At the 3 country border between Lao PAR, Myanmar and Thailand , the town of Chiang Saen offers a charming and serene atmosphere on the banks of the Mekong River. It is the site of an ancient settlement that predates Chiang Rai and survives in the ruins of city walls, moats , gateways and temples. The many ancient ruins make Chiang Saen a peaceful tourist attraction , with lots to explore.The town Chiang Saen has both scenic natural attractions and Chiang Saen has both scenic natural attractions and an impressive cultural heritage. In particular its impressive Buddha images showcase Lanka, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya art and techniques . Besides, the graceful stuccos and splendid craftwork found in the area are Thailand's great heritage.
CHIANG SAEN LAKE
Drive 5 kilometers south of Chiang Saen , along Highway No 1016 (Chiang Saen -Mae-Chan route: 2 kilometers from the km 27 marker), take a left turn and you will find Chiang Saen lake. This large 640 acre natural reservoir with scenic surroundings is home to large flocks of migratory waterfowls which are most plentiful and can be seen at their best from November through February. In addition to the impressive scenery, accommodations and water sports facilities are available.
CHIANG SAEN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located in old town Chiang Saen , this small museum is dedicated to the historical settlement of Chiang Saen and its ancient culture and provides information on archaeological sites and ethnic minorities in the Mekong River basin. It also exhibits artefacts excavated locally including a well known Chiang Saen -style bronze Buddha image and Lanna Thai artefacts. Inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself can be found in the museum. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous of art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lue and other hill tribes. These items include musical instruments , ornaments and opium -smoking accessories. The highlight of this museum is the display of what is believed to be finial of the Buddha image named Phra Phuttha Nawa Lan Tue. The finial that excavated from the Mekong River is measured 70 centimeters high, indicating that the Buddha image that sank in the river and is still unfound must have been enormous. The museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9am to 4pm except on national holidays.
HALL OF OPIUM, GOLDEN TRIANGLE PARK
The Hall of Opium at the Golden triangle Park houses several sections to be explored and various exhibitions to be contemplated.For example, the 5600 square metre Hall of Opium presents an invitation to the Mysterious World of Opium from darkness to Light and the history of opium as of 5000 years ago from its natural properties to its uses. It traces the journey of opium spread by traders in the imperial period and the Opium War that disgraced both winners and losers that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. It also features Siamese wisdom in confronting the West and the eventual control of opium problems.
Other exhibits are presented in a manner that encourages visitors to learn how drugs become a part of everyday life and understand the impact of opium on society in terms of crime, conflict and illegal drugs. Additionally , the Hall of Opium presents efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer alternatives and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.
The Hall of Opium also displays paraphernalia associated with opium smoking and trading , along with many photographs, films and videos about opium and other illegal drugs from countries around the world.
The Hall of Opium is situated in Amphoe Chiang Saen, opposite the Anatara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa. website : wwww.maefahluang.org
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand. This famed border location where Thailand , Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the centre of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand.
Travel approximately 9 kilometers north of old town Chiang Saen , along the road parallel to the Mekong River to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is often referred to as " Sop Ruak" . Within this area are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the fact that the area had been settled by people in the past. It is also the area where various legends concerning the Lanna ancestors originate.
Boats can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively , depending on river currents and water levels.
WAT PA SAK
Located outside the city walls, approximately 1 kilometer to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang is War Pa Sak, or the Teak Forest Temple.When King Saen Phu built the temple in 1925, 300 teak trees were planted hence the name Pa Sak ( Teak Forest) . With ornamental stucco motifs , the temple's chedi , which is 12.5 metre tall with a bse of 8 metre wide, is regarded as being one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna architecture in northern Thailand.
WAT PHRACHAO LAN THONG
Wat Phrachao Lan Thong is located within the city walls. This temple was built by Prince Thong Ngua, the son of the King Tilokkarat, the 12th Lanna ruler in 1489. A 1200 kilogram Buddha statue with a lap width of 2 meters and height of over 3 meters was cast and named Phrachaso Lan Thong. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip which is made of brass in the Sukhothai style was also cast.
WAT PHRATHAT CHEDI LUANG
Next to Chiang Saen National Museum is Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang which was built in 1291. It is biggest ancient pagoda in Chiang Rai province, comprising a 88 meter high, brick bell shaped chedi with a 24 metre circumference base. The ruins of the main hall and other chedis that surround the principal chedi lay in the grounds of the temple.
WAT PHRATHAT PHU KHAO
Just 2 kilometer away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phrathat Phu Khao which is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century. This riverside temple near Sop Ruak Market is located on a hill just before the Golden Triangle and offers a spectacular view of the Golden Triangles riverine and mountain areas. The historical side comprises a cluster of the remains of wihans and chedis , which are the only visible remains of antiquities today.
