Before you explore Chiang Saen, make sure you visit the National Museum, the exhibits in which include representative items of Chiang Saen discovered during archaeological digs carried out in the surrounding area. Worthy of particular note are the superb 14C-15C Buddhas in the entrance hall, which are characteristic of the artistic trends of the north of country, and which are partly inspired by Pala art in India. Note also the splendid stucco masks, discovered at the site of Wat Pa Sak.