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Riverside promenade by the Mekong

Chiang Saen (เชียงแสน) is a historical city in Chiang Rai Province, just south of the Golden Triangle.

[edit] Understand

Once one of the major cities of the Lanna kingdom, it was originally called Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang and served as the capital before King Mengrai established Chiang Rai in 1262. The town was captured by the Burmese in the 16th century and sacked by King Rama I in 1803. Left a ghost town for a hundred years, it was repopulated around 1900, but still hasn't really staggered to its feet. Traces of old double city walls and many other antiquities still remain in and outside the district town.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

Chiang Saen is connected by bus to Chiang Rai (1.5 hrs, every 15-20 min, 37 baht). Blue songthaews also travel from Mae Sai via the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen in about 1 hour (every 20 min or so, 60 baht).

The bus station and songthaew depot is located about 50 meters before the main road (Highway 1016) ends in a T-intersection on the banks of the Mekong river (intersection pictured above).

There does not appear to be any regular public transport south to Chiang Khong and the Lao border crossing.

[edit] By car

The district can be reached by taking Highway No. 110 from Chiang Rai for some 30 kilometres. Then take a right turn onto Highway No. 1016 and proceed on for another 30 kilometres.

[edit] By boat

It's also possible to charter a boat carrying up to 8 people along the Mekong to Chiang Khong (1.5 hrs) for around 1500 baht, or up to Sop Ruak (Golden Triangle) for less (around 40 min).

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

Like Chiang Mai, Chiang Saen has a city wall surrounding the historic town, but the fourth "wall" is formed by the Mekong River.

• Chiang Saen National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเชียงแสน), Tel: 0 5377 7102, [1]. Where knowledge can be sought concerning archaeology, settlements and history of the town. There are replicas of the community and scores of ancient relics including Lanna-style sculptures, Buddha statues and inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai (ไทยใหญ่), Thai Lu (ไทยลื้อ) and other hilltribes. These items include musical instruments, ornaments, opium-smoking accessories, etc. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 09.00-16.00 hrs.

• Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (วัดพระธาตุเจดีย์หลวง). Located in Chiang Saen old town, was built by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna kingdom in early 13th Century. Ancient sites include the bell-shaped, Lanna-style principal Chedi which measures 88 metres height with a base 24 metres width, is the largest structure in Chiang Saen. There are also remains of ancient Viharn and Chedi.

• Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong (วัดพระเจ้าล้านทอง). Located within the city wall, built by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th ruler of Lanna, in 1489. A 1,200-kilogram Buddha statue was cast, a lap 2 metres width and over 3 metres height, named “Phra Chao Lan Thong”. Another Buddha statue called “Phra Chao Thong Thip” was also cast which is made of brass in Sukhothai style.

• Wat Pa Sak (วัดป่าสัก), about one kilometre to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang, was built by King Saen Phu in 1295 and three hundred teak trees were planted, hence the name is Pa Sak (Teak Wood). It was then the residence of the patriarch. The temple's chedi is beautiful in Chiang Saen architectural style and the exteriors are elaborately decorated with designs. The chedi itself measures 12.5 metres tall with a base of 8 metres width, enshrined the Lord’s Buddha relics.

There are also several ancient sites outside the city wall including Wat Phra That Pha Ngao (วัดพระธาตุผาเงา) is a place for dharma practice, Wat Chedi Ched Tod (วัดเจดีย์เจ็ดยอด) is a peaceful place, located 1 km. further from Wat phra That Pha Ngao. Wat Phra That Chom Kitti (วัดพระธาตุจอมกิตติ), about 1.7 kilometres from town, and Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han (วัดสังฆาแก้วดอนหัน) where sketches on brick slabs tell stories about the various lives of the Lord Buddha.

• Chiang Saen Lake (ทะเลสาบเชียงแสน) is a large natural reservoir with scenic surroundings. Large flocks of waterfowls immigrate to the site during winter. Located 5 kilometres from the district on Highway no.1016, the Chiang Saen-Mae Chan route. Turn left at km.27 and proceed on for another 2 kilometres to reach the site.

• Wat Phra That Pha Ngao (วัดพระธาตุผาเงา), about 4 kilometres from Chiang Saen on the road to Chiang Khong. There is a bell-shaped Chedi standing on large boulders. Nearby is a Viharn where several old Chiang Saen-style Buddha statues are enshrined. There is also a viewing point to enjoy scenery of the Mekong and of Chiang Saen itself.

[edit][add listing] Do

Songkran Festival and Boat Races of Muang Chiang Saen (งานประเพณีสงกรานต์และแข่งเรือเมืองเชียงแสน) are held during 13-18 April of each year. In this festival, there is a parade featuring the water bathing ceremony of the Phrachao Lanthong Buddha image. There are also boat races and folk performances.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodation in Chiang Saen itself are limited. Fancier digs can be found at the Golden Triangle, just north of Chiang Saen.

• Ban Suan House (บ้านสวน เฮาส์) 125 Mu 6 Liang Mueang Rd., (Tel: 0 5365 0907), 10 rooms: 500-600 baht
• Bua Kham Resort (บัวคำ รีสอร์ท) 7 Mu 1 Tambon Wiang (Tel/ Fax: 0 5378 4035-6), 24 rooms: 500-2,000 baht
• Chiang Saen Goldenland Resort (เชียงแสนโกลเด้นแลนด์ รีสอร์ท) 663 Tambon Wiang (Tel: 0 5365 1100, 0 5377 7123), 26 rooms: 800-1,500 baht
• Chiang Saen Lake Hill Resort (เชียงแสน เลคฮิลล์ รีสอร์ท) 166 Mu 3 Tambon Yonok, Mae Chan - Chiang Saen Rd., km. 7 (Tel: 0 5365 0599, 0 5365 0826-9, Fax: 0 5365 0600), 30 rooms: 600-1,200 baht

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

• Chiang Khong, for the border crossing to Laos
• Chiang Rai, the largest city in these parts
• Golden Triangle, the point where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet
• Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost city
• Ferry along the Mekong between the borders of Laos and Myanmar (no visas required for those two countries) to Jinghong, China