The Heroes of Thung Chang Monument
Location: Amphoe Thung Chang
It is a monument dedicated to government officials, policemen and soldiers who
lost their lives in protecting the homeland from communist insurgents in Nan. It took 3 years to build and is situated in
Amphoe Thung Chang alongside the Nan-Thung Chang Road on a low hill amidst large and small valleys.
The nearby area with a pond and some tropical flowers serves as a public park for locals.
Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea
Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea is located in Chiang Khong sub-district, 60 kilometres from Mueang Nan.
From Na Noi district, there is a crossroad. Go along Highway No. 1083 for approximately 6 kilometres.
It is a soil formation into strange shapes, similar to the “Phae Mueang Phi” of Phrae Province.
From geological evidence, it appears that Sao Din Na Noi occurred from the movement of the earth’s
crust during the late Tertiary Period and the natural erosion of water and wind. Geologists assume
that it might be aged during 10,000 – 30,000 years and was once the bottom of the sea.
There have been discoveries of stone bangles and ancient axes at this place,
which are currently preserved at the Nan National Museum. It reflects that this
area was once a habitation place of human beings in the Palaeolithic Age.
Wat Nong Daeng
Wat Nong Daeng in Puea sub-district was constructed in 1787 by the Thai Lue and Thai Phuan people.
The main Buddha image was cast by Khruba Sitthikan. The first renovation of the assembly hall was
done in 1949 and again later in 1995. It was completed in 1996. Within the compound of the temple
is a large shady terrace. The Chofa – gable finial decoration of a Buddhist temple’s roof – is engraved
into the sculpture of Nok Hatsadiling (Hastilinga) – a mythical bird in the literature whose tip
of the beak is an elephant’s trunk. The Thai Lue people believe that it is a high-ranked animal from heaven.
At the same time, the eaves boards are embellished with wooden fretwork, the unique ones of the Thai Lue people.
The Buddha image is enshrined on the Chukkachi base – a masonry base of intertwined Nagas, called Naga Throne.
It has been believed that the Naga is a symbol of gracefulness, goodness, and a protector of Buddhism.
Wat Nong Daeng was granted the Award of Outstanding Performance in the category of
Cultural Attraction in Northern Thailand in the 5th Thailand Tourism Awards 2004.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
Location: Amphoe Muang
Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng is a sacred place of worship, situated on a mound on the eastern side of the Nan River,
at the former centre of the Nan town after moving from Pua town. Wat Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng was constructed
during the rule of Chao Phraya Kanmueang (the Feudal Lord of Nan during 1326 – 1359) as an enshrining
venue of 7 Buddha relics, silver and golden votive tablets presented by King Maha Thammaracha Lithai
on the occasion that Chao Phraya Kanmueang assisted in the construction of Wat Luang Aphai
(Wat Pa Mamuang in Sukhothai Province at present) in 1354.
Wat Phaya Wat
This temple is located just before reaching the town on Highway No. 101. An ancient religious site,
it has rectangular Chedi bases on which Buddha states are placed around the Chedi structure.
Combined artistic influences of Lanna, Lan Chang and native Nan can be detected.
Wat Suan Tan
Location: Amphoe Muang
This monastery is located in Tambon Nai Wiang, Amphoe Muang, It has a beautiful pagoda with several levels decorated with works of art,
Four niches are located in the four directions at the lowest level. A big bronze Buddha image, 4.11 meters high,
named "Phra Chao Thong Thit" is housed inside the monastery.
A grand celebration with fireworks display takes place all day and all night during the Songkran festival.
Wat Chang Kham
Location: Amphoe Muang
Opposite the Nan National Museum is Wat Chang Kham. Its main features are the sculpted upper
halves of elephants adorning around the Chedi, a Sukhothai influence. Here have been found
stones with ancient Thai scripts relating the alliance between the kings of Nan and Sukhothai
when Nan was still and independent state. An ancient golden Buddha is enshrined in the Vihan.
Wat Phumin
Location: Amphoe Muang

A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4-portico,
single building housing both the Ubosot and Vihan. Four Buddha statues with their backs against
one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions.
The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen.
Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago.
It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time.
The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable
and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends
and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.
Wat Phrathat Khao Noi
Location: Amphoe Muang
Wat Phrathat Khao Noi is situated at Tambon Chai Sathan. The Buddha relic is enshrined in the chedi
on the summit of Khao Noi on the western side of Nan town on a similar route as Wat Phaya Wat at Km. 2.
It was constructed during the reign of Chaopu Khaeng in 1487.
The Phrathat is a chedi made of bricks and cement reflecting a combination of Burmese and Lanna arts.
It contains Buddha’s hair and was under major renovation during the reign of Phrachao Suriyaphong Pharitdet
during 1906 - 1911 by Burmese craftsmen. The wihan was constructed during this similar period as well.
From Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, the surrounding scenery of Nan can be seen. At present,
at the viewpoint spot is “Phra Phuttha Maha Udom Mongkhon Nanthaburi Si Nan”,
a 9-metre Buddha image in the giving blessing posture on a lotus base.
The head finial of the image was made of gold with a total weight of 27 Baht.
It was cast on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 5 December, 1999.
Nan National Museum
Location: Amphoe Ban Luang
The building of the Nan National Museum was actually constructed in 1903 and once the residence of a ruler of Nan.
It displays exhibitions concerning the town's history and major structures, evolution of arts in different ages,
and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent of which is the Black Ivory. It also provides anthropological
information on the northern indigenous people including the several minorities residing in Nan.
The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon.
Thung Chang Sacrificial Monument and Thung Chang Military Museum
Thung Chang Sacrificial Monument and Thung Chang Military Museum were constructed to commemorate
the heroes who sacrificed their life for the country. Their Majesties the King and the Queen attended
and conducted the opening ceremony, as well as, placed the wreaths at the monument on 10 February, 1976.
Therefore, this date of every year is considered the memorial day when wreaths have been presented
and a merit making ceremony has been organised for the heroes up until at present.
The monument is located on Highway 1080, Nan – Thung Chang Route, at Km. 84. Moreover,
the Thung Chang Military Museum displays military weapons for further knowledge and study.
Kat Laeng or Evening Market
Location: Amphoe Muang
is located on the bank of Nan River in Nan City. Handicrafts, souvenirs and various kinds of products are on sale.
Ban Huai Kon Border Market
Ban Huai Kon Border Market is in an area of the Ban Huai Kon Checkpoint, opposite Mueang Nam Ngoen,
Sayaboury province, Lao PDR., 138 kilometres from Mueang Nan district. The market is open
on Saturdays from early morning until nearly noon. Offered products are woven fabric in the Nam Lai design,
the handicraft of the Thai Lue people, consumer products such as things from forests,
Luk Tao or Luk Chit - Arenga pinnata, etc.
The Thai and Laotian people are allowed to visit this checkpoint everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Ban Bo Suak Kiln Site and Glazed Ceramics
Ban Bo Suak in the past was an important production venue of glazed ceramics in Nan province. The production pattern and process of this place are unique.
It is assumed that the ceramic products from Ban Bo Suak were once popular due to their discoveries
in the burial grounds of the people in the past, especially along the mountain ridges from Omkoi district
in Chiang Mai to Tak and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. It is assumed that the production of the Bo Suak ceramics
was originated and developed during the reign of Phraya Phonlathep Ruechai (1528-1559) which was the glorious period of Nan.
The knowledge of kilns and glazed ceramics of Nan was influenced from Lanna such
as San Kamphaeng Kilns and Kalong Kilns which are kiln sites near Chiang Mai.
Sin Thao or Rock Salt Pits
Location: Amphoe Bo Kluea
The Rock Salt Pits are 80 kilometres from Mueang Nan.
Apart from agriculture and farming, people of Bo Kluea district also produce salt.
The source of the rock salt is on the mountain. (The salt pits are usually closed during Buddhist Lent due to the rainy season.)
Pha Tup Forest park
Location: Amphoe Muang
This arboretum is located 12 kms from the provincial
municipality on Highway No. 1080. There are several caves in the arboretum
area worth visiting by nature lovers.
Rafting Along Wa River
Location: Amphoe Mae Charim
The Wa River is situated among the dense forest of the Mae Charim National Park.
Rafting along Nan Wa River takes about 2-5 hours, starting from Ban Nam Pu in
Amphoe Mae Charim to Ban Hat Rai in Amphoe Wiang Sa. The best season for rafting
here is from October to February. Some travel agents in Bangkok
and Nan organize rafting trips along Wa River.
Sao Din or Hom Chom
Location: Amphoe Na Noi
is a natural geological occurrence located about 10 kms from Na Noi district on Highway # 1083.
The site is characterized by a large earthen mould eroded by the elements through the ages,
leaving only hard earthen columns, whose exotic shapes and forms alt=""can be interpreted as differently as the imagination goes.
Pha Chu, or Pha Cherdchu
Location: Amphoe Na Noi
is a cliff located within the Si Nan National Park which covers extensive forested and mountainous areas.
To reach the cliff can be reached by taking the Nan-Wiang Sa-Na Noi route for 135 kms then turning into Highway #1083
and on for another 22 km. The cliff-stop offers an excellent viewing point to enjoy a panoramic vista of the mountains.
A national flag pole has a lanyard running all the way down to the foot of the hill, the longest in the country.
There are camping areas for visitors in the parks.
Ban Pak Nai Fisherman Village
Location: Amphoe Na Muen
Pak Nai was originally a village by the Nan River. After the construction of the Sirikit Dam,
the village became a part of the water reservoir above the dam with characteristics similar to
a large lake surrounded by green mountain ranges. The locals of Pak Nai village are fishermen.
