Thailand

At the northernmost point of Thailand, the village of Chiang Saen is traversed by the red waters of the Mekong River. Complete guide to the city, which combines picturesque treasures of architecture and history with its scenic lake.

Chiang Saen, a typical rural village in northern Thailand

North of Chiang Rai, there is a peaceful town bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the other by a sea of hills crowned with teak wood: Chiang Saen. Founded in the 14th century by a Lanna sovereign, the city is steeped in history. During a guided tour, you will learn about the bloody wars that shook its ramparts. Impressive temples, artisanal paintings, and Buddhist iconographies in the styles of Lanka, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai will guarantee moments rich in emotion. After the heritage tour, take a leisurely boat ride on the Mekong River before heading to Chiang Saen Lake, a replenishment site for waterfowl. Take the road to Chiang Saen, a natural escape just sixty kilometers from Chiang Rai.

History

Chiang Saen was once a dependency of the Lanna kingdom, as its name clearly indicates. It derives from two words: "Chiang," which means "fortified city," and "Saen," the name of Saen Phu, the grandson of Mengrai, the founder and first ruler of Lanna. Saen Phu built the city around 1328. Upon Saen Phu's death, his son Kam Fu succeeded him to the throne. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, the city has a highly mixed population: Burmese, Laotians, and Chinese from Yunnan have settled there over the centuries and mixed with the Thais. Because of its geographical position, Chiang Saen fell victim to the incessant wars between Siam and Myanmar. The plundering of the city in the 18th century under the reign of Chao Kawila is a notable event in its history.

That said, documentary records speak of an ancient city known as Yonok Nak Phan that existed 2000 years ago. A ruler of Chiang Rai is said to have laid its foundations. It was allegedly a major port and commercial center of the Lanna kingdom. Reduced to ashes, it lies forever at the bottom of the lake.

Today

Chiang Saen is known for its sanctuaries, rice fields, and conservative hill tribes. A typical destination of the Golden Triangle. It has 53,500 inhabitants spread across 6 sub-districts and 72 villages. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the cultural melting pot. Influences from Laos and Burma are evident in language, architecture, and culinary flavors.

Things to see and to do in Chiang Saen

Exploring Chiang Saen will be a true delight.

Natural heritage

A pleasure boat ride is a must. For a few baht, boatmen will take you on a river cruise on the Mekong. Take this opportunity to wave to the fishing boats and get a glimpse of traditional rural life. You can continue to Sop Ruak or Chiang Khong.

Five kilometers west of the city, Chiang Saen Lake is a popular walking spot. In the height of winter, a colony of water birds makes the journey to the reserve, feasting on suspended phytoplankton organisms. The lake attracts not only birds but also swimmers, sunbathers, and cyclists.

Religious heritage

Wat Pa Sak

Built in 1295 on the orders of Saen Phu, Wat Pa Sak is the city's very first temple. It stands just a stone's throw from Pratu Chiang Saen, the main gate. As you walk along the teak-lined alley, you will find a 12.5-meter-high stupa adorned with sculptural motifs.

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

Dedicated to meditation practice, Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is located outside the city walls. The building itself is not extraordinary. But the detour is justified by the superb panorama of the Mekong River and neighboring Laos.

Cultural heritage

Chiang Saen national museum

Located in the old quarter of Chiang Saen, the national museum houses various artifacts unearthed by archaeologists in Chiang Saen and its surroundings. You will see, among other things, Lanna sculptures, tombstones from Phayao and Chiang Saen, and objects from the daily lives of hill tribes, such as musical instruments, handmade jewelry, or opium pipes. The museum's centerpiece is undoubtedly the locally styled bronze Buddha.

Hall of Opium

Forty kilometers from the city center, the Hall of Opium is equally worth a visit. The exhibition is related to the cultivation of poppy: its medicinal properties, its rapid spread worldwide, the Opium Wars in China and Burma during the military dictatorships, and the context in which opium became prevalent in the Golden Triangle. Images, touch screens, and videos add a playful aspect to the presentation.

Stroll through local markets

As evening falls, merchants begin to set up their stalls along the river. A walk through the night market is essential to soak up the village atmosphere.

A bustling market is held every Sunday near the bus station. A good place to browse for souvenirs.

Practical information

When to go?

Tourists are advised to plan their vacation dates between October and February. This is when Chiang Saen offers optimal weather conditions for adventure sports and historical visits.

How to get there?

If you don't have a private car, Chiang Saen is easily accessible by bus or pickup truck. Local buses make daily round-trips between Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai. Expect a journey of no more than 3 hours. Otherwise, blue songthaews connect Mae Sai and Chiang Saen. You'll pay 50 baht (€1.4), and it's an hour's journey.

In the vicinity

Once you've completed your tour of Chiang Saen, you can venture into the Golden Triangle, a geographical region where the borders of Laos, Thailand, and Burma merge. Known to be a center of global opium trafficking, the region is steeped in historical memory.