Chiang Saen
เชียงแสน
An ancient Lanna capital on the Mekong, where city walls, moats and ruined temples are scattered among green trees and village houses.
Chiang Saen lies on the banks of the Mekong about 10 km south of the Golden Triangle. From the 14th century it was an important Lanna Kingdom city. Its surviving features include city walls, moats and many brick chedi ruins. The tall chedi at Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Pa Sak on a hill outside the city are the most representative. The Chiang Saen National Museum displays Buddha images excavated locally (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the area, and it can be combined with the Golden Triangle on the same day.
Opening hours
Site open all day; museum Wed–Sun 08:30–16:30
Nearby sights
- Golden Triangle (Sop Ruak)
- Tham Pla (Fish Cave), Mae Sai
- Tham Luang Nang Non
- Mae Sai & Wat Phra That Doi Wao
- Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden
- Choui Fong Tea Plantation
- Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)