Nan
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Tips
6 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Cruciform temple famous for its 19th-century murals, including the 'whispering' couple.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Free to enter
- Find the famous Pu Man Ya Man mural
📷 Photos
- 2
Former royal palace housing Nan's history and a sacred black elephant tusk.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Small entry fee
- Allow about an hour
📷 Photos
- 3
Temple with a golden chedi supported by elephant buttresses.
3 tips
- Free to visit
- Opposite the national museum
- Look for the gold Buddha in the viharn
📷 Photos
- 4
Hilltop temple across the river with a gilded chedi and naga staircase.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- About 3 km from town, take a bike or songthaew
- Beautiful at sunset
- Women may not enter some areas
📷 Photos
- 5
Hilltop temple with a large standing Buddha overlooking the whole Nan valley.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Drive or climb the steps to the top
- Best views at sunset
- Bring water for the climb
📷 Photos
- 6
Weekend evening market near Wat Phumin with local food, crafts and music.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Runs Friday to Sunday evenings
- Sit on mats and eat with locals
- Try khao soi and local sausages
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Nan tips
Transportation
- Fly or bus to Nan: Nan Nakhon Airport has flights from Bangkok, and buses run from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Rent a scooter: Renting a scooter is the easiest way to explore Nan and the countryside; wear a helmet and carry your licence.
- Use songthaews: Shared pickup trucks called songthaews run to nearby towns and villages; ask locals for routes.
Security
- Drive mountain roads carefully: Roads to Doi Phu Kha and Bo Kluea are steep and winding; drive slowly and avoid night driving.
- Expect police checks: Police often check for helmets and licences; always wear a helmet and carry an international driving permit.
- Watch for haze: From about February to April, burning season haze can affect air quality; check air quality and wear a mask if needed.
Saving
- Eat at the walking street: The weekend night market near Wat Phumin offers cheap local food and crafts.
- Stay in guesthouses: Family-run guesthouses in Nan are affordable and often include breakfast.
- Use bicycles: Many guesthouses rent bicycles for exploring the compact old town cheaply.
Weather/Clothing
- Enjoy the cool season: November to February brings cool mornings, especially in the mountains; bring a warm layer.
- Prepare for hot months: March to May is hot; wear light clothes and stay hydrated.
- Pack for the rainy season: June to October brings rain; carry a raincoat and waterproof bag.
Cultural
- See the Wat Phumin murals: The famous whispering lovers mural at Wat Phumin is a symbol of Nan.
- Dress modestly at temples: Cover shoulders and knees at temples like Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and remove shoes inside.
- Try khanom jeen nam ngiao: This northern Thai noodle dish with tomato and pork broth is a local favourite.
Local Hacks
- Visit the Bo Kluea salt wells: Mountain salt is still produced at Bo Kluea, a scenic drive from Nan.
- Explore Doi Phu Kha: The national park offers hikes, waterfalls and views over the mountains.
- Watch the boat races: In October and November, Nan hosts long boat races on the Nan River.
1-day itineraries in Nan
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.