There are also restaurants on rafts providing fish from the dam to be tasted such as Pla Kot - catfish,
Pla Bu - gobies, Pla Khang – Giant Catfish, Pla Raet - giant gourami, Pla Thapthim - Thai Red Tilapia, etc.
Some rafts also provide accommodation for tourists. From Ban Pak Nai, visitors can rent a boat to
travel along the Nan River to the Sirikit Dam and admire the scenery of beautiful mountainous forests,
islets, and fisherman’s raft houses. Out of the rainy season, there will be a pulled-raft service to Wat Pak Nai,
where visitors can enjoy their meal on board. The trip takes approximately 2 hours. Moreover,
there is a ferry service to Nam Pat District, Uttaradit province.
Sila Phet Waterfall
Location: Amphoe Pua
This is regarded as a most beautiful waterfall, located in Tambon Sila Phet, Amphoe Pua.
Doi Phu Kha National Park
Location: Amphoe Pua
To the north of Nan along Highway No. 1080 in Nong Bua district and with a further distance of 25 kilometres
on the route to Bo Kluea district lies the Doi Phu Kha National Park. The terrain is mainly forested lands
on limestone mountain ranges, the source of several streams which merge into the Nan River.
The elevation is about 1,900 metres above sea level.
Here are found several rare and near-extinct floras, particularly the Chomphu Phu Kha,
whose pink flowers are in full bloom during February. In the morning, a sea of mist can
be seen drifting across the valley. There are also several scenic waterfalls. Permits to camp can be applied for. Alternatively,
tourists may choose to utilise the accommodation services in the park.
Pa Klang Hill tribe Development and Assistance Village
Location: Amphoe Pua
Located at Tambon Silalaeng, about 69 kilometers from the provincial town, Pa Klang is a village of Meo, Yao,
and Thin hill-tribes. After the eradication arrival of the communist insurgents in Nan in 1968,
the tribes were separately settled in their former lifestyles producing beautiful handicrafts for sale to visitors.
Wat Nong Bua
Location: Amphoe Tha Wang Pha
Located at Nong Bua Village, Wat Nong Bua was built in 1862 during King Rama IV's time by Thai Lu who migrated from
Sib Song Pan Na Province in South China. The assembly hall of Wat Nong Bua is in the traditional
architectural style of Lanna Thai. It is belived that the murals were painted in 1867.
It tools 21 years and was completed in 1888. Everything about the hall is much simpler than that of Wat Phumin.
Thai Lu Tribe Village
Location: Amphoe Tha Wang Pha
This village is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080,
with an additional 3 kilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district.
The Thai Lue people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric,
an art handed down from generation to generation. It has also been improved in the designs
but still retaining the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among touris.
Si Nan National Park
Si Nan National Park covers an area of approximately 583,750 rai or 934 square kilometres in Wiang Sa,
Na oi and Na Muen districts. The undulating mountain ranges line up from the north to the south,
paralleling on both the western and eastern sides. They divide the area into the west and the east.
Along the riverside are mixed deciduous and deciduous dipterocarp forests. Within the compound of the ranges,
there are hill evergreen forest, dried evergreen forest and pine forest. Rare animals that can be
found are many flocks of peacocks, leopards, panthers, bears, deer, wolves and Asiatic wild dogs.
Moreover, many important wild animals are wild elephants, bantengs, and gaurs.
Mae Charim National Park (white-water rafting along the Wa River)
The national park is in Mae Charim district, 60 kilometres from Mueang Nan along Highway 1168 and 1243,
covering an area of 270,000 rai or 432 square kilometres. Geographically, they are undulating mountain ranges,
an origin of a tributary flowing into the Nan River at Wiang Sa district. It comprises hill evergreen forest,
deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest, as well as, various kinds of wildlife.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park are as follows:
- Rock Paintings at Pha No The trip starts at Ban Nam Pu. In the first part,
visitors will have to cross the Wa River and walk along the mountain ridge,
passing the deciduous dipterocarp forest and the mixed deciduous forest,
and later climb the steep limestone mountain. The most appropriate season to visit is winter.
The rainy season might be too dangerous due to a collapse of soil and very slippery route.
Contact the National Park officers for a leader. The total distance is 8.7 kilometres and takes 8 - 9 hours.
- The Trekking Route along the Paeng River is a route connecting Ban Rom Klao – Ban Huai Sai.
It is a local route for gathering wild products from the forest,
starting from Ban Rom Klao – Pak Nam Paeng at the Kaeng Luang area.
Visitors will pass through various kinds of forest for a distance of 9 kilometres, taking approximately 4 hours.
