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From chocolate workshops to epic mountain views… these are a few of the greatest issues to do in Nan province, Thailand.
There’s loads to like on this quiet nook of Northern Thailand. Largely rural and sparsely populated, Nan’s gradual tempo of life and huge swathes of lush countryside are its largest attracts. You possibly can come right here simply to flee into nature and calm down, or wander the quiet capital’s leafy streets in the hunt for cute cafes and hidden gems.
However there’s additionally loads of tradition and historical past to find all through the province – and many enjoyable actions to maintain travellers busy!
Discover dazzling temples and study native historical past within the province capital, additionally referred to as Nan. Lose your self on the winding mountain roads of a sprawling nationwide park – stopping off at roadside viewpoints and unbelievable espresso retailers alongside the best way.
Uncover the tradition and historical past of the realm’s distinctive ethnic teams and hill tribes, or study concerning the former Lan Na Kingdom which as soon as included most of Northern Thailand.
No matter you’re into, there’s lots to entice on this fascinating and surprisingly underrated province close to the Laos border.
What follows is an expanded model of my information to Nan Province – delving deeper into all the highest sights and sights within the area.
Should you head to this stunning northern province, these are a few of the greatest issues to do in Nan…
Fast Record: Issues to do in the event you Solely Have a Day or Two in Nan, Thailand
Should you’re quick on time – right here’s a fast checklist of the can’t-miss sights in Nan Thailand. You’ll discover extra data on each within the subsequent part.
- Take a tram tour of Nan’s Previous Quarter for a fast overview of the primary sights.
- Swing by Wat Phumin to take a look at the murals on the metropolis’s most well-known temple.
- Head to the village of Pua (one hours drive from Nan) to take a look at Wat Phuket and the Doi Silver Museum.
- Take a chocolate workshop at Cocoa Valley Resort – or simply swing by to eat chocolate!
- Plot a street journey round Doi Phu Kha Nationwide Park. Cease at viewpoints, go to an historical salt nicely at Bo Kluea, and take a look at the waterfall within the sleepy mountain village of Sapan.
8 Issues to Do in Nan Metropolis, Thailand
1. Take a Tram Tour of Nan Metropolis Centre
For the right introduction to Nan and a fast overview of the Previous City, hop aboard one of many Tram Excursions of the town centre.
These cute little open-sided trams are a good way to see the highlights of Nan’s compact Previous City centre in a single afternoon. They’ll take you previous a lot of the main metropolis sights and temples, generally stopping for a short while so you will get down and take pictures.
Good to Know: The tram excursions depart from the vacationer workplace (reverse Wat Phumin). Excursions run twice a day at 10:30am and three:30pm and price 30THB per individual. They’re solely obtainable in Thai for the time being, however it’s nonetheless a enjoyable strategy to discover and also you’ll get a very good overview. Drop pins in your Google Maps to remind your self which spots you need to come again to throughout your journey.
2. Discover Nan Previous City
Nan’s Previous Quarter is compact and quiet, so it’s straightforward to discover on foot or by bike. Take a stroll across the metropolis’s huge, tree-lined streets in the hunt for vibrant temples, glittering gold stupas, and different historic buildings.
Two of the primary temples within the Previous City space, Wat Phumin and Wat Sri Panton, are listed afterward on this submit – however listed below are just a few of the opposite prime sights to look out for:
- Nan Metropolis Wall – the stays of a historic stone wall which as soon as surrounded the town.
- Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan – the “Temple of the Relic Supported by Elephants” (pictured above) options an enormous gold chedi which stands on a sq. base embellished with 24 elephant sculptures.
- Wat Ming Mueang – an intricately carved white temple house to the town pillar.
- Wat Hua Khuang – a nationwide historical monument with temples and pagodas constructed within the native Lanna artwork type.
- Wat Aranyawat – my private favorite; a vibrant temple complicated which homes an enormous assortment of Buddha sculptures carved from wooden.
3. Uncover the Well-known Murals at Wat Phumin
Wat Phumin is essentially the most well-known and historic temple in Nan – and some of the vital in northern Thailand. It was inbuilt 1696 by Phra Chao Jettabutrabhrama, then ruler of the Nan Kingdom, and was depicted on the outdated 1 Bhat banknotes (now not in circulation).
The within of the temple is totally lined in intricately detailed Nineteenth-century murals depicting on a regular basis life in Nan, native folklore, and Buddhist legends.
