Chiang Saen

Introduction

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

There are frequent buses between Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen (32bt, 1.5 hours). If coming from Chiang Mai be sure to ask for the new route via Chiang Rai. Fan (126bt), air-con (227bt), 5 hours journey time. The old route goes the long way through Lamphun, Lampang, Ngao, Phayao and Phan (7-9 hours). Or you can take a bus to Chiang Rai first then a connecting one to Chiang Saen (4.5 hours).

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

• Song Fang Khong and Rim Khong - 11:00am-11:00pm, 35-100bt. Located by the riverside in Sop Ruak, are garden restaurants with a wide ranging menu of Thai, Chinese and Isaan food.
• Food Stalls by the Riverbank - These local stalls sell a variety of local food such as sticky rice, papaya salad, grilled chicken, fish

A popular way for the Thais to eat, its like an evening picnic. 30-60bt/dish.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

• Chiang Saen Guesthouse - Tel: 053 650196, 200-250bt. Well established, located opposite the river and night stalls has good value rooms and 'A' frame bungalows. They also arrange boat tickets to China and visas.
• Gin's Guesthouse - Tel: 053 650847, 250-700bt. Located 2 kilometres north of the bus terminal, has a range of rooms and prices. Rooms upstairs have good views of the Mekhong River. Motorbikes and bicycles available to rent here, they also offer tours.

Mid-Range

Upscale

• Chiang Saen River Hill Hotel - Tel: 053 650826, 1,200bt. A 4-storey hotel has clean rooms, decorated with a northern-Thai touch. All rooms have a fridge and TV

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Thailand Post is the Thai postal service that deals with all local and international mail in Thailand. The business is operated from local post offices. Post offices are easy to recognise with their red white and blue motifs and the words 'Thailand Post' in English and Thai above the entrance. They are open from Monday to Saturday, usually 8:30am to 4:30pm (main ones until around 8:00pm), though keeping shorter hours on Saturdays (usually until 1:00pm). They are generally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Each post office offers a comprehensive service which includes an Express Mail Service (EMS) and parcel post. They also have a price calculator for letters, postcards and parcels, both domestically as well as internationally. They also have a track and trace system and money transfer services.