Chiang Saen Ancient Town
Chiang Rai - Thailand
An ancient town, the district of Chiang Saen was once the hub of the powerful Lanna Empire, its status later changed to "city" under the jurisdiction of the Prince Successor during the time of Phaya Khamfu.
In 1367, under the rule of Phaya Gurna, the status of Chiang Saen was demoted even further, being reduced to a frontline city ruled only by appointed administrators. Yet, it continued to maintain its crucial role as the center of Buddhism for eastern Lanna, given the many temples in the city that illustrate the dedication of rulers from Chiang Mai.
On leaving the district of Chiang Saen via the city wall from Chiang Saen Natinal Museum and via Chiang Saen gate, continuing down the road about one kilometer, and taking a right turn by the old city wall for some 200 meters, one comes face to face with Wat Pasak on the left-hand side.
The temple is the site of historic ruins where one can absorb the air of ancient civilization that still exists under the shade of huge teak trees. According to historical records, Phra Buddha Kosacharn presented King Saenbhu, the ruler of Chiang Saen, with the Buddha's relics in 1295. The holy gift prompted the king to build a temple and a pagoda to house the relics. In addition, more than 300 teak trees were planted around the temple to protect the relics, giving rise to the temple's name of "Wat Pasak".
A bell-shaped structure with elaborate embellishments of intricate plasterwork, the principal pagoda of Wat Pasak reflects the architectural in fluency of the Haripunchai region. Set across 16-rai of land, the temple is pleasantly shaded by the sprawling canopies of giant teak trees.
Altogether, there are 22 sites of relics and historic ruins in the compound, comprising, among others, the remains of a multi-tiered pagoda in the Moolakandakudee style, circa 21st century B.E., a stupa that once housed the Buddha's relics, and Vihara, circa 19th century B.E.
