 Chiang
Saen Hotel - Thailand accommodation and hotels guide
Only 60 km from Chiang Rai is the the small town of
Chiang Saen situated on the banks of the Mekong River.
Here the visitor can view the ruins of past eras and
those from the Kingdom of Chiang Saen, which was founded
by Saenphu, the nephew of King Mengarai, the original
founder of Chiang Rai itself. Today the area is renowned
for its beautiful mountains and accompanying scenery
as well as its historical past.
Few have heard of Chiang Saen, one of Thailand's oldest
towns and once a powerful fortified city close to where
the Golden Triangle is located. Established in 1327
surviving architecture includes temples, chedis and
other Buddhist images. Some of the artifacts date back
to an era before the Chiang Saen Kingdom, the time of
Yonok, which is loosely affiliated with a number of
other ancient kingdoms that predate most Siamese kingdoms.
Most provincial attractions lie north of the provincial
capital and road travellers can visit major destinations
within the space of one day. One of these lies 12 kilometres
north of Chiang Saen, a riverside area known locally
as Sop Ruak, precisely marking the convergence of the
Mae Sai and Mekong rivers which form the borders of
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and it is this area that
is officially called, the Golden Triangle.
There are many interesting temples and ruins in town,
the oldest being Wat Pa Sak "The Teak forest Temple"
built in 1295. Wat Phra Thart Jom Kitti is situated
on a small hill just outside the northwest corner of
the city walls. Close on 400 rough steps lead up to
this interesting temple and its site offers superb views
over the Mae Khong River to Laos.
The Mae Khong River is one one of the town's attractions
and occasionally long, blue-painted, Laotian boats can
be seen plying the seemingly gentle water. In reality
the waters are far from gentle, and swimming is not
recommended.
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