Chiang Rai, Thailand
Explore the Golden Triangle - where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. This area is home to the infamous Chiang Saen, located on the steep banks of the Mekong River. Enjoy a long-tail boat ride.
The once-powerful city of Chiang Saen is one of Thailand's oldest and most historic towns. Founded in the 10th century by Thai commanders as the first independent principality in northern Thailand, Chiang Saen was later destroyed by Khmer forces and re-established by King Mengrai in 1259. It was then abandoned in favor of Chiang Mai but revived in the 14th-century by Mengrai's grandson, a devout Buddhist who constructed most of the existing stupas and chedis.
This interesting town has numerous ruins of temples, chedis, city walls and other remains from the Chiang Saen period. There is also a small museum. Across the river from Chiang Saen is Laos, while 7 miles further north, at the point where the Sop Ruak River meets the Mekong, is the official apex of the Golden Triangle.
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