- The Route to Admire the Sea of Fog of Ban Nam Phang – Ban Rom Klao is on Highway No. 1259 between
the Nam Phang and Rom Klao villages. It is suitable for mountain biking or driving and sightseeing
the scenery on both sides of the route, especially in winter when there is a sea of fog and sunrise to be admired.
The first 10 kilometres is an asphalt road, while the rest is a laterite one cutting across the steep shoulders of the mountains.
- Ban Rom Klao Trekking Route Visitors have to walk for 3.8 kilometres, starting from Ban Nam Phang.
Then they have to walk along the shortcut up to the mountain ridge, passing through many forests
at different levels from the sea; namely, deciduous dipterocarp forest, a mixture of deciduous
dipterocarp forest and pine forest, hill evergreen forest, and mixed deciduous forest.
The condition of the forests along the route is still perfect. The total distance from
Ban Nam Phang to Ban Rom Klao is 9.6 kilometres or takes 5 hours. However, it takes
only 3 - 4 hours if using a car to the crossroad into the forest. The route is not very difficult to access,
but visitors have to be healthy. The most appropriate seasons are winter and summer.
Contact the National Park officers for a leader.
Khun Nan National Park
Location: AmphoeBo Kluea
Khun Nan National Park is within the compound of the Doi Phu Kha and Doi Pha Daeng National Forest Reserves,
Phu Fa sub-district, Bo Kluea Tai sub-district and Dong Phaya sub-district,
covering important mountain ranges such as Phu Fa, Khun Nam Wa Noi, Nam Wa Klang and Phi Pan Nam mountain ranges.
The summit of the Phi Pan Nam mountain in Dong Phaya sub-district is the highest point,
with an approximate height of 1,745 metres above sea level. The waterfall is full of water throughout the year.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park are as follows:
- Namtok Sapan is at Mu 1, Ban Sapan, Dong Phaya sub-district, 1 kilometre from the Office of the National Park.
Take Highway No. 1081 and turn right for 2 kilometres. It is a medium-size waterfall with a height of 3 tiers with a stream throughout the year.
It is a shady, beautiful, and abundant forest, 10 kilometres from the Bo Kluea District Office.
It is conveniently accessible by car. Continue with a walk for 700-800 metres.
- Namtok Huai Ha is at Mu 14, Ban Na Bong, Bo Kluea Tai sub-district.
It is a medium-size waterfall. The first, second and third tiers are approximately 8,
12 and 50 metres high, respectively. There is water throughout the year.
The third tier (Pha Daeng) consists of various beautiful cascades.
Nanthaburi National Park
Nanthaburi National Park covers an area of Mueang district and Ban Luang district, as well as,
a compound of the Nam Yao – Nam Suak and Tham Phu Toei National Forest Reserves.
It comprises mixed deciduous forests, dried evergreen forest, and hill evergreen
forest with various kinds of plants such as teaks, Pradu – Burma Padauk, Tabaek – Lagerstroemia, etc.
The national park is also a habitation area of the Mlabri or Tong Lueang Tribe.
Interesting Attractions in the National Park are as follows:
- Doi Pha Chi From Nan, take Highway No. 1091 for 40 kilometres until reaching Ban Luang district.
Take Highway No. 1172 to Ban Phi Nuea to Doi Pha Chi for 30 kilometres. Doi Pha Chi can be accessed
by walking from the Nanthaburi National Park at the connection point between Nan and Phayao provinces.
Doi Pha Chi is a beautiful mountain with abundant waterfalls and various kinds of plants.
Doi Pha Chi was once a stronghold of the Pho Ko Kho – communist insurgents. At present,
equipment such as the electricity generator and water pipes still remain in the area. Moreover,
nearby are villages of the Hmong and Mien hill-tribes.
- Doi Wao is under the supervision of the Nam Khang Watershed Development Unit.
It is a nice viewpoint spot to admire the sea of fog and the sunset.
The area was once a very declined forest. However, at present, it has been revived by
the Watershed Development Unit by growing the original plants such as wild apples, maples,
and Pinus kesiya. Prior to Doi Wao, visitors will pass Doi Tio which is a
very well-known tourist attraction of Nan, Nanthaburi National Park,
and the Hmong villages at Ban Doi Tio and Ban Sop Khun.
Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Project of Nan
Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Project of Nan is an agro-tourism attraction where
there is an experimental project for growing temperate plants. Moreover,
there is Siao Khao or mountain ebony tree – Bauhinia variegate., the symbolic flower of the province,
and Nang Phaya Suea Khrong – Prunus cerasoides D.Don. Inside the project are the Hmong and Lua hill-tribe villages.
What is interesting is that the project is located on the Doi Phu Kha Mountain Range,
where many groups of Chomphu Phu Kha – Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl. are standing. However,
the ones in perfect condition and location for visitors to pay a visit is 3-4 kilometres from
the Tourist Information Centre. There is transportation to its entrance.
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