Amphoe Chiang Saen
Chiang Saen
 An
ancient town located on the bank of the Mekong River, Chiang Saen
was originally called Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang. It served as
the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom until King Mengrai established
Chiang Rai as the capital in 1262. Ruins of the old double city
walls and many other antiquities remain both inside and outside
the district town. Most notable is the distinctive style of Buddhist
sculpture which evolved in Chiang Saen during the late thirteenth
century providing proof of the city’s historical importance.
Rich cultural heritage, coupled with natural tourist attractions,
has made Chiang Saen a unique tourist destination.
Travelling to Chiang Saen
By car: This riverside town facing the Mekong River is 30
kilometers from Mae Chan District via Highway No. 1016. Alternatively,
it can be reached by taking Highway No. 110 from Chiang Rai (the
city), then take a right turn into Highway No. 1016 and proceed
for another thirty kilometers.
Rental car: It may probably be easier rent a car in Chiang
Rai and then drive to Chiang Saen, but renting a motorbike may be
a better bet as the roads one will probably explore in the area
are easier to negotiate by two wheeled transport.
Buses: There are numerous buses traveling from Chiang Rai
to Chiang Saen for around 20 bahts one way. The trip can take from
45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and the number of
stops it makes en-route. If you travel from Chiang Mai, it is advisable
to ask for the 'new route' (sai mai) as this only takes 4 to 5 hours
and makes only a few stops en-route. The old route can take over
9 hours to complete with many stops along the way.
Chiang Saen Lake
Drive five kilometers south of Chiang Saen, along Highway No.
1016 (Chiang Saen-Mae Chan route), take a left turn and you will
find Chiang Saen Lake: a large natural reservoir with scenic surroundings.
The lake 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 scenery, accommodations and water sports
facilities are available.
Chiang Saen National Museum
Located in old town Chiang Saen, this museum exhibits artifacts
excavated locally including a well-known Chiang Saen-style bronze
Buddha image and Lanna Thai artifacts. Inscription stones from Phayao
and Chiang Saen itself can be found in the museum. In addition,
there are exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai,
Thai Lu and other hill tribes. These items include musical instruments,
ornaments and opium-smoking accessories. The museum is open on Wednesdays
through Sundays from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m., 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 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents An Invitation
to the Mysterious World of Opium from Darkness to Light, the history
of opium as of 5,000 years ago from its natural properties to its
uses. It traces opium's global journey through trade routes in the
age of imperialism, culminating in the Opium Wars-an event 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
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 Chiang Saen District, opposite
the Anatara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa: Tel: 0 5378 4444 Fax:
0 5365 2133,
E-mail: hallofopium@doitung.org, Website: www.goldentrianglepark.com
Phra That Doi Pu Khao
Just two kilometers away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phra That
Doi Pu 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 Triangle’s
riverine and mountain areas. The vihan and crumbled chedis are the
only visible remains of antiquities today.
Phra That Pha Ngao
Located about 4 kilometres along the Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong
Road is Phra That Pha Ngao which has a bell-shaped chedi situated
on large boulders. Nearby is a vihan where several old Chiang Saen-style
Buddha statues are enshrined. This hilltop temple offers a unique
and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos and of Chiang Saen
itself.
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 center 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, Myammar and Laos converge. This area where
the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is locally 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 one kilometer
to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang is Wat Pa Sak, which
used to be the resedence of the patriarch. When King Saen Phu built
the temple in 1295, three hundred teak trees were planted hence
the name Pa Sak (Teak Forest). With ornamental stucco motifs, the
temple’s chedi, which is 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8
meters wide, is regarded as being one of the most beautiful examples
of Lanna architecture in northern Thailand.
Wat Phra That Chedi Luang
Next to Chiang Saen National museum is an ancient 88-meter
high, bell-shaped, Lanna style principal chedi which has a 24 meter
circumference base. Constructed in 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd
ruler of the Lanna kingdom, it is the tallest religious Lanna monument
in Chiang Rai. In addition, there are also remains of ancient vihans
and chedis.
Wat Phra That Chom Kitti
Located approximately 1.7 kilometres from town, this hilltop
temple has a pagoda containing a Buddha relic.
Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han
Situated not far away from Wat Phra That Chom Kitti is Wat
Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell stories
about the various reincarnations of the Lord Buddha.
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