Most well-known is the “Whispering Lovers” scene, an outline of a person whispering into his lover’s ear. You’ll see copies of this picture ALL over Nan Province, from wall decorations to cute cartoon variations on t-shirts. Native legend says that in the event you declare your like to your companion in entrance of this mural, your love can be everlasting.
One wall of the murals reveals scenes from the Buddhist Hell Realm – with some brutal punishments being dished out, presumably warning folks away from sure sins (like adultery). See in the event you can work out which crimes match the punishments!
4. Admire the Golden Temple of Wat Sri Panton
Don’t miss the gorgeous gold temple of Wat Sri Panton when you’re exploring Nan.
The temple is totally lined in intricate gold carvings, and the entry steps are flanked by two statues of seven-headed nagas (legendary dragon-like creatures).
Within the courtyard in entrance of the temple, you may as well see a conventional lengthy boat. Held within the Nan River, the annual Nan Lengthy Boat Competition is without doubt one of the largest cultural occasions within the province.
5. Expertise the Thai Ritual of Giving Alms
Should you’re up and about at daybreak in Nan one morning, you’ll possible see quite a few Buddhist monks strolling the streets barefoot of their vivid, saffron-coloured robes and holding small bowls or baskets.
That is a part of the Thai Buddhist ritual of day by day Alms-Giving. Believers make choices of meals and different helpful gadgets, which the monks take again to their monastery to be shared. Flowers are additionally given for use as choices on the shrine.
Alms-giving is seen as a strategy to make benefit and earn good karma on this life. On the similar time, supporting the monks means they don’t need to work and may focus all their consideration on the pursuit of enlightenment. It’s a ritual that dates again to the time of the Buddha, so it’s definitely worth the early begin to witness.
Good to know: One of the best place to watch alms-giving in Nan is on the morning market within the city centre between 5am and 7am. If you wish to participate your self, purchase some meals or helpful home goods to offer as an providing. Locals guarantee me that international guests are welcome to take part, so don’t really feel uncomfortable. The monk I gave alms to was joyful to see us all and didn’t appear to thoughts in any respect that I’m not a practising Buddhist.
6. Study Extra at Nan Nationwide Museum
Delve a little bit deeper into native historical past on the Nan Nationwide Museum. Sadly, this was closed throughout my go to – however it appears to be like like an important place to find the fascinating historical past of Nan Province and its folks.
It’s housed in an impressive yellow-painted constructing which was as soon as the residence of an area nobleman, and later the city corridor. The grounds of the museum are significantly beautiful – particularly the attractive tunnel of frangipani bushes (a well-liked picture spot!).
7. Don’t Miss the Smallest Temple in Thailand!
Additionally on the grounds of Nan Nationwide Museum, don’t miss the smallest temple in Thailand: Wat Noy. This tiny construction on the foot of a banyan tree is so small you’ll be able to’t even go inside.
It was constructed for King Rama V when he visited the town within the late 1800s. The story goes {that a} nobleman instructed the king that the town had yet one more temple than it truly did, so this tiny one was rapidly thrown up to make sure that the king had the proper quantity!
Inside are a number of rows of tiny carved monks. My information instructed me it’s the presence of those monks that makes Wat Noy a temple moderately than a shrine.
8. Step Again in Time on the Noble Home
Hong Chao Fong Kham – aka the Noble Home – is a 150-year-old mansion constructed from teakwood within the conventional Lanna type. At present, it homes a small museum that includes a group of antiques and artwork, and many desirable items of Lanna tradition equivalent to costumes, weapons, and jewelry.
Sadly, I didn’t have time to go to the Noble Home on my journey, however from what I’ve learn it’s positively price popping in in the event you’re focused on native tradition and historical past.
9 Issues to do in Nan Province, Thailand
9. Bask in all Issues Chocolatey at Cocoa Valley
Should you love chocolate as a lot as I do, you NEED to go to Cocoa Valley Resort within the Pua district. About an hour from the town of Nan, this makes an important time out.
Cocoa Valley is a beautiful lodge and resort set on its very personal cocoa farm. You possibly can go to the farm to study all about the place chocolate comes from. See cacao pods rising, style the fruit, and watch workers hand-sorting the dried cocoa nibs from the husks. You possibly can also have a go at this your self.
Subsequent, head indoors for a chocolate-making workshop. Use melted chocolate and pure toppings to craft your very personal distinctive chocolate bar!
Don’t miss the restaurant and lodge
Even in the event you don’t do the workshop, it’s price visiting the Cocoa Valley restaurant for some scrumptious chocolatey treats. I’m nonetheless fascinated with these brownies! There’s additionally a small store promoting all-natural cocoa butter magnificence merchandise.
