Nan Travel

Best time to visit

Northern Thailand has three seasons. The region is hottest from Late March to April. The rainy season is May/June to October, with the wettest weather in August. Unpaved roads often require full 4wd and chains at this time of year. October to March is the best time to visit, when days are warm, sunny, and generally cloudless, and nights pleasantly cool.

Check the below table for the general idea of Nan weather throughout the year.

Nan’s current weather and 7-day forecast

NAN WEATHER

Nan - The name that once evoked scenes of rural villages hidden among undulating mountains and rugged roads less trodden. With its wild landscape and remote location, the city became part of Thailand only about a hundred years ago and remained under the radar from even Thai locals until the late 20th century. While its raw beauty remains, enough development has reached this northern city, including Nan Nakhon Airport with flights to and from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Now it has become easier than ever to explore its laid-back old town, tiny but culturally rich villages, vast rice fields and majestic mountains.

Check out these top things to do in Nan, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

1. “See” the Whisper of Love at Wat Phumin

Wat Phumin in the old town has some of the most unique murals in Thailand. Among the well-preserved paintings that depict Buddhist legends and everyday life of Tai Lue people, the Whisper of Love shows a tattooed man whispering words of love into a woman’s ear—Pu Marn Ya Marn. Local legend has it that if you and your lover wish for eternal love in front of Pu Marn Ya Marn, your love will be timeless just like the mural.

The Whisper of Love aside, the architecture of Wat Phu Min is intriguing. At first glance, the exterior of Wat Phu Min seems to pale in comparison to other Lanna-style temples in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Upon closer look, however, the temple looks as if it was situated on the back of two Nagas. The temple building also combines the main hall of worship, the ordination hall and the pagoda into one. The interior is decorated in Tai Lue style and the pagoda is surrounded by four golden Buddha images. For an in-depth tour of Wat Phumin, Khun Thiradet, our Local Expert in Nan will take you on a tour of the temple, and you'll also get to visit a local fresh market and try local food. 

2. Chill and shop around Wat Phumin

After enjoying the highlights of Wat Phumin, stroll around the temple grounds. Local artists gather at the temple to showcase and sell their works. Postcards, paintings, t-shirts, you name it. Many with creative twists on the Whisper of Love. It just goes to show that Pu Marn Ya Marn is one of the city’s symbols.

Just outside Wat Phumin temple grounds is Khuang Muang or the town plaza. Used for ceremonial purposes in the old days, Khuang Muang has been transformed into a hangout spot. There you can sit down on a mat and nibble on your food (low tables provided) while watching the world go by. Khuang Muang is a nice place to watch the sunset, so come in the evening. Every Friday and weekend, the evening walking street Kad Khuang Muang Nan happens with Northern-style street food and souvenirs. 

3. Stroll through the Frangipani Tunnel and slip through time

This has to be one of the most beautiful time travel experiences ever. The Frangipani Tunnel that leads to Nan National Museum will enchant you with twisty branches. The museum itself houses artifacts and antiques that belong to the city’s previous rulers as well as exhibitions of ethnic cultures.

Also on the Nan National Museum compound is Wat Noi, Thailand’s smallest temple. It’s only about 3.5 meter tall!

4. Get a taste of nobleman’s life at Nan Noble House

The century-old Nan Noble House or Hong Chao Fong Kham (the house of Chao Fong Kham) was constructed of teakwood without using screws and nails. In addition to furniture and items used by the noble family members, you can see art and craft demonstrations.

5. Slow down in the old town

Dating back to the 13th century, Nan has absorbed influences from northern kingdoms, including Lanna Kingdom. Their traces still remain in the old town and with its relaxing vibe, there’s no need to rush. Exploring on foot or cycling is the best way to go. When you run out of energy, refuel with tasty bites and brews at one of the traditional Lanna restaurants or lovely cafés around the town.

Apart from quaint houses and parts of ancient city wall, you can take in more old-world charms at these temples.

1) Wat Ming Muang

Since Wat Ming Muang enshrines the city pillar, don’t forget to come pay respect. The exterior of the temple is decorated with white stucco reliefs and carvings. Almost entirely. Those details will blow you away.

2) Wat Phra That Chang Kham

Built in the 15th century for royal ceremonies, Wat Phra That Chang Kham is home to a Sukhothai-style pagoda on a platform surrounded by elephant statues. It’s believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.

3) Wat Sri Panton

Gold, gold, gold, Wat Sri Panton and its golden main hall is truly eye-catching.. It’s adorned with sculptures and the double seven-headed Nagas at the staircase are the highlight.

6. Watch the sunset at Wat Phra That Khao Noi

With its hilltop location, Wat Phra That Khao Noi is the obvious choice for sunset watching in the city. The location isn’t the only wonderful thing about Wat Phra That Khao Noi, though. Facing the sun and the city is the temple’s iconic 9-meter tall walking Buddha statue or the Blessing Buddha. You’ll have to drive up there or climb over 300 staircases, but the journey is worth it. The view of the sun dipping below the horizon and casting orange glow around the golden Buddha is really something else.

