Chiang Saen Attractions - Top Sightseeing and things to see

National Museum Near the towns entrance lies the small National museum displaying artefacts from the Lanna period as well as prehistoric times. There are a number of pieces of handicraft items, musical instruments and clothing that are interesting. Open from Wednesday to Sunday there is a small admission fee. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m.-16:00 p.m

Wat Paa Sak About 200 meters from the Chiang Saen Gate lie the ruins of seven monuments that form part of a historical park in the area. Dating from the 14th century they combine elements of the Hariphunchai and Sukhothai styles as well as there being a possible link to the influences of the Bagan Burmese

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti Situated about 2.5 km from Wat Paa Sak on top of a hill lie the remains of Wat Phra That Chom Kitti. The round chedi housed in the wat is thought to pre-date the Kingdom of Chiang Saen itself. There is nothing much to actually see here but the view of Chiang Saen and the river below are worth a trip out here.

Mekong River Trips By far one of the more pleasant ways to see the area is to take one of the river trips. one can either travel by raft or you can take a speedboat. Round trips and one way trips are offered and this is often a far better way to get acquainted with the area.

House of Opium This small museum with historical displays pertaining to opium culture is worth a visit. Located at Sop Ruak about 9 km north of Chiang Saen.

Monument of King Mengrai the Great is situated at the starting point of the road to Mae Chan, Chiang Sean and Mae Sai.

Hill tribes There are many main tribes around Chiang Rai, Mae Chan, Mae Sai and along Mae Kok River such as the Yao, the Akha, the Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu Shi and Skaw and Karen. Each main group speaks their own language, follows animist customs (based on a brief in spirits) as well as adhering to other more recently adopted religious beliefs. Each of main tribes language, custom and production attracts tourists by their own mysterious charm. There is the Hill-tribe Development and Welfare Centre in Amphoe Mae Chan, along the route to Doi Mae Salong. Hand-made crafts including weaving, cloth products and silverware are for sale in the centre.

Golden Triangle is the most famous attraction where the borders of the three countries ; Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. It is about 9 km north of Chiang Saen. From this place, Laotian and Myanma border can be seen through Mae Khong and Ruak River respectively. Accommodation is available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.

Chiang Saen Lake - to get to the lake, travel five km from Chiang Saen along Highway No. 1016, turning left at Km. 27, for a further two km. The lake's one square km of water is home to waterfowl during the winter months. Accommodation and water sport facilities are available.

Chiang Khong located 55 km east of Chiang Saen, this is a small district by the Khong River. Its fame lies in its cloth weaving at Ban Hat Bai and, in the Khong River the Pla Buk the world's largest freshwater cat fish capable of reaching 2.5 meters long and weighing 300 kg. Each April celebrations are held when the giant fish are caught. At the Chiang Khong Fishery Station, fertilization of the fish can be witnessed.