Home Visit Chiang Rai Chiang Saen north of Chiang Rai, the guide to the golden triangle

Chiang Saen north of Chiang Rai, the guide to the golden triangle

by Pierre To
7 minutes to read
Ruak River and Mekong

The complete guide to Chiang Saen, a quiet city on the banks of the Mekong River, a picturesque and historic place that was once 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 Chiang Rai city (about 2 -3 hours drive) and is part of Chiang Rai province.

Like Chiang Maithe historic city of Chiang Saen is surrounded by an old wall, but the fourth "wall" is formed by the Mekong River.

In the old city of Chiang Saen

In the old city of Chiang Saen

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

On the famous Golden Triangle

Map of Chiang Saen

The charming town of Chiang Saen lies at the junction of Thailand, Burma and Laos, the famous Golden Triangle, which was for a long time an opium-producing region.

Today, officially, opium production no longer exists in Thailand but continues in Myanmar (Burma) and neighbouring Laos.

History

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

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

Yonok Nak Phan was later completely destroyed and is now said to be under the Chiang Saen lake.

Ruin of Chiang Saen

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

"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 commanded Chiang Sean the capital from 1327 to 1341 before his son, King Kham Fu took control.

By the time the city declined, it was no longer a capital, but it was marked by the expansion of Buddhism through its many rulers, as evidenced by the ruins found - 75 temples inside the city and 66 outside.

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

The Temples of Chiang Saen

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 located near the bus stop and songthaew.

Eat

Chinese restaurant in Chiang Saen

Chinese restaurant in Chiang Saen

The food in the north is very famous, inspired by its neighbours: China, Laos and Burma.

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

If you like the Khao SoyYou should try the local version:

Khao Soy in Chiang Saen

Khao Soy in Chiang Saen

Ballad on the Mekong

Trip on the Mekong

There are a number of walks available to Chiang Kong or Sop Ruak (see below for directions).

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

Chiang Saen National Museum

Chiang Saen National Museum

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

There are dozens of ancient relics, Lanna-style sculptures, Buddha statues and carved 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 9 am to 4 pm.

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

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

The site has a main bell-shaped Lanna-style Chedi, which is 88 metres high with a base 24 metres wide, and 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 1,200-kilogram, 2-meter-wide and over 3-meter-high Buddha statue called "Phra Chao Lan Tong".

Wat Pa Sak

Wat Pa Sak Chedi

Wat Pa Sak Chedi

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

The Chedi of the temple is in the Chiang Saen architectural style and the outer sides are elaborately decorated with drawings.

The chedi is 12.5 metres high with a base 8 metres wide.

There are also several ancient sites outside the city wall such as Wat Phra That Pha Ngao which is a place for Dharma practice (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 km from town, and Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell the stories of the different lives of Buddha.

Chiang Saen Lake

It is a large natural reservoir in a picturesque setting. Waterfowl (aquatic and migratory birds) immigrate to the site during the winter.

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

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

Wat Phra Pha Ngao in Chiang SaenLocated about 4 kilometres from Chiang-Saen on the road to Chiang Khong.

This temple has a bell-shaped Chedi standing on large rocks.

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

There is also a viewpoint from which to observe the Mekong and the city.

How to get there

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

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By bus

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

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

By car

The town can be reached by driving north from Chiang Rai on Highway No. 1 for about 30 kilometres.

Then turn right onto motorway 1016 and continue for another 30 kilometres.

By boat

It is also possible to hire a boat for up to 8 people along the Mekong River in Chiang Khong (1hr 30mins) for about 1500 baht, or to Sop Ruak (Golden Triangle) for less (about 40 mins).

Chiang Saen on the banks of the Mekhong

See also : Transport in Thailand, getting around in the land of smiles

Video on Chiang Saen

A nice little video presenting the city and its surroundings.

Map of Chiang Saen

(Reminder: right click and display the image to see it in real size).

Map of Chiang Saen


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

Sources : wikitravel.org Photos: Wat Pa Sak: Kesaputta; Ruak River and Mekong: Oatz; Drawing of Chiang Saen in 1867 by Louis Delaporte: Francis Garnier; Wat Pa Sak Chedi: Takeaway; Motorbike in the old city: Takeaway; Buddha at Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao: Kittipong Khunnen; Map of the Temples: Chyutopia; Walk along the Mekong River: Jpatokal; National Museum: Chyutopia; Trip on the Mekong River: Chyutopia; Khao Soi of Chiang Saen: TakeAway; Chinese Restaurant: Takeaway 

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