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History
The Ban Hom Phaya Lanna Chiang Saen center was established after completing research funded by the Thailand Research Fund (TRF). This initiative gathered local wisdom from Chiang Saen and transformed it into a learning center. Various activities were organized in collaboration with the Chiang Saen Museum to share knowledge with both formal and informal students, as well as interested individuals.
A group of people with shared expertise and vision came together to establish the Chiang Saen Social Tourism Community Enterprise, which has since received numerous awards. Over five years of operation, various challenges and obstacles arose, but the team persevered. A new structure was implemented for those committed to continuing the journey without losing sight of the original goal—using tourism as a tool to disseminate wisdom and protect the city’s culture. The group was later renamed Chiang Saen Community-Based Tourism Enterprise.
Location Details
The Chiang Saen Community-Based Tourism Enterprise was founded as a hub for creative community tourism activities, aimed at preserving, promoting, and sustaining local wisdom and cultural heritage. It fosters learning about history, folklore, legends, traditions, and customs that have been passed down for generations in the ancient city of Chiang Saen.
Additionally, it seeks to revive lost cultural practices and safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of Chiang Saen. The enterprise also aims to generate income for the community by organizing creative tourism programs that encourage sustainable community-based tourism.
Key Features
This community is located in an ancient city along the Mekong River, an international river that first enters Thailand at the Golden Triangle. Chiang Saen District is widely recognized and has been a strategic location for city-building since ancient times.
The area is home to historical sites and unique Chiang Saen-style art, with a rich history spanning centuries. The community has preserved its local wisdom, traditions, culture, and way of life for generations. These elements—faith, beliefs, wisdom, and cultural heritage—have been woven into creative tourism experiences, earning the community recognition.
It has received top 5 “Sacred Tourism” awards from the Department of Tourism, the Kinnaree Award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and several other prestigious accolades.
