What to do in Chiang Saen

Activities, attractions and tours

The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam established the Mekong River Commission to assist in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and Myanmar became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six countries now work together within a cooperative framework. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China.
The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 1995, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam established the Mekong River Commission to assist in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In 1996 China and Myanmar became "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six countries now work together within a cooperative framework. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China.
At the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen, Thailand. It's where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. It's a beautiful and relaxed place, with very friendly people.
The Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 950,000 square kilometres that overlaps the mountains of three countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
A recent picture of Sob Ruak where the two rivers convene at the famous Golden Triangle in northern Thailand.

Chiang Saen Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Chiang Saen has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Saen, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Chiang Saen with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Chiang Saen

Chiang Saen is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Chiang Saen, and make it a breeze to explore Chiang Saen and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Chiang Saen to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Chiang Saen, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Chiang Saen.

Chiang Saen attractions

Chiang Saen has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Chiang Saen to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Chiang Saen.

Looking for things to do in Chiang Saen can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Chiang Saen or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Chiang Saen attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Chiang Saen

Popular places to visit

Golden triangle

Golden Triangle Park

Explore the great outdoors at Golden Triangle Park, a lovely green space in Sop Ruak. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Golden Triangle Park
Khao Luang cave, Phetchaburi, Thailand

Tham Khao Luang Cave

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Tham Khao Luang Cave during your travels in Chiang Saen. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Tham Khao Luang Cave

Doi Sa Ngo

You can learn about the history of Chiang Saen with a stop at Doi Sa Ngo. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Doi Sa Ngo

Golden Triangle Viewpoint

You can find out about the history of Sop Ruak with a visit to Golden Triangle Viewpoint. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Golden Triangle Viewpoint

Hall of Opium

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Hall of Opium during your trip to Sop Ruak. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Hall of Opium

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng

After visiting Wat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Chiang Saen. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti & Wat Chom Chaeng

Wat Chedi Luang

You can find out about the history of Chiang Saen with a visit to Wat Chedi Luang. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Pa Sak

Wat Pa Sak is just one of the places to see in Chiang Saen, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Wat Pa Sak

Chiang Saen National Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Chiang Saen National Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Chiang Saen. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Chiang Saen National Museum

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Chiang Saen

Golden triangle

Sop Ruak

Life in the Jungle 😎 #chiangrai #katiliya

Mae Chan

Frequently asked questions

Is Chiang Saen worth visiting?
Chiang Saen has a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Chiang Saen?
When you've checked off key attractions like Golden Triangle Viewpoint and Doi Sa Ngo, spend some time enjoying the food and retail options in Chiang Saen.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chiang Saen?
The top tourist attraction in Chiang Saen is Golden Triangle Viewpoint, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Chiang Saen?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off the leading city highlights, like Golden Triangle Viewpoint, Golden Triangle Park and Doi Sa Ngo. The average stay in Chiang Saen is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Chiang Rai isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Chiang Saen with kids?
Planning what to do in Chiang Saen with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Chiang Saen for adults?
House of Opium is one of the main things to do in Chiang Saen. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Chiang Saen?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Chiang Saen. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Golden Triangle Viewpoint is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.