Few people have heard of Chiang Saen, a sleepy little town along the Mekong River in the north of Thailand, but it’s one of the oldest and most historically significant towns in the country. Although its heyday is long past, visitors can still wander among the crumbled remains of Buddhist temples and pagodas built during the 13^th and 14^th centuries. There are enough historic sites in and around Chiang Saen to keep you busy for a day or two.

New Years Day: as in most countries around the world, Thailand celebrates the Western New Year with a night of partying and fireworks in the larger towns. Chiang Saen may not put on much of a show, but you can be sure the locals will be out along the river having a good time.

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.