Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Nan – Temples, Nature & Culture

1.Wat Phumin

Wat Phumin’s famous cross-shaped design is different from most other Thai temples. First built in 1596 and renovated over 100 years later, the temple mixes Tai Lü and Lanna influences. Naga (serpent) staircases guard the entrances to this place which end in a large hall with four images of the Buddha facing the four main directions. There are twelve artistic teak pillars under the roof and the ceiling has finely carved motifs from the region.

Murals and Importance in Culture
Among the temple’s murals, the most striking are those hand-painted by Nan Buaphan of the Tai Lü in the late 1800s. The murals tell stories from Jataka tales, show Nan customs and illustrate day-to-day activities from the town’s past. The mural, “Poo Man Yar Man” (Whispering of Love), immortalizes a couple sharing feelings of love and affection. Nan’s cultural identity is often represented by this artwork which is also often photographed.

• In the center of the city, on Pha Kong Road.
• Built in 1596 and last converted in the mid-1800s.
• You can visit the district every day between these hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Day boat rides are free and donations are accepted.

2.Kuang Mueng Nan Walking Street

On weekends, Kuang Mueng Nan Walking Street in the heart of Nan, Thailand, brings together local culture, delicious food and interesting crafts for everyone to enjoy. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the walking street becomes busy as it’s located directly in front of Wat Phumin. Both qualified tourists and local residents can relax here in the pleasant atmosphere offered by Kuang Mueng market.

Cultural Significance
Besides being a market, Kuang Mueng Nan Walking Street represents the traditions and friendly atmosphere of Nan. Because Wat Phumin is only two miles away, there is a sacred atmosphere to the countryside. During their visit, many visitors can enjoy seeing the temple’s special architecture and murals before joining in the lively festivities on the walking street.

• The place is located at Phakong Road in Mueang Nan District, Nan, Thailand.
• The museum is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• Getting in is completely free, but you may buy something if you like.

3.Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng

History and Culture
In the same year as the reign of Chao Phraya Kanmueang, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng was set up to house important Buddhist relics, including a left wrist bone shipped over from Sukhothai. The temple’s name is “Chae Haeng,” meaning “dry relic” because the relics stored there are kept intact. At 55.5 meters tall, the chedi or stupa, is plated in brass and copper, showing the fine workmanship of the time.
You can notice a mix of Lanna and Thai Lü architectural styles within the temple. The Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun influenced the chedi’s shape and the patterns of snakes which decorate the steps and roofs. They are part of Nan’s personal contribution to arts.

The Temple of the Rabbit Zodiac
An interesting part of Wat Phra That Chae Haeng is its link to the Chinese zodiac. The temple is regarded by many as the special place for people born in the Year of the Rabbit. People from Lanna, according to their traditions, visit their “Chu That” chedi to receive blessings of good fortune, joy and protection from disease. This tradition points out the religious and cultural functions of the temple.

• The park can be found in Ban Nong Tao, Muang Tuet Subdistrict, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province, Thailand.
• The station operates every day from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
• You are welcome to tour the museum for free; donations are welcome.

4.Wat Ming Muang

This temple, Wat Ming Muang, is famous in Nan Province for its gorgeous white building and strong tradition. In 1857, Chao Anantaworaritthidej, the governor of Nan, erected the temple to hold the city’s sacred pillar which the locals called “Sao Ming Muang” .

Historical Significance
The city pillar was originally found at the abandoned location where the temple began, as it lay among the ruins. Thinking how significant Mahajatta was, Chao Anantaworaritthidej decided to establish Wat Ming Muang as a symbol of the spiritual center of Nan. Because the old ordination hall was collapsing, it was demolished in 1984 and rebuilt in the latest Lanna style.

• At each location, find the visitor information to make your trip easier.
• Situated on Suriyaphong Road in the Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province.
• Open all days, from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM .
• You don’t have to pay to enter the museum.

5.Wat Phra That Khao Noi

The Buddhist temple Wat Phra That Khao Noi is found where Khao Noi Hill meets Nan Province. Chao Pu Kaeng ordered the foundation of the temple in 1487 and today it is famous for being like a historical, artistic and scenic jewel set in Nan town.

Historical Significance
The temple’s prominent chedi is built with brick and mortar and nicely brings together traditional Burmese and Lanna style features. The temple proudly displays ancient hair strands of the Buddha, so it is widely respected by followers of Buddhism. The temple was greatly renovated between the years 1906 and 1911, thanks to King Suriyaphong Pharitdet and Burmese workers helped restore it.

Architectural Highlights

ano] The statue which was erected on December 5, 1999, for the King’s 72nd birthday, stands on a lotus with one arm placed in the blessing posture. The statue has 27 baht-weight of gold on its topknot.

Panoramic Viewpoint: If you travel by car, bike or foot, the Pathara Yawata can be reached from Nan town at an elevation of 240 meters. Both access routes are available for people; the highest way is by stairs and the easiest is along the road to the top.

Visitor Information

• Du Tai Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province, Thailand
• Starting at 6:00 AM and finishes at 6:00 PM daily.
• The event is free for everyone.

