Chiang Saen
Chiang Saen Ancient City is considered to be one of the oldest towns of northern Thailand, as it used to be the centre of Lanna Kingdom. Coming to visit this city, you will be able to see a lot of rugged stone architectures scattered around. These architectures including old houses and abandoned temples are not so beautiful, but definitely valuable. The atmosphere here is quite peaceful and relaxing. Walking around the Ancient Town of Chiang Saen
Things to do in Chiang Saen
- Visit Chiang Saen National Museum
Chiang Saen national museum is the place where you can uncover the town’s fascinating history. The museum exhibits artefacts excavated locally including a well-known Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha image and Lanna Thai artefacts. Coming here, you can also see exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu, and other hill tribes such as musical instruments, ornaments, and opium-smoking accessories.
Chiang Saen National Museum
- Discover Wat Pa Sak Historical Site
The ancient ruins of Wat Pa Sak are just a short 200-meter walk from the main city gate (Pratu Chiang Saen). The temple is home to ruins of seven monuments, including the revered chedi which dates back to the mid 14th century. The chedi follows Chiang Saen architectural style and the exteriors are elaborately decorated with designs. The chedi itself measures 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 meters wide, enshrined the Lord’s Buddha relics. It is an ideal place for people who love archaeology.
- Cycle to Chiang Saen Lake
Chiang Saen Lake is a large natural reservoir with scenic surroundings. Chiang Saen lake is a popular place for bird watching. You can see a lot of waterfowl and waders between November and February each year. It is also a great place for relaxing or exploring the countryside.
Wat Pa Sak Historical Site, Chiang Sean
- Shop at local Market
There are numerous markets in Chiang Saen including the nightly Walking Street Market, Sunday Morning Market, a Saturday Evening Market, and a daily produce market. Walking Street Market is the place you can mingle with locals and sample delicious foods on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Shopping at the market in Chiang Saen is a great way to gain deeper insight into the local culture and buy some authentic Thai souvenirs.
Local Market, Chiang Sean
- Visit Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is about 4 kilometers from Chiang Saen on the road to Chiang Khong. This place offers splendid views of the countryside and is home to a special Chiang Saen era Buddha statue. There is a bell-shaped Chedi standing on large boulders.
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
How to get to Chiang Sean
From Chiang Mai:
- By bus: It is about 7-hour bus, and costs from 13 to 20USD
- By taxi: It takes 4 and a half hours, and costs from 30 USD to 40 USD
From Chiang Rai:
- By Bus: It is about a 1-hour bus, and costs from 5 to 8 USD
- By Taxi: It takes approximately 55 min to drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen, and it costs from 22USD to 26 USD.
