers from the district on route no.1016, the Chiang Saen-Mae Chan road. You have to turn left at km.27 and continue for 2 kilometers to reach the site.

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

Located about 4 kilometers from Chiang-Saen on the Chiang Khong road.

This temple has a Chedi in the shape of a bell standing on large rocks.

Nearby is a Viharn where several old Buddha statues in Chiang Saen style are embedded.

There is also a viewpoint allowing you to observe the Mekong and the city.

How to get there

You can get an idea of transportation in Thailand, see costs and book your tickets with 12go.asia :

By bus

Chiang Saen is connected by local buses from Chiang Rai (2 to 3 hours journey), There are buses every 3/4 hours, they often leave when they are full.

The Blue Pick-up (Songthaews), travel from Mae Sai via the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen in about 1 hour (50 baht).

By car

You can reach the city by taking route No. 1 north of Chiang Rai for about 30 kilometers.

Then take highway No. 1016 to the right and continue for another 30 kilometers.

By boat

It is also possible to rent a boat carrying up to 8 people along the Mekong to Chiang Khong (1h 30) for around 1500 bahts, or to Sop Ruak (Golden Triangle) for less (around 40 min).

See also: Transport in Thailand, getting around the Land of Smiles

Video on Chiang Saen

A nice little video that presents the city and its surroundings.

Map of Chiang Saen

(Note: right-click and display the image to see it in its actual size.)

See also :
Travel to Thailand, the complete guide to prepare your trip