Airports
 The closest airport to Chiang Saen is in Chiang Rai, about an hour’s drive to the west. Three airlines offer regular service between Chiang Rai and Bangkok. Thailand’s national carrier, Thai Airways, provides frequent service, while the regional budget carriers One-Two-Go and SGA also run daily or weekly flights. Once you get to Chiang Rai, you’ll have to arrange for private transportation to Chiang Saen on a minibus or use the public bus network which has decent air-conditioned coaches running several times each day.
Public Transport
Chiang Saen, a remote small town, is tucked away in the northern corner of the country, an hour from the nearest city of any size, Chiang Rai. That being said, it isn’t difficult to get to Chiang Saen.
 The easiest way to get to Chiang Saen is to use the bus network. Buses provide the most extensive coverage of Thailand, and are the most popular form of travel for locals and visitors alike. There are several classes of bus, ranging from the slow public buses which are designed to stop at every village and roadside bus stand to the VIP air-conditioned coaches which provide the fastest and most direct service.
 Although you may be tempted by the extremely low fares for the local buses, be prepared for a long and uncomfortable ride. The upside to these local buses is you get to experience a lot more of the countryside, hang out with rural Thais and have a bit of an adventure. Most travellers opt for the more expensive VIP buses. The travel time on a VIP bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen ranges from one to two hours. If you are coming from Chiang Mai, expect the trip to take between four and five hours on the new route.
There is no train service to Chiang Saen, but travellers can arrive here via a train and bus combination. The closest you can get to Chiang Saen on the train is Lampang, which is a nine-hour ride from Bangkok. You can then catch a bus to Chiang Saen from Lampang.
 Driving yourself around Thailand is quite easy and relatively safe. The main roads are all in good condition and well-signed in English and Thai. From Chiang Rai take Highway 110 to Highway 1016, which leads right through Chiang Saen.
 Once you reach Chiang Saen, the most convenient and fun way to get around is to rent a motorbike and drive yourself. The only other transport options are to hop in a tuk-tuk or a red shared taxi which provide the public transport in and around Chiang Saen. If you plan to stay in the city, you can easily walk to most of the attractions from your hotel.
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