TH · Chiang Rai · 20.28°N 100.09°E

chiang saen

Ancient walled town by the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

Best time
November to February is cool and dry, with chilly mornings. From about February to April, smoke haze from crop burning often hangs over the north.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Chiang Mai (about 2.5 hours) and drive about 4 hours, or fly via Bangkok to Chiang Rai and drive about an hour.
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TH · Chiang Raichiang saen20.28°N 100.09°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Ancient walled town by the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingChiang SaenTH, Chiang Rai
KLchiang saen
≈ 1,914 km from KL, as the crow flies
Mekong riverside promenade, Chiang Saen.

Photo: Jpatokal · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

An ancient walled town on the Mekong in the far north of Thailand, and an important centre in the early days of the Lanna kingdom. Brick temple ruins stand among the houses, and just up the road is the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. It's quieter than Chiang Rai and easy to explore by bicycle.

Makan

  1. Northern Thai foodKhao soi, northern sausage and curries with sticky rice.Map ↗
  2. Mekong river fishGrilled or in soups at the riverside restaurants.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Wat Pa SakA ruined brick temple in a teak-shaded park just outside the old walls.Map ↗
  2. Wat Chedi LuangA tall, weathered brick chedi inside the town walls.Map ↗
  3. Golden Triangle viewpointAbout 10 km north at Sop Ruak, where the Ruak River meets the Mekong between three countries.Map ↗
  4. Hall of OpiumA well-made museum on the history of opium in the region.Map ↗
  5. Mekong boat rideBoats run up and down the river from the Golden Triangle.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Some boat trips stop at a market island on the Lao side. Bring your passport and stick to the regular tours.
  • The border areas here are sensitive. Stay around the main sights and check travel advice before crossing anywhere.
  • If you have asthma, check air quality before travelling in the haze season.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.