The meeting of Ruak river and Mekong form a traingle. It used to be a major opium trade route. This part of Thailand is the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailland, Myanmar and Laos meet. It is wonderful to see three countries so close to each other.
Phra Buddha Siri Trairath looking towards Laos and Myanmar from Thailand
information on Phra Buddha Siri Trairath
bordering countries
River Ruak separates Thailand and Myanmar, whereas Mekong forms a boundary between Laos and Thailand. The color of Ruak is muddy whereas that of Mekong is compartitively clear.
Wat Phra That Pu Khao:
Very close to the Golden triangle is an old temple with beautiful naga at its entrance.
History:
According to legend, the temple was constructed by Chao Kaeo Ma Muang, second King of Neonyang Kingdom which was a predecessor to Lanna Kingdom around 759 A.D., but archaelogically it is said to be around the 14th century A.D.
naga at entrance
close-up of nagas
Phra Bharommathat Buddhanamit Chedi:
Only this part of the temple has been renovated.
image of Phra Bhrommathat Buddhanamit inside
Apparently, women are not permitted to enter
image of Buddha seated outside
a small image inside a niche in satellite chedi
broken pieces put together
another image
The images face the temple
Ban Sop Ruak:
The place where Mekong and Ruak meet is Sop Ruak, and is about 9 kms from Chiang Saen. It is another point which is very popular to see the confluence of Ruak and Mekong rivers.
Given the location of the place so close to port, it was a hub for trade.
driving towards Sop Ruak, Laos across the river
The buildings which line the banks of Mekong on Laos side are casinos. Since, Thailand does not permit gambling, people go to Laos to gamble. Regular ferries take passengers at regular intervals.
bronze image of Phra Chiang Saen Si Phaendin or Phra Buddha Nawa Lan Tue
History:
There was a wat in the middle of Mekong river which housed a large golden Buddha. Over a period of time, due to flooding, the island got submerged along with the image of Buddha.
However, in 1936, Buddha's head was seen floating. All efforts to get the image were unsuccessful.
Phra Buddha Nawa Lan Tue was recreated on the basis of proportion from the head found. The head is the only original part of image.
The huge golden Buddha is seated on a pink lotus which forms a part of a big boat.
Phra Chiang Saen Si Phaendin:
The magnificent bronze image catches the eye of anyone who visits the place.
The Golden Buddha or Phra Chiang Saen Si Phaendin sits on a large boat, Rua Kaew Kusoltham.
The boat is decorated with colored stained glass
The image sits in bhumisparsh mudra, images of Kua Im, in white on both sides of entrance
Below the image are plenty of small images
Kua Im or Gua Yin with thousand arms
Many arms signify that she can help many people at the same time.
Seated on a throne, under a golden umbrella is King Mengrai.
Three large golden tungs (Lanna flags) are on either side. This was placed on the occassion of Late KIng Bhumibol Adulyadej's (King Rama IX) 72nd birthday.
King Mengrai
Two large elephants statues carrying golden stupas on their backs
Buddha images
more images
Mekong river tour boats, Laos in the background
Regular ferry services take passengers to Myanmar and Laos. But, tourists can get a taste of this ride. Don Sao is a small island which belongs to Laos. Tourists can go there but they need to deposit their passports with authorities before they embark on the ferry.
The trip takes 20 minutes and you don't need a visa! It is a good place for buying souvenirs.
We bought some fresh coconut water with tender meat. The name "starbears" though amused us :)
But, honestly it was a perfect way to quench our thirst and beat the heat.
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