WAT PHRATHAT PHA NGAO
Located about 4 kilometres along the Chiang Saen -Chiang Khong Road is PhraThat Pha Ngao which has a bell shaped chedi situated on large boulders. Nearby is a wihan where several old Chiang Saen -Style Buddha statues are enshrined. This hilltop temple offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Lao PDR and of Chiang Saen itshelf.
CHIANG SAEN LAKE
Drive 5 kilometers south of Chiang Saen , along Highway No 1016 (Chiang Saen -Mae-Chan route: 2 kilometers from the km 27 marker), take a left turn and you will find Chiang Saen lake. This large 640 acre natural reservoir with scenic surroundings is home to large flocks of migratory waterfowls which are most plentiful and can be seen at their best from November through February. In addition to the impressive scenery, accommodations and water sports facilities are available.
CHIANG SAEN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located in old town Chiang Saen , this small museum is dedicated to the historical settlement of Chiang Saen and its ancient culture and provides information on archaeological sites and ethnic minorities in the Mekong River basin. It also exhibits artefacts excavated locally including a well known Chiang Saen -style bronze Buddha image and Lanna Thai artefacts. Inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself can be found in the museum. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous of art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lue and other hill tribes. These items include musical instruments , ornaments and opium -smoking accessories. The highlight of this museum is the display of what is believed to be finial of the Buddha image named Phra Phuttha Nawa Lan Tue. The finial that excavated from the Mekong River is measured 70 centimeters high, indicating that the Buddha image that sank in the river and is still unfound must have been enormous. The museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9am to 4pm except on national holidays.
HALL OF OPIUM, GOLDEN TRIANGLE PARK
The Hall of Opium at the Golden triangle Park houses several sections to be explored and various exhibitions to be contemplated.For example, the 5600 square metre Hall of Opium presents an invitation to the Mysterious World of Opium from darkness to Light and the history of opium as of 5000 years ago from its natural properties to its uses. It traces the journey of opium spread by traders in the imperial period and the Opium War that disgraced both winners and losers that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. It also features Siamese wisdom in confronting the West and the eventual control of opium problems.
Other exhibits are presented in a manner that encourages visitors to learn how drugs become a part of everyday life and understand the impact of opium on society in terms of crime, conflict and illegal drugs. Additionally , the Hall of Opium presents efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer alternatives and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.
The Hall of Opium also displays paraphernalia associated with opium smoking and trading , along with many photographs, films and videos about opium and other illegal drugs from countries around the world.
The Hall of Opium is situated in Amphoe Chiang Saen, opposite the Anatara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa. website : wwww.maefahluang.org
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand. This famed border location where Thailand , Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the centre of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand.
Travel approximately 9 kilometers north of old town Chiang Saen , along the road parallel to the Mekong River to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is often referred to as " Sop Ruak" . Within this area are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the fact that the area had been settled by people in the past. It is also the area where various legends concerning the Lanna ancestors originate.
Boats can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively , depending on river currents and water levels.
WAT PA SAK
Located outside the city walls, approximately 1 kilometer to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang is War Pa Sak, or the Teak Forest Temple.When King Saen Phu built the temple in 1925, 300 teak trees were planted hence the name Pa Sak ( Teak Forest) . With ornamental stucco motifs , the temple's chedi , which is 12.5 metre tall with a bse of 8 metre wide, is regarded as being one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna architecture in northern Thailand.
WAT PHRACHAO LAN THONG
Wat Phrachao Lan Thong is located within the city walls. This temple was built by Prince Thong Ngua, the son of the King Tilokkarat, the 12th Lanna ruler in 1489. A 1200 kilogram Buddha statue with a lap width of 2 meters and height of over 3 meters was cast and named Phrachaso Lan Thong. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip which is made of brass in the Sukhothai style was also cast.
WAT PHRATHAT CHEDI LUANG
Next to Chiang Saen National Museum is Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang which was built in 1291. It is biggest ancient pagoda in Chiang Rai province, comprising a 88 meter high, brick bell shaped chedi with a 24 metre circumference base. The ruins of the main hall and other chedis that surround the principal chedi lay in the grounds of the temple.
WAT PHRATHAT PHU KHAO
Just 2 kilometer away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phrathat Phu Khao which is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century. This riverside temple near Sop Ruak Market is located on a hill just before the Golden Triangle and offers a spectacular view of the Golden Triangles riverine and mountain areas. The historical side comprises a cluster of the remains of wihans and chedis , which are the only visible remains of antiquities today.
WAT PHRATHAT PHA NGAO
Located about 4 kilometres along the Chiang Saen -Chiang Khong Road is PhraThat Pha Ngao which has a bell shaped chedi situated on large boulders. Nearby is a wihan where several old Chiang Saen -Style Buddha statues are enshrined. This hilltop temple offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Lao PDR and of Chiang Saen itshelf.
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