Chiang Saen

Riverside promenade by the Mekong Chiang Saen (เชียงแสน) is a city in Chiang Rai Province, just south of the Golden Triangle. 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. Get in By bus Chiang Saen is connected by local bus to Chiang Rai (2 - 2.5 hrs, nominally 3-4 per hour but tend to depart when reasonably full, 37 baht). There are a few 3-4 /day long distance buses which can do the trip in 1.5 hrs but times are more convenient for long distance journeys such as going to or from Chiang Mai or Bangkok than for commuting to Chang Rai. Blue songthaews also travel from Mae Sai via the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen in about 1 hour. The timetable for this service is chalked up at the depot which is next to the bus stop. These seem to depart every half hour or so. The service from the Golden Triange to Chiang Sen seems to be much more irregular. Whilst aspiring to a timetable this service varies with available customers and the flow of life along the Mekong and the Myanmar border. 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, apart from the occasional songthaews . One must ask locally for details of this service as departures times do vary. 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. 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). Get around 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. 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. Buy Eat In the evening, many local food stalls set up shop along the bank of Mekong north of the T-junction. The tables set are small, and you sit on a mat on the ground as locals do. Menu in English and Thai. Try the Bamboo chicken and/or bamboo fish (cook inside bamboo by charcoal fire). If you keep on walking North beyond the night market, to where the road moves away from the river there are several eateries sharing a covered terrace above the river. Parking is available.These provide a cafe/basic restaurant setting The food available at all these outlets is excellent value with a similar but not identical set of standard dishes to choose from at each outlet. The quality is more than adequate, more basic good value rather than exquisite, but dishes is well cooked, prepared to order and taste authentic. The service is pleasant and the beer is cold. The cooks take a pride in their work There is a small restaurant opposite the new (money) banks halfway down the main drag (on your left as you face the river). The food is perfectly adequate and if one does not expect to find a hidden gen for gourmands one will not be disappointed. The value is good and the beer is cold. However this writers lack of command of Thai did not allow him to take advantage of what it could offer. The service was good and the owners were trying hard (Jan 2011). Lan gae, (100m North of the tourist information). A nice local vegetarian restaurant whit view of the old city wall. (N20° 16.494 E100° 04.704)  edit Drink Sleep Accommodations in Chiang Saen itself are limited. Fancier digs are to be found at the Golden Triangle, just north of Chiang Saen. From the T-intersection along Mekong, walk 5-10 minutes to the North along the road and you will find 3 budget accommodation close to each other. The first you will find is Tankun Hostel (Feb 2011: Dorm Baht 99, free wife, free coffee), then you will see Chiang Saen Guest House (an older place with rooms with fan, free wifi and hot water start at 150 baht-the river and food stalls selling grilled fish are on the opposite side of the road). After passing Wat Phakhaopan, you will see a sign for Sa Nae Charn Guest House (Fan room from Baht 250). From the T-intersection along Mekong, turn right and walk 10 minutes to Mekong Sunshine Resort, affectionately known as Baan Rot Fai because of the exotic, exclusive World War I modified train cabin accomodation, is priced neatly between budget and mid-range. It borders the mighty Mekong River and offers the unique view of Laos and Myanmar. The tranquil atmosphere and warm-hearted service guarantees complete relaxation from busy cities. All of their rooms are air-conditioned and face the Mekong River. Basic, clean twin and double rooms are available from 800THB (Jan 2012). The modified train cabin can accomodate up to 8 people and only costs 1500THB (Jan 2012). Two Thai-styled villas, with one and two bedrooms (1200/1500THB) respectively, equipped with their own kitchen, is perfect for families. The Chiang Saen River Hill Hotel is a mid range option. The rooms are well furnished, of reasonable size and the staff are both friendly and helpful. It cost (Jan 2011) 900 Bhat for a room. The hotel flows with the passing of tour groups. Should a large tour group turn up whilst you are there, you could feel neglected as the staff struggle to cope. A very noisy karaoke party might keep you awake if your room is immediately over the restaurant/bar area but the hotel tries to wind these down by 10.00pm. Sadly hotels like these must accommodate the tour groups idea of a good time so some bad reviews might just reflect a 'bad' tour group. Left to its own devices this hotel is an excellent and good value mid range option. Wifi is available in the lobby area, There are a couple of new hotels just opened by the Mekong just south of the city wall. These are newly built and try to cater for a more well-heeled 'western' style tourism to judge by the menu. The rooms looked good but the walk in rates seem a tad high. I suspect discounts are available if you bargain or book through an agency. Mekong Sunshine Resort (Baan Rot Fai), 155 Chiang Saen-Chiang Khong Road, Wiang (Along the Mekong river and on the main street. South of the T-intersection (Turn right). Call for the exact direction.), ☎ +66818465059. checkin: Anytime; checkout: 12 pm. Mekong Sunshine Resort borders the mighty Mekong River and offers the unique view of Laos and Myanmar. The tranquil atmosphere and warm-hearted service guarantees complete relaxation from busy cities. All rooms offer priceless scenery. Choose from basic, clean bedrooms ranging from 800THB to the exotic, exclusive WW I modified train cabin room. Two Thai-styled villas, with one and two bedrooms respectively, equipped with their own kitchen, is perfect for families. 800. (20°15'31.67N,100° 5'46.29E) edit Contact 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 This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!