Top Things to See
Chiang Saen may have been the capital of the great Lanna Kingdom a few centuries ago but today it is just another sleepy northern Thai town along the banks of the Mekong River. Attractions in Chiang Saen encompass the ruins of its Buddhist temples and chedis, which are among the most significant in Thailand. There is also a great cultural museum in town, and the mighty Mekong River provides a fascinating scene all of its own. Visitors won’t find much action here, but it’s the languid pace of life that makes Chiang Saen so charming.
 Chiang Saen National Museum Before you begin your explorations of Chiang Saen’s wonderful ancient temples, stop by the town’s museum to get the background on the unique culture of the Lanna Kingdom. An impressive collection of artefacts unearthed over the years provides a fascinating glimpse at the spiritual devotion and daily life of Chiang Saen’s residents. Another interesting section of the museum deals with the many ethnic hill tribes which live in the remote mountains around northern Thailand. The museum is located on Phahonyothin road. Phone: +66 53 777102.
 Hall of Opium The Golden Triangle was once infamous for its production and distribution of opium, but today the Thai government has successfully eradicated virtually all of its production within the kingdom. To preserve the unique heritage of poppy farming and educate the public about the dangers and benefits of opium, this interesting museum was built just outside of Chiang Saen. From its history stretching back 5,000 years to the modern day drug addiction dilemma, every aspect of opium production and use is well-exhibited here. The museum is located seven miles (10kms) north of Chiang Saen. Phone: +66 53 652 151.
 Wat Pa Sak Chiang Saen’s oldest Buddhist temple was constructed in 1295 by King Saen Phu. At the same time he planted 300 teak trees, thus the name which translates as ‘Teak Wood Temple.’ The temple’s central chedi is an excellent example of classic Chiang Saen architecture, and the only structure to have been fully restored. The rest of the temple complex is romantically ruined, but the main temple’s interior still has some beautiful ornamental motifs and imagery. This temple is considered one of the finest in Lanna.
 Wat Phra That Chedi Luang This temple in the heart of the old town was built in the early part of the 13th century by King Saen Phu, the third king of the Lanna Kingdom. This temple complex has some excellent examples of classic Buddhist architecture from the period including a bell-shaped chedi 88 metres high and 24 metres wide at the base. This main chedi is the largest structure within Chiang Saen town itself.
 Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao This riverside temple along the banks of the Mekong is one of the best in Chiang Saen. Located outside of the centre of town, the elevated location of the temple complex provides great views across the hills of the Golden Triangle and river into Laos and Myanmar (Burma). Sop Ruak Market is nearby, so you can combine the two into an interesting half-day excursion.
 Wat Phra That Jom Kitti Another of Chiang Saen’s classic Buddhist temples is this masterpiece situated on the top of a hill. The foundations date to the 7th century, making it the oldest structure in the region, but the existing temple was built in 1483. The pagoda at the top contains a relic from the Buddha, making it more special than other temples. You must climb the 383 steps hemmed in by two giant naga to reach the top, but the views across the Mekong and into Myanmar (Burma) are stupendous.
Top Things to Do
 Cool off from the heat by chilling out at Chiang Saen Lake. Just to the south of the city is a large lake which provides fresh water fun for the people of Chiang Saen. The waters of the Mekong River are not the cleanest place for a swim, so try the lake if you feel like taking a dip, renting a kayak or having a picnic. This lake is a major stopover for migratory birds between November and February, adding an amazing element of wildlife to the otherwise human-based scene. There are bungalows at the lake, located just over two miles (four kilometres) south of Chiang Saen, if you want to spend the night.
 Have your photo taken at the notorious Golden Triangle. Just a few minutes north of Chiang Saen is the place where the borders of Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand converge at the Mekong River. The Golden Triangle has long been associated with drugs, wars and other nefarious activity, but today it is little more than a popular stopover for tourists. At the famous viewpoint overlooking the Mekong, thousands of travellers have had their photo snapped over the years.
Hop over the Mekong into Laos for the day, and add another country to your list of travel destinations. One of the great things about Chiang Saen is that it is a stone’s throw away from Laos and Myanmar (Burma). A great daytrip is to drive an hour (or take a boat) south to the Thai town of Chiang Khong. From here you can cross over the Mekong into Laos and visit the town of Huay Xai. Although similar, Lao culture has its own distinct style and makes an interesting side trip. Visas for Laos are available upon arrival.
 Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of a Burmese border town with a day trip to Tachilek.Myanmar (Burma) is one of the most reclusive countries in the world yet foreigners are allowed to cross into this repressed but indomitable culture at a couple of points along the Thai border. From Chiang Saen you can take a minibus to the Thai town of Mae Sai, where you can cross the bridge into the buzzing little town of Tachilek. On the Burmese side you can shop for all kinds of unusual trinkets not often seen in Thai markets.
 Rent a motorbike and explore the back roads around Chiang Saen. If you ride a bicycle you can probably handle a lightweight motorbike, the most popular way to get around Thailand. Shops and guesthouses in Chiang Saen rent them to foreigners, providing visitors with an easy way to see the area in and around the Golden Triangle. Many of northern Thailand’s best highlights are tucked away off the tourist trail, including riverside hamlets and colourful hill tribe mountain villages.
 Take a long-tail boat and cruise the Mekong River at sunset.It’s one thing to sit along the banks of the Mekong and watch life go by, but you need to get out on the water and see things from a boatmen’s perspective to really experience this mighty river. River cruises are the best way to get out for some cool breezes and incredible riverside scenery. Small long-tail boats are the way to go. You can hire one with a driver for an hour or a whole day at the Sop Ruak Market.
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