ChiangSaen tour

Chiang Saen (Thai: เชียงแสน) is a district (amphoe) in the northern part of Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand. According to an ancient chronicle[1], the original city of Chiang Saen was built in 545 in an area called Yonok, by Tai migrants from the Chinese province of Yunnan, and was an important city (mueang) of the Lanna Kingdom.[2] No reliable written history of the city exists until the arrival of King Mengrai in the 13th century. The city was sacked by King Kawila during the reign of Rama I because it had been the Burmese base of operations in the preceding years. The city was deserted, while its inhabitants resettled in other Bangkok-allied Lanna cities such as Lampang and Chiang Mai. Several ancient ruins are found in the old cities: for example, Wat Pa Sak hosts a well preserved Lanna style 'Prathat'. The Mueang was converted into a district at the beginning of the 20th century, with an additional minor district (King Amphoe) also named Chiang Saen covering the central area. The minor district was abolished in 1925.[3] The minor district was recreated two years laters, then named Chiang Saen Luang (เชียงแสนหลวง).[4] In 1939 the minor district was renamed to Chiang Saen, while the former district Chiang Saen became Mae Chan.[5] The minor district was upgraded to a full district on April 6 1957.Neighbouring districts are (from the east clockwise) Chiang Khong, Doi Luang, Mae Chan, Mae Sai of Chiang Rai Province. To the north are Shan State of Myanmar and Bokeo provinces of Laos. The area around the confluence of the Mekong with the Ruak River is called the Golden Triangle. This boundary region with Laos and Myanmar is now a popular touristical area, with several casinos on the Burmese side.