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Nan Province in Northern Thailand

Most travelers head to Nan province to see the famous "Pu Man Ya Man" mural at Wat Phumin, recognised by some for whispering love around the world.

This section covers everything you need to know to enjoy a visit to this fascinating, and mostly unexplored, region in the north of the kingdom.

Things to Do and Places to Visit around Nan

One of the 76 Thailand provinces is Nan, situated in the upper north of the Nan River valley.

This heavily forested area shares borders with three other provinces:

The distance from Bangkok to Nan by road is 672 kilometres (via Route 11) and it takes around nine (9) hours to complete the journey.

Nan is most famous for its cultural heritage and for a number of natural attractions, such as Doi Phu Kha National Park with spectacular viewpoints of the Luang Prabang Range to the west.

This captivating region is surrounded by lush mountains and steeped in natural beauty and rich Thai culture. Even so, a visit to Nan province should be done at a slow, leisurely pace to maximise the charm and warm hospitality of the local residents.

Nan Travel Guide

It is one of the lesser-known tourist attractions in northern Thailand and the best time of year to visit Nan is from November through to the end of February.

During the winter months, the weather is cooler, drier, and a lot more pleasant for trekking and sightseeing trips.

Here's the thing:

As with almost all of the Thailand provinces, the hot season begins at the end of March until the end of May. These months can be good for visiting cultural sites, but you'll need to prepare for the hot and humid climate.

Generally, the rainy season arrives in June and runs through to the middle of October. This is when the lush green landscapes look their best.

Tourist Attractions in Nan Province

Places of Worship and Cultural Significance

Activities and Festivals

Nan Boat Races are held every year. These lively events prove to be a significant cultural event and a major draw for tourism to the region.

It's also fair to say that the remote province of Nan is becoming increasingly popular for cycling around the scenic mountain roads.

National Parks

Even though Nan has become a hub for commerce and education, nature tends to dominate the appeal for its foreign visitors. This is because forests cover more than 60% of the province - with Phu Khe being the highest peak at 2,079 metres.

It's true that agriculture and rice farming is still the driving force of the economy. Nonetheless, tourism in Nan province continues to grow at a fast pace.

Pro Tip: It would be a travesty to visit Nan province and not try some of the local delicacies. The traditional cuisine in this part of northern Thailand includes Sai Ua (northern Thai sausage), Khao Soi Nam Na (a coconut curry noodle dish), Khao Soi (a spicy noodle soup), Kaeng Hoh (mixed curry with vegetables and fermented bamboo shoots), and several local desserts made from sticky rice and tropical fruits.

Getting to Nan Province

You can fly to Nan Nakhon Airport (NNT) situated in Pha Sing subdistrict using one of the direct flights from Bangkok Airports. The fifteen (15) major districts (Amphoe) of Nan are:

A regular bus service runs from Chiang Mai and central parts of Bangkok. You can also drive to Nan from Chiang Mai province (about 6 hours) or from Phrae (approximately 2 hours).

One of the most scenic ways to visit Nan province from central Thailand is by train. The Thai railway train map shows the routes and connections from Bangkok.

After you arrive in the city there are several easy options for getting around using the local transport, including shared taxis (Songthaews) and motorbike rentals.

Where to Stay?

The accommodation in Nan province is varied. The popular choices include boutique hotels, farmstays located in rural areas, and isolated mountain resorts.

Tourist Guides and Information

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