Chiang Saen

📍 Location of Chiang Saen 🚘 Directions to Chiang Saen

About Chiang Saen

Chiang Saen, a small town nestled on the banks of the Mekong River, is a must-visit for those who travel to the golden triangle. This town is home to the remains of an old capital, complete with walls, temples, and a moat. There's also a small, often overlooked museum that is worth a visit. The town offers undeniable opportunities for amazing photography, with its vintage charm and parts of the old wall still surrounding it.

One of the highlights of the town is the old Wat Chedi Luang, the oldest bell stupa in Chiang Saen. This stupa is about 9000 years old and, despite suffering damage in the 2014 earthquake, it still retains its original body with a new top. The town itself is easily accessible by the Green Bus and offers astounding views of the river.

Chiang Saen is a market town that has everything a traveler might need. There are inexpensive restaurants serving tasty food, banks for currency exchange, and a local food market. On Sundays, two streets are closed off for a general market. There's even a small Tesco/Lotus for those who prefer familiar brands.

The town is described by locals as a 'sleepy town', a gateway to the golden triangle. It's a place where smarter tourists choose to stay overnight before taking day trips to the heart of the golden triangle. The town boasts 53 guesthouses, more hotel-like than homestays, and three special temples in the immediate area among the 71 listed 'temples'. These include Wat Paang Ngao, Wat Chom Kitti, and Wat Cheddi Luang.

The town's existence in its current location is due to the mighty Mekong River and the resultant port accesses. The main street drives the city, although there is now a bypass road on the city fringes. One of the few weaknesses of the city is the lack of western food, but the district has a couple of places that offer it, albeit not in the city.

Chiang Saen is a warm and friendly town, a calm place to relax and discover history. Dining from the market on the banks of the river is a unique experience, with catfish and tilapia roasted on an open fire with salt making the skin crispy and tasty. The city has a rich history, including the recently ended opium trade. The local hill tribes add color and energy to the place. The Hall of Opium museum is a top pick to visit as it covers the history of why the opium trade originated in this area.

Chiang Saen is full of historical temples, making it a perfect destination for those who want to experience authentic Thailand. There is a nice national museum worth visiting, and temples of all kinds can be found all over the city. After visiting the temples and wandering around the market on the main street, one can enjoy dinner from street vendors along the river. Chiang Saen is very close to the Golden Triangle, so both can be visited in the same day.

For those looking for a guided tour of Chiang Mai, Surin from Blue Elephant Thailand Tours comes highly recommended. He is known for his good spirit, taking visitors to the best places at the best rates, and in a comfortable car. With Surin as a guide, visitors can spend more time exploring and less time worrying about logistics.