Chiang Saen, Thailand

Chiang Saen, Thailand

Chiang Saen Thailand

According to the well-known myth, Chiang Saen was a hidden ancient city named Yonok Nak Phan, existed over 2,000 years ago in the north of Chiang Rai. With the help from the Nagas (giant serpents), Chiang Rai’s King Singhanawat had founded the city, which later brought back lucks to the city. Yonok Nak Phan had to suffer from the destiny, making the city collapsed, flooded and was washed away from the earth. On the other hand, the scientific studies explained that the cause of the devastation was an earthquake that transformed the city to Chiang Saen Lake. Apart from the story above, the evidence of the historical existence of Chiang Saen proves that the city was in the reign of King Meng Rai of the Lanna Kingdom and it was named under the ancient language Tai used by Burmese and Northern Thai. ‘Chiang’ means ‘dense city’ and ‘saen’ probably relates to King Meng Rai’s nephew, King Saen Phu, who served as the third king of Chiang Saen after King Meng Rai. King Saen Phu had ordered Chiang Sean the capital city from 1327-1341 before his son, King Kham Fu took over the reign. When Chiang Saen experienced a decline, it was no longer a capital city but there was still the great expansion on the Buddhism through many governors as seen from the ruins discovered—75 temples within the city and 66 outside Chiang Saen, which all certified the Chiang Sean civilization under the influence of Buddhism. Later in 1557, many cities including Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen were invaded by the Burmese, following by troops from Ayutthaya. The charming Chiang Saen is located among the convergence of Thailand, Burma and Laos and sits next to the beautiful and peaceful Mekhong River. It’s rich with the natural beauty and many cultural heritages waiting for you to explore. With its long history, Chiang Saen is an ideal place for you learn the history through the impressive stuccos, craftwork and Buddha images which the characters and techniques are influenced from Lanka, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya arts.
Wikipedia
Recommended airport
Chiang Rai Intl (CEI)
Points of interest
  • Wat Ku Kham
  • Chiang Saen Hospital
  • Wat Phrachao Lan Thong Temple
Nearby destinations
  • Chiang Rai a 47.71 km
  • Mae Chan a 28.38 km
  • Chiang Khong a 32.83 km
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