Outside the town walls is the very ancient temple of Wat Prathart Doi Jom Gitti. This temple pre-dates the founding of Chiang Saen; the foundations have been dated to the 7th Century and are, indeed, pre-Tai. Interestingly, the word "Jom" is the ancient word for Khmer so this lends credence to the thought that Khmer people exercised influence in the area. A Buddha image, in high relief, decorates the jedi and also there is a bronze plaque. As the Thai word "Doi" (mountain/hill) indicates, the temple is perched on the crest of a hill and affords a splendid panorama of Chiang Saen and the Maekhong River as far as the Golden Triangle. This is a very popular sight for visitors.