Nan Province is a charming destination in northern Thailand with a fascinating landscape, history and culture. The area has captured the hearts of locals and tourist alike with its calm atmosphere and natural attractions. Places to visit in Nan Province include the enchanting Old Town of Nan city and the wondrous hiking trails and viewpoints in Doi Phu Kha National Park.
Wander Old Town
A trip to Nan Province won’t be complete without a visit to Old Town in Nan, located in the center of the province. While the atmosphere of Old Town is slow, it certainly is not boring. Locals are welcoming to outsiders, and tours of ancient temples and museums give visitors a feel for the region’s culture, landscape and rich history.
Recommended attractions in Nan old town
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Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
Estimated to be about 600 years old, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng is a treasured temple that contains priceless relics of the Nan people. Many artifacts date to Sukhothai, the ancient kingdom of north central Thailand that reigned from 1238 to 1438. Another highlight of Wat Phra That Chae Haeng is the architecture and the gorgeous scenery around it. Visitors can rent bicycles in town and ride to the temple to enjoy the surroundings, which includes points on Nan River, on the way.
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Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, which is located on the top of a small hill just west of Nan city. At the temple, visitors will discover a lovely viewpoint, as well as a large image of Buddha and remnants of his hair. Morning is a beautiful time to visit Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, as a sea of mist often rises into the mountaintops, adding an extra sweetness to the bird’s-eye view of the city.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Nan Riverside Art Gallery
About 20 minutes north of Nan city is where guests can find Nan Riverside Art Gallery. As the name suggests, the studio sits next to Nan River and features a splendid atmosphere along with the private art collection of Nan artist Winai Prabripu. The gallery showcases permanent exhibits inside and rotating exhibits from contemporary Thai artists outside. Visitors also will find a souvenir shop and coffee shop on the premises, making the trip a great place to sop up the peace and quiet for a few hours.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Wednesday)
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Doi Samer Dao
Doi Samer Dao, located in the Si Nan National Park in the southern Na Noi District of Nan Province, is one of the best places to visit in Nan. The mountain ridge is gorgeous year-round and offers views of the lush valleys and the winding Nan River below. Visitors can enjoy the cooler weather of the region by camping in tents on the ridge and watching the dazzling stars in the night sky.
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Khun Sathan National Park
Even further south in Nan Province is the serene nature of Khun Sathan National Park, which contains Doi Prae Muang, a mountain ridge that separates Phrae and Nan provinces. Camping in Khun Sathan National Park is a popular thing to do among locals, and tourists are welcome to join! The area is scenic all year, and each season has its own highlights. Rainy seasons bring tranquil seas of mist along the mountainsides. Springtime is filled with views of cherry blossoms, and winter brings cool temperatures that are tricky to find in most places in Thailand.
Recommended attractions in Khun Sathan National Park
- Doi Ku Sathan
- Doi Mae Chok
- Khun Li Waterfall
- La Ong Cave
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Doi Phu Kha National Park
Besides being on the border with Laos, Doi Phu Kha National Park holds a bounty of charms found no other place in Thailand. The national park, which contains Phu Kha Mountain, is the only place in Thailand where visitors can view Chompoo Phu Kha, a rare plant that blooms pink flowers annually around February. The drive up the mountain’s winding roads offers excellent scenery, and visitors can book a stay in either a guesthouse or tent on the top of the mountain. Activities include educational trekking trails and viewpoints that are perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset.
Recommended attractions on Doi Phu Kha
- 1715 Viewpoint
- Stargazing spot
- Doi Phu Wae
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Rafting the Wa River
When it comes to whitewater rafting, many people might not consider Nan Province, but indeed, the region is one of the top spots in Thailand to brave the rapids! The Wa River in Khun Nan National Park is popular with adventurists who demand thrills with their chilled atmosphere, and with a length of more than 180 miles (300 kilometers), who wouldn’t want to explore Wa River? The river is divided into three sections – upper, middle and lower, and each contains unique scenery, swimming areas and camping spots. May through January is the best time to float down Wa River.
Travel tip: many local tour companies offer all-inclusive Wa River packages that include rafting guides, equipment, accommodation and meals. Packages can be arranged according to experience and preference of accommodations.
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Pua City
Pua City is about one hour north of Nan city and could be considered the gateway to Doi Phu Kha National Park. The town is especially vibrant during rainy season, and tourists visit the area to enjoy the clean and crisp mountain air as well as the mountain landscape, historic temples and local art, known as Tai Lue. Pua City is one of the top places to visit in Nan Province and a great place to book a homestay to enjoy life like a local.
Must-see attractions in Pua District
- Wang Nam Pua
- Wat Phuket
- Tub Na Thai Lue Coffee Shop
- Wat Rong Ngae
- Lamduan Woven Fabric shop
- Huay Pla Kang Reservoir
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Sao Din Na Noi
A stark contrast to the lush greenery in Nan Province, Sao Din Na Noi is a dreamy historic spot for archaeologists and tourists who love mysterious rock formations. The region is void of much green space and showcases what is thought to be rock formations that were formed long ago on the bottom of the sea. Many remnants, like ancient stone bracelets and axes, have been discovered in the soil of the area, which leaves experts to believe that the region was once occupied by Neanderthals. While the landscape is drastically different than all of Nan Province, the trip to this landmark in Si Nan National Park is worth the trek.
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Find Hotels in Nan Province
Khum Muang Min Boutique Hotel
Nan Panwa Hotel
Nan Seasons Boutique Resort
