Chiang Saen, history in the Golden Triangle
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The historic city Chiang Saen is located about 60 kilometers northeast of Chiang Rai on the mighty Mekong River. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Chiang Saen was founded in 1328 by Saenphu, the grandson of King Menrai.
Chiang Saen is also called the gateway to the Golden Triangle named. In the past, this area was notorious for poppy cultivation and opium smuggling. Now, however, Chiang Saen is mainly a town with a large number of historical monuments and temples.
Sights
Are you nearby? Then be sure to visit one of the many beautiful temples such as Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pa Sak and Wat Phra that Chom Kitti. The Wat Pa Sak temple houses a beautiful old chedi from 1292. From the Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, which can be reached via 350 stone steps, you have a beautiful view over the town and Laos. The Wat Chedi Luang was built in 1515 and has a 58 meter high chedi.
Wat chedi luang
Also worth seeing is the National Museum and Chiang Sean Lake. The National Museum is known for its artifacts from the Chiang Saen Kingdom. The museum features prehistoric objects and handicrafts made by the hill tribes.
If you want to learn more about the history of the opium trade, you can take a look at The Hall of Opium Museum where more than 5000 years of history are on display.
You can easily reach Chiang Saen from Chiang Rai. Buses depart daily.
Been there myself a number of times. A not yet touristy part of Thailand. The old city wall that can be found everywhere in Chiang Saen and all the old ruins are more than worth seeing. Most tourists stop at the golden triangle (opium house, view of the mekong) but if you drive for half an hour, you will see so much more.
I have only been in that area for 6 months, 5 km north of the village of Ban Rai along the road from Chiang Sean to Chiang Khong. The most beautiful thing about Chiang Sean (and surroundings) is the presence of the Mekong River. The Atmosphere in Chiang Sean is so relaxed and everyone very friendly from the hospital, police station, post office, banks, emigration office. Every Saturday evening there is a bazaar along the river in front of the police station and people eat on the floor, on the entire pedestrian area (sidewalk). 10 km away towards Mae Sai is the 'golden triangle' where every tourist visiting the area takes a break. The whole area with old roads that are no longer used by through traffic to Chiang Khong, but run along the Mekong to Chiang Khong, are fantastic. Beautiful landscapes. It is a pity that the last 25 km to Chiang Khong are under construction because when that part is finished in a year, it will be a pleasure to tour in that area. At night after ten o'clock Chiang Sean is almost extinct. There are no bars or real entertainment centers. If you have to make a 'border run' then it is worth visiting Chiang Sean and crossing the Mekong with a boat about 7 km in the direction of the Golden Triangle. I felt quite at home there. It is indeed not overrun by Western tourists. The emigration service is mainly concerned with Asian tourists, especially Chinese.
Recently did a return trip Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen by bike. Then went there again by car, for a weekend. Found a nice small-scale resort on the river, near the old city walls: https://www.ginmaekhongview.com/
Atmosphere is indeed very relaxed and the lively Saturday night market along the Mae Kong is definitely worth a visit. There is also a nice market on Sunday morning.
Incidentally, I often hear people say that they have been to Chiang Saen, but then they turn out to mean the 'three country point' that is shown in the first and second photo above. That is 10 km away on the Mae Kong, towards Mae Sai, and is quite touristy - unlike Chiang Saen.
The travel advice for Thailand has recently been updated. The Golden Triangle is no longer code red.
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/reisadvies/thailand
There are many waving rice fields, especially around Chiang Sean. Many beautiful quiet accommodations to stay. Have stayed at Kham Ecolodge several times myself! Lovely garden with beautiful distant views. Kham, the owner, cooks and bakes the most beautiful and tastiest dishes. Dutch Thai is spoken there.
Enjoy your trip. Greetings Arthur