Many people had heard the name of the city in Thailand which started from the ward” Chiang “. Today we are going to talk about the old civilization called “Chiang Sean”, the old capital of Lanna closest to the border of Thailand and Laos.  Chiang Sean city now is 698 years old as it was constructed in 1328 Ads. Nowadays, we can still see parts of the ruins of the old town spread out along Mae Khong River bank.  You can also see part of the old city plan surrounded by the moat with the two layers of the wall to protect the city. Parts of the ruins and the structures of the old pagodas and temples still can be seen if you drive around. Chiang Sean is one of the places in Chiang Rai province where you can trace the history of the local people. Not only the old city area, but also the history of the biggest opium trading area in the past at the Golden Triangle. You can still see in the opium house which shows you the history of the opium when it passed into Thailand. Also you can see the border of the 3 countries (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) separated from each other by the 2 rivers (Ruak River and Mae Khong River) before the Gigantic Khong River flows between Thailand and Laos for the long border line.  Chiang Sean now might be a small town right at the border however it is also the main trading area for the goods and products from China that transport by ships from China to Thailand as well.

To see the overview of Thailand and Laos border, there is the temple over the hill where you can look over the view with a skywalk to enjoy the view as well.

One of the points that people go to Chiang Sean is where you can see local life and enjoy the scenery before continuing the trip to Chiang Khong where you can cross over to Laos by slow boat or Laos local bus.

However, flights seem to be the fastest way and the most comfortable to go to Laos. Chiang Sean is only one small spot in Chiang Rai province to visit if you like to see more variety and put it in your bucket lists for your visit in Thailand. You can start from Bangkok and continue the trip along the route plan and finish in the north or start the visit from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai as well. The trip can be arranged for both ways. 

Instead of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Historical park, Chiang Sean can be one of the places you can add to your trip.