Chiang Saen

Travel Guide

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.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

5 out of 5
229 Moo 1 T Wiang Chiang Saen Chiang Rai
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Chiang Saen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Hall of Opium and Golden Triangle Viewpoint ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
The staff and stay was fantastic! The elephants seemed a bit bored and it felt like they needed more time spent or less…I’m not sure. For the price the stay and space was exquisite. I’m not sure what to feel about the elephants and the treatment of them.

Reviewed on 28 January 2025

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Pak Ping Rim Khong

Pak Ping Rim Khong

2.5 out of 5
484 Moo 2, Tambon Wiang Chiang Saen Chiang Rai
The price is AED 86 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
AED 86
AED 105 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Chiang Saen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Wat Chedi Luang and Chiang Saen National ...
9/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
Clean room/bad drainage noggood

Reviewed on 23 January 2026

Pak Ping Rim Khong
ChiangsanGoldenland Resort 1

ChiangsanGoldenland Resort 1

3 out of 5
663 Moo.2, T. Wiang Chiang Saen Chiang Rai
The price is AED 66 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
AED 66
AED 79 total
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chiang Saen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Chiang Saen National Museum and Wat Chedi Luang ...
7.8/10 Good! (14 reviews)
Big hotel with us as only customer. Wifi got on then off often and has to be reconnected. Service was ok with no-english whatsoever.

Reviewed on 18 March 2023

ChiangsanGoldenland Resort 1
See all 146 properties in Chiang Saen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tantawan Tented Camp Chiang Rai

Tantawan Tented Camp Chiang Rai

1 out of 5
614 Moo 10, Pa Teung Subdistrict Mae Chan Chiang Rai
Stay at this campground in Mae Chan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pa Tueng Onsen Hotsprings and Choui Fong Tea ...
Tantawan Tented Camp Chiang Rai
Oxy Resort Chiangrai

Oxy Resort Chiangrai

2 out of 5
412 Moo 10 Mae Chan ChiangRai
Stay at this villa in Mae Chan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Choui Fong Tea Plantation and Phrathat Nang Khoi are located ...
Oxy Resort Chiangrai
Doi Tung View Resort

Doi Tung View Resort

2.5 out of 5
101 Moo 10, Huai Khrai, Mae Mae Sai Chiang Rai
Stay at this villa in Mae Sai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Doi Tung Royal Villa and The Hall of Inspiration are ...
Doi Tung View Resort
See all properties in Chiang Saen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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 when you stop by Golden Triangle Viewpoint. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Golden Triangle Viewpoint

Hall of Opium

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at 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

Reviews of Chiang Saen

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The people are so polite in the rural areas of Thailand & less westernized which we prefer.