You possibly can even spend an evening at Cocoa Valley to essentially indulge your interior chocoholic! The boutique resort has a number of stunning rooms boasting epic views of the luxurious countryside. Some also have a bathtub on the balcony so you’ll be able to unwind underneath the celebrities… maybe with a bar of chocolate or two?!
LEARN MORE: Click on right here to look at my Instagram reel of Cocoa Valley – together with contained in the lodge rooms.
10. Join With Nature in Doi Phu Kha Nationwide Park
Nan’s gorgeous pure landscapes are what makes this province so particular. And among the finest locations to understand them is within the mountainous Doi Phu Kha Nationwide Park.
Sitting proper on the border with Laos, this sprawling nationwide park is house to the tallest mountain in Nan Province: Phu Kha, at a peak of 1980m above sea stage. The park can be the one place in Thailand the place you’ll be able to see Chomphu Phu Kha, an extremely uncommon pink flower after which each the mountain and the nationwide park are named!
Should you don’t have lengthy to discover, strive a mini street journey round Doi Phu Kha’s winding mountain roads*. Cease off at viewpoints such because the 1715 Viewpoint on the facet of Phu Kha Mountain, or the favored picture spot on the snaking Avenue Quantity 3.
You probably have longer, take into account spending an evening within the nationwide park to go stargazing. Rural Nan has fairly epic darkish skies anyway, so the sparsely populated nationwide park is a superb stargazing spot. There are a number of campsites inside the park – some even have small cabins in the event you don’t have a tent (or simply want an actual mattress).
*Should you get journey sick, I like to recommend taking movement illness tablets earlier than heading into the park.
11. Go to the Sleepy River City of Pua
Take a day journey to the sleepy, sprawling district of Pua, an hour’s drive north of Nan. Sitting on the confluence of two rivers – the Pua and the Khwang – and surrounded by lush inexperienced countryside, this can be a slow-paced, tranquil city that’s a pleasure to wander round.
Pua’s relaxed vibes are attractive sufficient, however the district additionally has a number of prime sights to take pleasure in – together with the hilltop Wat Phuket temple (see the following part).
Working from the foot of Wat Phuket, Phuket Strolling Avenue is a riverside road lined with retailers and stalls. It’s an important place to select up some yummy road meals or native souvenirs.
DON’T MISS Ban Tai Lue Cafe – a cute, shabby-chic riverside cafe with nice espresso and gorrrrgeous views of the sleepy paddy fields and distant mountains of the Doi Phu Kha Nationwide Park. The iced coconut latte is scrumptious!
12. Absorb the Views at Wat Phuket
One of many prime issues to do within the Pua district of Nan Province is to go to Wat Phuket. This vibrant, Lanna-style temple sits on the prime of a hill, having fun with wonderful views over the inexperienced rice fields with mountains behind.
The views are so good that there are even some heart-shaped, Instagrammable frames on the temple grounds! Contained in the temple are some vibrant murals exhibiting scenes from the Buddha’s life.
13. Uncover Yao Tradition at Doi Silver Museum
Additionally in Pua district, don’t miss Doi Silver Manufacturing unit and Museum. The manufacturing facility was based by Mr Somchai Rungrachatawanit, who discovered the artwork of silver making from his father and grandfather.
Somchai opened a small museum at his manufacturing facility to showcase the tradition and heritage of the Yao folks, a tribal ethnic group discovered within the hills of northern Thailand.
Silver performs a big function in Yao tradition. Jewelry is given as presents to infants at start, and will later used as a dowry for marriage. The museum is full of such jewelry, in addition to Yao costumes and different artefacts. Somchai instructed me that each time he sees a conventional design, he takes a photograph and tries to recreate it at his workshop – serving to to protect his tradition.
Don’t miss the manufacturing facility store at Doi Silver too! You possibly can choose up attractive silver jewelry at wonderful costs so it’s nice for purchasing presents and souvenirs!
14. Unwind within the Mountain Village of Sapan
On the far facet of the Doi Phu Kha Nationwide Park lies the sleepy riverside village of Sapan, surrounded by rice paddies and rolling inexperienced mountains. Should you’ve been to Pai, close to Chiang Mai, it’s an analogous vibe – however with out the crowds of drunk backpackers!
