Thailand

Nestled in the north of Thailand, Nan Province serves as a border with Laos. Sparsely populated and less frequented by tourists, it has managed to preserve its greenery and natural charm, which immediately inspire serenity. The province is still covered with forests and is home to several mountains that are perfect for rejuvenation or trekking. It is predominantly inhabited by ethnic groups such as the Thai Yuan, Thai Lu, Lao Puan, Lua, Kamu, Hmong, Mian, and Mabri.

The city of Nan has been developing local tourism a lot, even though few foreigners are familiar with it. Obviously, the city represents an interesting cultural and historical stop. If you have visited Thailand's must-sees, a visit to Nan will enrich you further and undoubtedly bring you peace.

History

At the end of the 13th century, the first kingdom around the city of Pua was created, and Praya Pukha Fung, the brother of the founder of Ventiane, built his court there. Nan's original name is Nantaburi or Woranakom, and it hosted 64 sovereigns of the Phukha dynasty. Despite its connection to Ventiane, the kingdom suffered strong political and religious influences from the Sukhothai kingdom. In the 14th century, Nan moved to its current location.

In 1443, King Kaen Thao of Nan wanted to capture the city of Phayao and killed its king. However, the troops of King Tilokaraj of Chiang Mai attacked Nan in 1449 and captured it.

In the 15th century, the Sukhothai kingdom experienced a decline, and Nan fell under the feudal system of the Lanna kingdom.

Around 1700, Lanna came under Burmese domination. After several liberation attempts, Nan was directly administered.

The Burmese were expelled in 1788, and Nan received the new rulers of Siam.

Following the Paknam crisis in 1893, most of the eastern part of Nan province was ceded to French Indochina.

In 1931, Nan was fully integrated into the kingdom of Siam.

Nan Today

Nan is renowned for its boat races. This is a tradition that dates back more than six centuries and attracts many visitors every year. In general, they take place in the summer, during the Buddhist retreat, the dates of which vary according to the lunar calendar.

Discovering Nan

Visiting temples is the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the city and its monuments. Among the temples in the city that have existed for many years, some trace the Lanna influence, while others belong to the Thai Lue heritage.

Wat Ming Muang

The architecture of this temple reflects the Lanna influence on Nan. Inside, its walls are decorated with paintings that reflect local daily life. Don't forget to take a look inside!

Wat Phu Min

This is the most spectacular temple in the province, thanks to its beautiful paintings and breathtaking interior.

Wat Chae Hang

Located outside the city, this temple is the most revered by the locals. Feel free to explore its relaxing surroundings, its golden stupa, and the beautiful view it offers of the Nan valley.

The Nan National Museum

This place of interest is a must-visit to learn about the history and secrets of Nan, as well as the culture of the region and the traditions of its inhabitants.

Rich in natural landscapes, Nan province alone is home to seven national parks. These places are ideal for escaping pollution and enjoying nature.

You can go down to the Kat Kuang Muang pedestrian street, located near Wat Phumin, to discover Northern dishes, shop, and find souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones.

Climate

Nan has a tropical savanna climate. It is hot all year round, with an average annual temperature of 25°C, but summer is humid and winter is dry. Over the year, the average precipitation is 2,219.7 mm.

The best time to visit Nan is from November to April, during the winter season. At this time, you can be sure that the rain will not spoil your vacation, and that the sun will be present without burning your skin. It will be very comfortable, considering that on average, the lowest temperature is 20.8°C. In April, which is the hottest month, the average can rise to 29.6°C.

How to get to Nan?

Since there is no train station in Nan, it is not possible to come by train from Bangkok. However, you can come by bus or by plane. The two airlines serving the city are Nok Air and Air Asia.

If you prefer to take the bus to reach Nan, you should count about ten hours from the capital. You can also take the bus from Chiang Mai for a 6-hour journey, from Chiang Rai for 5 hours, or from Phrae for a 2-hour drive. It should be noted that public transportation is not plentiful. Typically, local tourists come by car.

How to get around the city?

To get around the city of Nan, it is common to walk or cycle. For your safety, the city has bike lanes as well as a cycling route to facilitate your visit. Tuk-tuks rarely circulate in the city.