7. Visit the city's most sacred temple, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng

Built in 1353, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng is one of the oldest temples in the city. With its gleaming pagoda (gilded with Thong Changko, a blend between brass and copper) and Buddha relics, the hilltop temple draws countless Buddhists, especially those who were born in the Year of the Rabbit.

8. Get salty at Bo Kluea

No, it’s not what you think… Bo Kluea means salt wells and it’s exactly as its name suggests. You can find the world’s only mountain salt wells in this little village. Watch the villagers extract rock salt from the wells and boil it. In a traditional and sustainable fashion, as they have been doing almost a millennium ago. The whole village still lives in a time warp and is a joy to walk around.

9. See pink at Doi Phu Kha National Park

The city’s biggest and most beautiful national park, Doi Phu Kha National Park is a beautiful nature retreat with its dramatic limestone mountains, clear streams and waterfalls and sunrise above the mist. Doi Phu Kha National Park is also home to near-extinct plants, including the February blossoms, Chomphu Phu Kha. It's the only place in the world where you can see these pink flower trees.

10. Feed your creativity at Nan Riverside Arts Space

Formerly called Nan Riverside Art Gallery or Rim Nan Art Gallery, this is one of Thailand’s best local art collections. Founded by a nationally famous artist from Nan, Winai Prabripoo, the gallery building houses paintings and mixed media by local artists while the relaxing garden on the banks of the Nan River displays sculptures. Nan Riverside Arts Space proves that Nan is a place to be for not only traditional art lovers but also contemporary art enthusiasts.

11. Live the Tai Lue life in Pua

While the old town is already charmingly rural, let’s take it to the next level in Pua District. Pua is the most dearly beloved countryside in the city thanks to its endless view of paddy fields and mountains. In addition to rice, Tai Lue culture thrives there as it’s where they first settled in the city. Sip coffee at Ban Tai Lue Café, a complex of thatched-roof huts in the middle of rice fields. Learn about the art of Tai Lue weaving and buy traditional yet hip fabric and textile products at Lamduan Textile. Visit Wat Phuket, a local temple that overlooks the traditional village and rice fields, and tickle the strange Sensitive Tree or Ton Dik Diam.

12. Dive deeper into Tai Lue culture at Wat Nong Bua

Wat Nong Bua in Tha Wang Pha District is another place where Tai Lue culture is still alive. More than the spiritual center, the temple is where you can enjoy the murals that tell the local stories of Tai Lue people.

Next to Wat Nong Bua is a traditional Tai Lue house that serves as the Tai Lue Museum. In addition to exploring each room and learn how Tai Lue people live, you can watch the demonstration of Nam Lai textile weaving by Tai Lue people.

13. Explore the wilderness at Sao Din Na Noi

The forces of nature are great artists. When wind and rain met sandstones, Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom was created. This wilderness of eroded sandstone pillars and cliffs is also dotted with forests, but for the most part, you’ll feel as if you were in the Wild West. 

14. Sleep under the stars at Doi Samer Dao

Gaze at the stars before you fall asleep and wake up to the sea of mist at Doi Samer Dao in Sri Nan National Park. After the sunrise, walk along the nature trail to Pha Hua Singh or Lion’s Head Cliff and enjoy the panoramic view of forests and river below.

Budget options

Pukha Nanfa Hotel 

Add: 369 Sumondeveraj Road, Tumbol Nai Wiang, 55000 Nan, Thailand 

Featuring modern Thai décor, Pukha Nanfa Hotel is located in Northern Thailand’s Nan Town. It offers a restaurant, massage services and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV.

Wooden furnishings and neutral wall colours feature throughout guestrooms at Nanfa Pukha. A personal safe, minibar and private bathroom with a hot shower are in each room.

Guests can spend some quiet time in the library, or enjoy a traditional Thai body massage. The hotel also provides car and bicycle rental services upon request.

A fine selection of local dishes and refreshing beverages are served at the restaurant.

Ban Rim Nam Riverside Resort 

Add: 227 Moo 9, Ban Buppha Ram, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Positioned along Nan River, Ban Rim Nam Riverside Resort is located in Nan. Free WiFi access is available in this homestay. Guests enjoy free shuttle service to the airport or bus station.

The accommodation features a flat-screen TV, a fan and outdoor furniture. There is also an electric kettle and a toaster. Most rooms have a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Rooms provide a view of the tropical garden from the terrace.

Ban Rim Nam Riverside Resort offers a free shuttle service, barbecue facilities and a shared lounge. Activities such as fishing and bicycle rental are available for guests. The property offers free parking.

Nan Noble House Garden Resort 

Add: 371 Moo 6, T. Parsing, A. Muang, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Nan Noble House Garden Resort provides a free transfer on arrival or departure to Nan Airport and Nan Bus Station upon request. Providing free WiFi, it also has an outdoor pool and a 1 km jogging track surrounded by trees. Parking is free.

The air-conditioned Thai-style rooms come with a flat-screen TV and minibar. En suite bathrooms are equipped with hot-water showers.