6.Nan Noble House

Nan Noble House or Hong Chao Fong Kham, is a well-preserved old teakwood mansion in the center of Nan Province, Thailand. Visitors can walk through this old residence to get a feel for Lanna noble life and see how the region’s rich culture is celebrated.

Historical Significance
In the early 1800s, the Nan Noble House became home to Chao Fong Kham, the son of the late King Chao Ananta Worarithidet, who was the 62nd ruler of Nan. The house shows traditional Lanna design, having a high-raised basement, gabled roofs covered in clay tiles and joinery made from wood and held together by bonds instead of nails or screws. Around a century back, the house was taken down from Ban Phra Kerd and reconstructed on Sumon Thewarat 2 Alley. Chao Fong Kham’s descendants now look after the building, making sure its history is still present.

Architectural Highlights

• Traditional Building: The mansion includes four connected houses built by hand using remarkable teak planks and simple wooden latches. It represents the skills of those days and shows just how much teak was available nearby.
• The main floor is a museum, featuring old furniture, jewelry, clothing and common household things that reflect what Lanna noblemen and women used each day. On the ground floor, there are demonstrations of weaving, spinning and dyeing, so visitors can enjoy learning about the area’s traditions.
• Nan Noble House was acknowledged by the Association of Siamese Architects in 2012, receiving the Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award in the residential category for helping to conserve Thailand’s architectural heritage.

Visitor Information

• Address: 8 Sumon Thewarat 2 Alley, Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000
• Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Mondays and Tuesdays are not open
• Entry: You are welcome to give 20–30 baht as a contribution to help take care of the house.

7.Nan National Museum

In the middle of Nan Province, Thailand, you’ll find the impressive Nan National Museum. Since the museum is at the former palace of Nan’s last feudal lords, visitors can learn about the province’s extensive history, its many ethnic groups and the arts found there.

Historical Significance
At the time the building was made in 1903 by Phra Chao Suriyaphong Phalidet, it acted as the palace where the rulers stayed. After the death of Chao Maha Brahma Surathada, who was the last feudal lord, his heirs presented the palace to the government in 1931, so it became the official provincial hall. From 1973, the building was changed into the Nan National Museum, maintaining its form and purpose as a place for cultural remembering .

Visitor Information

• Pha Kong Road is in Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province, Thailand
• The places is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
• You can enter for 20 baht if you’re Thai or 100 baht if you’re from abroad. Monks, students and elderly people get in for free.

8.Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan

Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan which is often called the “Elephant-Supported Stupa Temple,” holds a key place in Nan Province. Placed right across from the Nan National Museum in central Nan, this temple gives visitors important insight into the area’s heritage.

Much of what we know about history comes from HS.
During Phaya Phu Khaeng’s time in Nan, the temple was built in 1406 and called Wat Luang Klang Wiang; it served as the royal temple for many important occasions such as the Oath of Allegiance event. The name of the temple which means “Temple of the Relic Supported by Elephants,” comes from 24 elephant sculptures shown on the base of its main chedi .
Phaya Phonlathep Ruechai, the ruler of Nan, had the main viharn (assembly hall) restored in the temple in 1548.

Visitor Information

• Suriyaphong Road, Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province, Thailand
• The park is open from early morning to late afternoon every day.
• You do not need to pay to attend.

9.Wat Sri Panton Temple

Wat Si Panton Temple or Wat Si Phan Ton, shows the vibrant cultural and spiritual history of the Nan area. The region’s fine artwork and Buddhist traditions can be easily recognized in the Golden Temple, a temple known for its shining golden walls.

Historical Background
At the beginning of the 15th century, Wat Sri Panton was founded by Phaya Panton, one of Nan’s 64 kings and was named Wat Sali Panton after the two famous Bodhi trees (Sali) that flanked it to the north and south. The trees were taken out to make room for the road, but the temple’s heritage remained important. In 1962, it was designated Wisungkham Sima which consecrated the site for use by monks.

How cultural and spiritual significance is expressed
The people at Wat Sri Panton gather for many events and religious ceremonies there. The temple’s use of traditional Lanna architecture along with modern artwork expresses how spiritual life in Nan is changing. Tourists also observe Thai merit customs by offering things to monks and using sticks marked with numbers for fortune-telling in the temples.

Visitor Information

• Location: Found on a major intersection in Nan, its glowing gold color means you can’t miss this temple when passing by.
• Every day, the shop is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• You don’t have to pay to enter.

10.Tham Pha Tup Forest Park

The park of Tham Pha Tup is in northern Thailand, just north of Nan town and is famous for its scenic rocky hills, many caves and abundance of wildlife. Since 1978, this protected area of 1.2 km² has provided people with a unique mix of geological sites and cultural history.

Cultural Significance
Besides being beautiful, the park has important cultural value to the people here. Each year, residents of Ban Pha Tup organize the Tham Pha Tup Fair on the full moon day in the fifth lunar month. A ceremony of gilding the Buddha image at Khao Tham Phra, giving alms to monks in the morning and cultural shows performed by students at Ban Pha Tup School are among the activities.

Visitor Information

• Daily operations are between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
• You do not need to pay to attend.
• Pha Sing Sub-district in Mueang Nan District, Nan Province, is the location.

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