Top Things To See And Do In Chiang Saen Thailand

Chiang Saen is the oldest city in Thailand and one of the most beautiful river towns in the country. Check out our list of the top things to see and do while you are in town!

Chiang Saen National Museum

Travel back in time to uncover the town’s fascinating history as you explore the Chiang Saen National Museum. Wander around the archaeological artefacts in the two exhibition halls as you piece together Chiang Saen’s 15,000-year-old legacy.

Chiang Saen National Museum, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand, +66 53 777 102

Discover the ancient ruins of Wat Pa Sak just a short 200-meter walk from the main city gate (Pratu Chiang Saen). This historic site is an archaeologist’s heaven and includes the ruins of seven monuments, including the revered chedi which dates back to the mid 14th century.

Wat Pa Sak, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand, +66 53 650 803

Chiang Saen Lake

Hop on a bike, and head out to Chiang Saen Lake for a fun-filled day of natural beauty. The lake is a popular bird watching spot and is particularly famous for waterfowl and waders that migrate to the lake between November and February each year. This beautiful spot is well worth checking out and is a great opportunity to explore the town’s surrounding countryside or to just sit and relax.

Chiang Saen Lake, Yonok, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti

Wander up the 350-step mythical naga serpent staircase to the forest hill temples of Wat Phra That Chom Kitti. Alternatively, there is a road for those who can’t or do not want to climb the steps. The slightly off-kilter temple chedi is believed to contain a strand of Buddha’s hair. From this hilltop vantage point, the views of the surrounding area are spectacular.

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Walking Street Market

Chiang Saen is blessed with numerous markets including the nightly Walking Street Market where you can mingle with locals and sample delicious foods on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. In addition to the Walking Street Market, there is also a Sunday Morning Market, a Saturday Evening Market and a daily produce market. The town’s markets are a great way to gain deeper insight into the local culture and to pick up some authentic Thai souvenirs.

Walking Street Market, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Golden Triangle

Chiang Saen is located a short drive south of the famous Golden Triangle, and while you’re in the area, you might as well check out this much talked about spot. The Golden Triangle is where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers. The area is well-known for its opium-growing past and has a fascinating history to uncover.

Golden Triangle, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

A few kilometres out of town is the sacred Wat Phra That Pha Ngao which offers splendid views of the countryside below and is home to a special Chiang Saen era Buddha statue. The serene atmosphere makes this temple an attractive place to explore and even includes an ancient manuscript depository.

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai, Thailand, +66 53 777 151

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.