Chiang Saen
Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand
The remnants of Chiang Saen’s former glory—as the 7th-century capital of the Lanna Kingdom—still lie scattered around the modern town. One of Thailand’s oldest towns, it boasts a strategic location along the Mekong River, serving as a border crossing to Laos and the gateway to the famed Golden Triangle region.
The basics
Tours of the Golden Triangle—the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar—often include a stop in Chiang Saen, which lies just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south. Most day trips set out from Chiang Rai and often include a boat cruise along the Mekong River or a visit to one of north Thailand’s ethnic minority villages. In Chiang Saen, explore the ruins with a guide for insight into their historical context; visit the Chiang Saen National Museum to see artifacts excavated from the ruins; and admire the town’s three temples.
Things to know before you go
There are basic accommodation options in Chiang Saen and plenty of restaurants and cafés.
It is not possible for foreigners to cross the border to Laos at Chiang Saen; you will need to go to nearby Chiang Khong instead.
Most of the town’s attractions are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but roads around the ruins may not be paved.
How to get there
Chiang Saen lies along the border of Laos in north Thailand, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) north of Chiang Rai or a 60-minute drive. It is set on the bank of the Mekong River opposite the town of Ton Pheung in Laos. Regular buses run between Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai, and the trip takes about 2 hours.
When to get there
Chiang Saen makes a popular stop on Golden Triangle tours; tour buses start to arrive by mid-morning, so go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you plan to spend the night in Chiang Saen, be sure to visit the weekend night market, a great place to tuck into typical Thai street food.
Thailand’s Golden Triangle
The meeting point of three countries and the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers, Thailand’s Golden Triangle is a remote region filled with rice paddies, misty mountains, and hillside villages. Highlights include Chiang Rai, with its fairy-tale-esque White Temple and Blue Temple; the Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park, which provides a fascinating look at the history of north Thailand’s opium trade; and the hilltop town of Mae Salong, famous for its Chinese heritage and oolong tea plantations. Active travelers can also hike and cycle through the Doi Luang National Park, or trek between north Thailand’s ethnic minority villages.
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