Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Today huge river barges from China moor at Chiang Saen, carrying fruit, engine
parts and all manner of other imports, keeping the old China-Siam trade route
open.
Sights & Activities
WAT CHEDI LUANG
( admission free)
Behind the museum to the east are the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang,
which features an 18m octagonal
chedi
in the classic Chiang Saen or Lanna style.
Archaeologists argue about its exact construction date but agree it dates to some
time between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Temple
WAT PA SAK
( admission free)
About 200m from the
Pratu Chiang Saen
(the historic main gate-
way to the town's western flank) are the remains of Wat Pa Sak, where the ruins of
seven monuments are visible in a
historical park
(admission 50B)
. The main
mid-14th-century
chedi
combines elements of the Hariphunchai and Sukhothai
styles with a possible Bagan influence, and it still holds a great deal of attractive
stucco relief work.
Temple
WAT PHRA THAT CHOM KITTI & WAT CHOM CHANG
( admission free)
The remains of Wat Phra That Chom Kitti and Wat Chom Chang
can be found about 2.5km north of Wat Pa Sak on a hilltop. The round
chedi
of Wat
Phra That Chom Kitti is thought to have been constructed before the founding of the
kingdom. The smaller
chedi
below it belonged to Wat Chom Chang. There is noth-
ing much to see at these
chedi,
but there is a good view of Chiang Saen and the
river.
Temple
WAT PHA KHAO PAN
( admission free)
Inside the grounds of Wat Pha Khao Pan, a living wát near the
river, stands a magnificent Lanna-period
chedi
. The large, square base contains
Lanna-style walking Buddhas in niches on all four sides. The Buddha facing east is
sculpted in the
mudra
('calling for rain') pose, with both hands held pointing down at
the image's sides - a pose common in Laos but not so common in Thailand.
Temple
CHIANG SAEN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Museum
