Chiang Saen Lake It's easy to miss the sign along the
highway between Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen that announces Chiang Saen
Lake. If you like nature, start watching for the 21 km marker. Then take
the time to stop by this unique spot. Chiang Saen Lake is a few kilometers
off the main road.
The lake has been cleaned up quite a lot since times past. A guest house
stands on the back side of the lake and a road runs around Chiang Sean. When
you pause to really see Lake Chiang Saen, you may notice an honest eco-tourist
attraction.
The fallen trees are in some parts of the lake serve a good purpose. The
resulting eco system spawns an ample food supply that attracts bird life
migrating from Siberia and China to the warmer regions of Southeast Asia.
Because of the ideal eco system, birds of many feathers regularly flock to
Chiang Saen Lake during their annual migrations. More than 100 species make
the lake their temporary home, especially between the months of November
and February. Many species of water birds stop over, but a variety of tree
birds will be along for the flight.
The mountainous and forested area around the one square kilometer lake appeals
to the senses. The area exudes a calm that makes it easy to feel away from
any sense of urgency. Salas around the guest house behind the lake make a
perfect spot to have a meal or drink and just relax for a few hours.
Take your binoculars and spend the day. Or better yet, spend a night at one
of the adequately comfortable accommodations around the lake. The prices
are right and you have more time to enjoy the natural setting of Lake Chiang
Saen.
Getting there is relatively straightforward. Songtaews ply the road at all hours for the day and evening. Local buses will stop on request and flagging one down is fairly easy. Look for the roadside bus-stop salas.
For cyclists, it's a really nice ride. Maybe an hour and saves a significant
walk from the highway to the lake area.
Chedi Phuket
