Chiang Saen is the name of a district in Chiang Rai province with the namesake Chiang Saen town, located in the eastern part of North Thailand and right along the Mekong River. Nowadays Chiang Saen town looks like a small sleepy city along the Mekong River, but in the old days Chiang Saen town was a cultural & business center of the Lanna Kingdom between North Thailand and North Laos. It is said to be the oldest town of Thailand, dating back to the 7th century. In recent history it became an international gateway to Laos and Chiang Saen town became a backpackers destination. But since border changed to a local-only the tourists faded away. But nowadays Chiang Saen town is becoming again an attractive destination to explore the slow life of Northern Thailand.
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The highlights of Chiang Saen district
The most visited part of Chiang Saen district is de so called Golden Triangle (actually Sop Ruak), where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. This area is infamous for its former area of producing & smuggling of opium. Here you can visit the Hall of Opium museum and admire the stunning view over the Mekong River and on your left side Myanmar and on your right side Laos.
The other highlight is Chiang Saen town, a small town along the Mekong River. Once an international gateway to Laos, nowadays only a local border for Lao & Thai people and for trading. And as you can see there is an huge Chinese development on the Lao side. Chiang Saen town is also home to many remains of ancient temples like the Wat Pha Sak and the Wat Phra That Pha Ngao.
See all my postings about Chiang Saen
What to do in Chiang Saen district?
Golden Triangle
- Hall of Opium Museum (1 km from Golden Triangle)
- House of Opium Museum at the Golden Triangle)
- Golden Triangle Viewpoint (near the Wat Phra That Sam Mum)
- Golden Triangle Buddha
Chiang Saen town
- Chiang Saen Lake (Thale Sap Chiang Saen) about 5 km from Chiang Saen town
- Mekong Skywalk about 2 km from Chiang Saen town
- Walking along the Mekong River in Chiang Saen town
- Indochina Market in Chiang Saen town
- Chiang Saen National Museum
- In April there are boat races in the Mekong River.
Other places
- Doi Sa Ngo
For more information about Chiang Saen see also The ancient city of chiang saen.
When to go to Chiang Saen?
Of course you can travel to Chiang Saen the all year around, the weather is as hot as everywhere in Thailand during the hot season of April and May. Then the monsoon season begins that lasts until end October with chance of heavy rains and some local flooding. From November to March the cool season hits the North of Thailand and temperatures in Chiang Saen may go down to about 5℃ during night time (December-February). Chiang Saen is an attractive destination all year around, but for outdoor activities it is recommended to visit during the cool season, from September to February.
When traveling to North Thailand, Chiang Saen included, in March & April be aware of the so called "burning season". During this months (and sometimes a bit longer and/or earlier) is smog haze in North Thailand due to burning of farm fields & garbage. Known area's are Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Nan. But make no mistake also the air in Bangkok or some places in North-East Thailand can be unhealthy for sensitive people. Check the air quality at World Air Quality Index.
Where to sleep in Chiang Saen district?
In Chiang Saen is a good range of accommodation ranging from simple Guesthouses / Homestay's to comfortable hotels. If staying in Chiang Saen town then I would recommend to stay along the Mekong River. Have a look at the hotels where I have stayed at Accommodation in Chiang Saen.Some other places are
- Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
- Anatara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
- The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort
- KS GoodView Resort
- One Budget Chiang Saen
- The Loft Chiang Saen
- Kong Warin Resort
- UK @ Chiang Saen
- Honey Hotel
- Golden Nakara Place
- Pak Ping Rim Khong B&B
- Athitia The Hidden Court Chiang Saen Boutique Hotel
- Amphai Hotel
- De Wianggrat Hostel
- A Budget Hotel
- Siam Triangle Hotel
- Ban Saeo Garden & Resort
Where to eat & drink in Chiang Sean district?
Chiang Sean town- Along the Mekong River in the evening are setup small table where you sit on the floor and food & drinks are served
- Along the main-street is an evening market selling food and at some places you can also sit & eat.
- Along the riverside boulevard are some restaurants & coffee shops
Other places
- Along the Mekong River are restaurants serving lunch & dinner
- At the Golden Triangle
How to get there & around?
Within Chiang Saen town are so called Jumbo's (a kind of Tuk Tuk) for transportation in town. For transportation within Chiang Saen district there are Songtheauws for fixed routes that can also be hired for specific destinations. But make a price before starting the trip.
- By Air : Nearest airport is in Chiang Rai and is called Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) and connects Chiang Rai with Bangkok (both Don Muang Airport as Suvarnabhumi Airport), Hat Yai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Phuket, Shenzhen and Kunming. Chiang Rai Airport is located 10 km north of Chiang Rai town. Chiang Rai Airport is served by Air Asia, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air and China Eastern Airlines.
- By Train : Chiang Sean has no train station (yet), nearest train station is in Lampang or Chiang Mai. But they are working on a new railroad that will also go to Chiang Saen & Chiang Khong.
- By Car or Motorbike : Chiang Saen is easily reached by road from Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae or Nan. And with that actually from any major city in Thailand. All major roads leading to Chiang Saen go thru mountains and are of good & safe quality to drive or ride. For motorbike riding the area of Chiang Saen is motorbike riding heaven with stunning routes along the Thai-Burmese border or Thai-Lao border.
- By Bus : The Golden Triangle and Chiang Saen can be reached from Chiang Rai.
- By Boat : From Chiang Saen town there are boats going to the Golden Triangle and to Chiang Khong.
Where to go next from Chiang Saen town?
- Chiang Khong is about 40 km south-east of Chiang Saen town.
- Golden Triangle is about 10 km north of Chiang Saen town.
- Mae Sai is about 50 km north-west of Chiang Saen town.
- Chiang Rai is about 60 km south-west of Chiang Saen town.
- Doi Mae Salong is about 70 km south of Chiang Saen town.
Geographical location of Chiang Saen district
Chiang Saen is a district within Chiang Rai province and is located at the east-side of Thailands almost Northern point. Chiang Saen district is along the Mekong River with Laos on the other side. And Chiang Saen borders also with Myanmar.
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| Chiang Saen District in Northern Thailand |
Map of Chiang Saen town
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| Chiang Saen town in Northern Thailand |
Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.
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