Thailand Travel Guide -> Chiang Rai Travel Guide -> -> Chiang Saen

The main attraction of present day Chiang Saen is the river Mekong on whose banks it has been built. River boats from Yunnan in China are unloading almost every day. There is a long promenade along the river, with many stalls that sell clothes, shoes, toys, and souvenirs, as well as some simple restaurants. Take a stroll and watch as the boats unload their cargo. At the boat rental booth you can rent a long tail boat for a one hour (or more) ride up the Mekong; you will be able to observe interesting scenes of daily life along the river.

Boat tours to Laos are also offered, however, a visa is required that you must get BEFORE your trip (Laos does not offer day trip visa, so you need to apply for one at the Lao embassy of your home country; the visa is usually granted, but you should allow 6 weeks for the process).

This is modern day Chiang Saen. The town has, however, a long history, and once it was the capital of the oldest Thai kingdom on Thai territory, founded in the 10th century, immediately after the Thai first entered the region, presumably coming from an area at the Mekong river near what is today the Chinese province of Yunnan.

A number of archeological sites, not as impressive as Ayuthaya or Lopburi, but nevertheless interesting and charming, remain from these times. From the river promenade follow the streets that leads at a right angle into town. You can walk until you arrive at the remains of the old brick city wall (it is less than a mile) or you can rent a tuk-tuk. Ask the driver to take you to Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra Thom Kitti, and to the National Museum (and afterwards back into town). There are more temples in Chiang Saen, but these are the most remarkable ones. The cost for the tour should not be much more than 100 Baht.

Wat Pa Sak means "The temple in the teak forest" - the forest is long gone, but some trees, offering welcome shade, are still surrounding it and give the place a pleasant, tranquil atmosphere. Entrance to the temple is  30 Baht. Most of the buildings are still in ruins; you can see them scattered about the place. Only the large, rectangular chedi, built in 1295 Ad, has been restored. It has been built from red bricks, like the city wall. Its style is a mixture of Haripunchai (another old Lanna capital, near Chiang Mai), Sukothai, and Burmese elements ( the "lace work" like decorations). Stucco Buddhassna din the niches of the chedi's four walls and smile serenely.

After your visit to Wat Pa Sak ask your tuk-tuk driver to take you to Wat Phra Thom Kitti. This temple is even older than Wat Pa Sak; its foundations were dated back to the 7th century (and they are thus Pre Thai). It is located on a hill; a long stone stairway (with broad and safe steps) leads up to it. From here you have a wonderful view of the mountain panorama, the river, and the confluence at the Golden Triangle.

The next, and last, stop is the National museum of Chiang Saen. Although it is quite small it is worth a visit, as it displays not only ancient sculptures with inscriptions that were excavated at the archeological sites, but also a fine collection of ancient Chiang Saen style Buddha statues and lots of objects form everyday life in Lanna, such as pottery, weapons, baskets, fish traps, fish nets, and other utensils for fishing that were very important for people whose major source of food was a river. There are also exhibits that are dedicated to the various hill tribes of the region, their clothing, and their life styles. The museum shop offers book in Thai and English about history, religion, and culture of Thailand and other Asian countries.

For nature lovers: 4 km outside of Chiang Saen is a lake. A tuk-tuk can take you there. It is a lovely spot for walks and bird watching.