Nan is home to the sacred Phrathat Chae Haeng Pagoda. It occupies an area of 11,472.1 square kilometers and is located 668 kms. from Bangkok. There are 12 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe: Muang, Chiang Klang Thung Chang, Tha Wang Pha, Na Noi, Pua, Wiang Sa, Mae Charim, Ban Luang, Na Mun, Santisuk, Bo Klua and King Amphoe Song Khwae.

 

What to see and what to do in Nan?

 

Phrathat Chae Haeng is located on Doi Phuphiang Chae Haeng, Tambon Fai Kaeo, Amphoe Muang and was constructed during Sukhothai period. The annual worshipping fair takes place on the full moon day of the first month. The fair includes a parade and fireworks.

Wat Phumin is a monastery located in Phumin and has very unusual characteristics compared to other monasteries. The main shrine hall and the vihara are constructed beautiful wood carved doors placed in the four directions by Lanna Thai artisans. Murals painted on the the vihara displaying ways of lives and cultures of the past.

Wat Suan Tan is a monastery located in Tambon Nai Wiang, Amphoe Muang. It has a beautiful pagoda with multi-level works of art. They are displayed in niches facing in the four directions on the lowest level. A big bronze Buddha image named "Phra Thong That" is housed inside the pagoda. A grand celebration with fireworks displays takes place all day all night during the Songkran Festival.

Wat Chang Kham Wora Vihara is a monastery, located in the heart of Nan City, constructed in 1949 B.E. There are (front half) elephant sculptures decorating the base of the pagoda.

Nan National Museum is located on Highway 101. The museum puts on exhibition black ivory and various kinds of artifacts. It is open daily from 9:00-16:00 hrs. except Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays.

Black Elephant Tusk
This dark tan colored tusk presumed to be the left side, is displayed in Nan National Museum (Ho Kham). It is of long curved shape reaching a length of 94 cms. and is 18 kgs. in weight. It is regarded as a valuable Nan provincial property.

Pha Tup Forest Park
This arboretum is located 12 kms. from the provincial community on Highway No. 1080. There are several caves in the arboretum area worth visiting.

Tham Pha Mong and Tham Pha Wiang caves are located 10 kms. from Amphoe Wiang Sa township area on the road to Amphoe Na Noi. There a 300 meter access road branches off to the caves, through the hilly terrain. Beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations are seen inside the caves.

Sao Din or Hom Chom
This 4-5 squareter area is located at AmphoeNa Noi 60 kms. from the provincial unity, dotted with various formations deriving from earth denudation caused by flowing currents and subsequently eroded by rains having sand stone as the top level.

Doi Pha Chi
A mountain on Highway no.1091, Nan-Phayao route, some 40 kilometers from the provincial town to Amphoe Ban Luang, with a branch road running for another 30 kilometers via Ban Pi Nua to Doi Pha Chi. This forested mountain is still in perfect natural condition. The area was once an enemy base. Some basic infrastructure like electricity generator and waterworks system are still there. Nearby are, villages of Mong and Yao hilltribes.

Mural Painting at Wat Nong Bua
Located at Ban Nong Bua, Wat Nong Buawas was built by Thai Lu people who migrated from Sib Song Pan Na Province in South China. The mural paintings here are believed to be the work of Thai Lu or Nan painters. The paintings' artistic style is almost the same as those at Wat Phumin. Within its precincts, the rite hall or Bot, about 250 years old, lies in deteriorated condition.

Sila Phet Waterfall is regarded a very beautiful waterfall, located in Tambon Sila Phet Amphoe Pua.

Doi Phu Kha National Park is a high mountain range in Amphoe Pua, Amphoe Bo Klua and Amphoe Mae Charim in Nan. The apex of Doi Phu Kha is 1,980 meters above sea level. The park has lovely scenery and is abundant in various trees and plants. Furthermore, there are several nice waterfalls and caves, such as, Ton Tong Waterfall and Pha Khong Cave, ideal for nature lovers.

Nan Boat Racing
After Buddhist Lent, which falls at the end of October or the beginning of November, a boat racing festival takes place in the Nan River in front of the provincial community. This is a big fair where several long boats (carved out of one single tree trunk) participate in the race. It is promoted by the province as the annual fair of Nan.