One of many largest attracts is Sapan Waterfall – a brief hike of about 20 minutes or so from the village. The summer time rains hadn’t kicked in but once we visited, so it wasn’t its ordinary spectacular self, however within the wet season (normally Could to October) this waterfall is nicely definitely worth the stroll via the forest.
If you wish to really get away from all of it, there are a number of glamping resorts and homestays dotted round Sapan village. I significantly beloved the look of Sapan Dee View, the place cute safari tents had been tucked round a small rice paddy.
Should you go to Sapan – DON’T miss Yud Wela Cafe, a superb hilltop espresso store overlooking the village and surrounding farms. There’s even a wonderfully Instagrammable picket terrace (see my picture close to the highest of this submit!). Flop on a beanbag together with your espresso to take pleasure in what would possibly simply be the most effective espresso store view I’ve ever seen on my travels!
15. Uncover Bo Kluea Pure Rock Salt Nicely
One of many extra distinctive sights in Nan is the pure rock salt nicely within the village of Boi Kluea. Yep; salt – excessive within the mountains of landlocked Nan, miles from the coast!
The principle nicely within the village is 800 years outdated: a rickety contraption constructed to tug up the salt water from an underground spring.
The water is poured into massive metallic pans and boiled over a fireplace to extract the salt. It’s also possible to purchase desk salt, salt crystals, and salt-based magnificence merchandise within the village. I picked up some lime-scented bathtub salts for an at-home Thai-style foot spa!
16. Take a Photograph at Avenue Quantity 3
Doi Phu Kha Nationwide Park is understood for its dramatically snaking mountain roads, and some of the winding is Freeway 1081. Cease off on the viewpoint, referred to as Avenue Quantity 3 on Google, to snap a photograph of this iconic street.
You possibly can see visitors coming from far off – however PLEASE take care once you’re posing. It’s positively not price risking your life for this shot!
17. Attempt Northern Thai Delicacies
Followers of Thai delicacies will completely love Nan Province! The delicacies within the north of Thailand might be fairly completely different to the south – so there are plenty of new discoveries to be made. These are just a few of the highest dishes to look out for…
- Khao soi – egg noodles and rooster (or pork) in a coconut curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles. A must-try once you’re in Northern Thailand.
- Lan Na-style Laab – a Lan Na tackle an iconic Lao dish: a chopped meat salad flavoured with floor chillies and different spices equivalent to cumin, star anise, and cinnamon. There’s additionally a uncooked meat model referred to as laab dib, made utilizing chopped uncooked beef, blood, and chilli.
- Sai Oua – a spicy pork sausage flavoured with pink curry paste and chilli.
- Nam Prik Noom Kab Moo – pork crackling served with a inexperienced chilli dip.
- Freshwater shrimp – seafood will not be straightforward to seek out in landlocked Nan, however the abundance of rivers means you could find a number of freshwater fish and shellfish dishes. King River Prawns are a well-liked selection – and, because the identify suggests, they’re fairly big.
- Freshwater fish – standard fish in northern Thailand embody catfish, trout, and the bizarre-looking snakehead fish (I’ve to admit: I wasn’t a fan of that final one!).
Map of Issues to Do in Nan Province
Remaining Ideas
Escaping to a lesser-visited a part of Thailand isn’t at all times clean crusing. Employees and signage at sights could have restricted or no English, so realizing what you’re taking a look at might be difficult! That’s why I’ve made this information to the most effective issues to do in Nan as detailed as attainable.
That stated, there are plenty of rewards to getting barely off the overwhelmed path. On the entire, I discovered Nan rather more inexpensive than the better-known components of Thailand. We barely noticed every other non-Thai vacationers throughout our journey, hardly ever had crowds at sights, and normally had the most effective views all to ourselves.
Thailand is understood for its distinctive hospitality and welcoming folks, and Nan isn’t any completely different. It’s a lovely, peaceable province with laid-back vibes, dramatic mountain views, tranquil rivers and plush countryside – in addition to a wealthy heritage and distinctive tradition to find.
Don’t miss Phrae
You probably have extra time within the space, I strongly advocate visiting the neighbouring province of Phrae. If something, this distant little area is ever extra underrated than Nan.
Phrae is a good place to find northern Thailand’s wealthy heritage and conventional crafts – equivalent to Mo Hom indigo dye, bamboo hat making, teak buildings, and textile weaving.
Learn Extra
Every little thing you Must Know About Visiting Nan Province
Are there any extra nice issues to do in Nan Province, Thailand that I’ve missed off this checklist? Scroll all the way down to share within the feedback!
