City: Nan Province
Top Things to do in Nan Province
Top Restaurants in Nan Province
What to do and see in Nan Province, Thailand: The Best Places and Tips
Nan (Thai: น่าน, pronounced [nâːn]) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise): Uttaradit, Phrae, and Phayao. To the north and east it borders: Sainyabuli of Laos.
Restaurants in Nan Province
1. Wat Phumin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By Mike C - Hobart, Australia
We visited here as part of a road trip around Thailand.
The highlight apart from the building was the fresco's on the wall of the Wat which are believed to be some 700 years old.
In particular the famous fresco " The Whisper " was a delight and if in the west would be highly quarantined from visitors touch not so in Thailand.
Highly recommended as a Wat experience !
2. Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Art2911 - Oslo, Norway
I did not expect much, but was taken by the atmosphere, the feeling of serious dedication from the people walking around the stupa. I had to join, and it ended like very good walking meditation. Thanks for the Holy Water!
3. Wat Phra That Khao Noi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Raymond W - Chengdu, China
This wat is interesting enough for a short visit. There is a large white chedi that is quite attractive. There's a grand staircase with naga railings which leads up from the road below. Probably most photographed of all is a large Sukothai-style Walking Buddha, which seems to survey the valley from his lotus pedestal.
However, the main reason to come here is for the panoramic view of the valley and Nan town. You can see the spires of several gilded chedis. The forested hills in the background make an attractive backdrop to the scene.
4. Wat Ming Muang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By PretoriaTravelfreak - Pretoria, South Africa
One of my favorite temples! Very different and just beautiful with its white/silver colour! Stunning carvings and absolutely beautiful wall paintings, even better than Wat Phumin. We loved this temple!
5. Doi Samer Dao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Thanitps - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Doi Samer-Dao in Thai words it means "Mountain in the same level of stars" It's top point of Srinan National Park in Nan. It's far from Nan city around 80 km and take around 1.5 hour to drive here. On top of mountain you can 360 degree panoramic view of Nan mountain. This place can stay overnight by camping (contact national park office first) but bring food and water by yourself. If the sky clear enough in the night we can see milky way clearly on the sky. Best time to visit is in winter (Nov-Jan).
6. Wat Sri Panton Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Arthurrvr - Marlborough, United Kingdom
Wat Si Phan Don, aka Wat Sri Panton, most definitely will not appeal to the more traditional visitor who likes temples and things peaceful and subdued, which is no doubt why this temple doesn't appear on most visitor itineraries to Nan. However, this is a temple which jumps out and grabs your attention with its brilliant façade and complex gilded carvings. For those who like well OTT buildings this was magnificent, and for me, probably the best decorated small temple that I have ever seen, anywhere, not just in Thailand. When I first saw it all I could say was Wow, and Wow again. I really loved this place and would highly recommend a visit to anyone who loves elaborate carving and gilding, as I do.
The temple was built in the 1960's and is near the top of Thanon Suriyapong road, on the left just as you turn off the main 101 road down to the centre of Nan City. There is a small amount of parking at the front of the temple grounds. The temple used to be called Wat Salee Panton, Salee being a Bhodi tree, but the large old tree was cut down during road widening and the temple had to change its name.
It is not just the outside of the temple which is impressive (particularly note the elaborate gilded Naga serpent on the stairway) but the inside is very well and highly decorated as well with plenty of bright murals on the walls and nicely carved roof decorations, the roof being held up by a number of slender tall teak (?) columns. Also, sitting in the front and to the right of the main Buddha statue, there is a smaller seated Buddha statue, around 1 metre high, which I particularly loved. The posture is reasonably standard but the Buddha's expression was lovely, the artist made him look as if he was having a “Eureka' movement, possible having just discovered the answer to the meaning of life. I hadn't seen that expression before on a Buddha statue and found it really charming.
Also in the main temple you will find some Chinese style numbered sticks near the main Buddha image, which you can shake in the container, and the one which falls out is meant to predict your future. Just match the number up with the printed small sheets nearby and you can read your fortune – in both English and Thai. I don't quite approve, but as in most temples, if you don't like the prediction, you can just shake the sticks again for another try and just take with you the prediction sheet which you like best!
While at the temple, visit the 2 ornate Nan long boats in the sheds near the entrance which the temple uses during the annual Nan River races. Also there is another small building just beyond the pond which houses a large seated fat Buddha, similar to the ones one often sees in China called 'Happy Buddha' but this one with a more reflective expression. I liked that one as well.
Definitely a great temple to visit, for me at least.
7. Bo Klua (Salt Wells)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Xavier L - Thailand
Instructive and great to see that nature still give back and provide for this community .
those natural salt wells continue to be exploited like century before .
Now some food and coffee shop are close to the extraction site , walk along the river is nice as well .
That place is well preserved and simple to visit , no fee just support the local by purchasing some of the products offer .
8. Wat Nong Bua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By desi d
I was getting a bit templed out at this stage but I must admit this is a very nice Wat with a bit of character! The Murals are certainly worth looking at and inside a very pleasant experience, the other reviews have basically covered everything but there is an added bonus which is the “Tai Lue House” and surrounding area. We were treated to several renditions from the resident quartet and briefly spoke to locals who are obviously very proud of their history and rightly so. The wood working around the temple and other building aroused my interest and are a bonus. Well worth a visit.
9. Nan Noble House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
10. Nan Riverside Arts Space (formerly called: Nan Riverside Art Gallery)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Simplysiri S - Bangkok, Thailand
The gallery is a short drive away from Nan city (some road constructions are underway) and it's well worth it. Established by Winai Prabripoo, a Nan native and a famous Thai artist, this is a hidden treasure of Nan. Quite an impressive range of work from both renowned and local artists will take turn to be exhibited in this art gallery. You can appreciate paintings, sculptures, other forms of arts in a serene atmosphere. As this place is located on the bank of the Nan River, it has an advantage of pristine surroundings that compliments the interior design of the gallery building. Check out the cafe, coffee is very good (views are even better). Open daily except Wednesday from 8.30 am - 5 pm.
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