Mid-range options

Baan Suan Leelawadee Resort Nan 

Add: 95 Moo 1 Chaiyasathan Muang Nan, 55000 Nan, Thailand 

Baan Suan Leelawadee Resort is a 5-minute drive to Wat Phumin and National Museum. Offering air-conditioned rooms with balcony, the resort is a 10-minute drive from Nan Airport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Each garden view room comes with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and seating area. Free toiletries are included in an en suite bathroom.

Guests can enjoy foot massage. Other services include laundry, bike/bicycle/boat rentals and free private parking.

Sawadeelanna Hotel 

Add: 15/9 Ariyawong Road, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Situated in Nan, within less than 1 km of Bus Station and 2.3 km of Kad Nan, Sawadeelanna Hotel features accommodation with free bikes and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is non-smoking and is located 4.3 km from Wat Phra That Chae Haeng.

All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel the rooms come with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

à la carte and American breakfast options are available each morning at Sawadeelanna Hotel.

The accommodation offers a terrace. Guests at Sawadeelanna Hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nan, like cycling.

Pround Nan Cottage 

Add: 39 Moo.5 Pha Sing, Mueang Nan District, Nan, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Located in Nan, 2.8 km from Kad Nan, Pround Nan Cottage provides accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. 6 km from Bus Station and 7 km from Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, the property features a garden and a terrace. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, valet parking and luggage storage for guests.

All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the guest house also provide guests with free WiFi. At Pround Nan Cottage, every room is equipped with a seating area.

The accommodation offers a buffet or Asian breakfast.

Guests at Pround Nan Cottage will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nan, like cycling.

Benya Hotel 

Add: 26/4 Baan Phra Kerd, Rat Amnuai Road, Nai Wiang, Mueang, 55000 Nan, Thailand 

Located in Nan, 1.2 km from Kad Nan, Benya Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are valet parking and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

The hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast.

Deluxe options

Nan Seasons Boutique Resort 

Add: 409 Moo 3, Baan Nhong Tao, Muang Tuet, Phuphiang, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Offering a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free bikes, Nan Seasons Boutique Resort is located 2 km from the Old Cultural City Centre of Nan. Guests enjoy free WiFi access.

Nan Seasons Boutique Resort is 1 km from Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and 3.7 km from Nan Bus Station. On-site parking is possible.

Featuring teak wood furnishings, each air-conditioned unit offers a private terrace. Other room amenities include a flat-screen satellite TV, an electric kettle and a minibar. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries.
At Nan Seasons Boutique Resort you will find a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Other facilities offered include a tour desk and luggage storage. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling.

HOMU Villa Pua 

Add: 510 510 หมู่ 8 ตำบลปัว, Amphoe Pua 55120, 55210 Nan, Thailand

HOMU Villa Pua provides air-conditioned rooms in Nan. There is an outdoor pool and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. At HOMU Villa Pua each room is fitted with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

American and Asian breakfast options are available daily at the accommodation.

Speaking Thai and English, staff at the 24-hour front desk can help you plan your stay.

Pua is 100 m from HOMU Villa Pua. The nearest airport is Nan Nakhon Airport, 59 km from the hotel.

Richmond Nan Hotel 

Add: 3, Tambon Nai Wiang, Amphoe Mueang, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Situated in Nan, 1.7 km from Bus Station, Richmond Nan Hotel features views of the city. Featuring a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.

At the hotel, rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Richmond Nan Hotel.

Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nan, like cycling.

Baan Chomdao 

Add: 3/20 Wornwichai Road, Nai Vieng, 55000 Nan, Thailand

Located in Nan, within 1.5 km of Kad Nan and 5 km of Bus Station, Baan Chomdao provides accommodation with a garden and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive.

The hotel offers a terrace.

Baan Chomdao can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.

Incredible Food is easy to find throughout Thailand and the province of Nan is no different! Let’s take a look at some of the best Restaurants in Nan ranging from dessert stalls to local northern Thai eateries that have been popular for years.

Don’t miss out! 

Let’s begin with the most famous dessert place in Nan…. 

1. Khanom Wan Pa Nim Restaurant

Khanom Wan Pa Nim has become one of the most well-known dessert places in Nan, topping the list of the province’s must-try Restaurants that no one should miss out on while visiting Nan. Here you’ll find a variety of sweet treats, including both hot and cold desserts. The hot dessert menu includes bua loi kai wan, sweet sticky rice with taro and coconut, and tao suan. Cold desserts include shaved ice with toppings, sarim ice cream (traditional Thai dessert sweet noodles with ice cream), fresh smoothies, coconut milk ice cream, and more.

Address  : 92/5 Teng Tai Rach Intersection, Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000

2. Baan Huanam Mushroom Farm

You will certainly miss out if you don’t taste the Food at Baan Huanam Mushroom Farm. This Restaurant has a very good view and often has nice weather, which is enjoyed best by sitting, eating, and looking out over the green field while you’re having a meal. (Just expect to take a queue card when you arrive because the restaurant is usually very busy!) In addition to the premium mushroom menu, all the dishes here come without MSG. There is also a coffee shop that serves a variety of delicious drinks, including coffee, cocoa, honey, lemon, and more. 

Address  : 129 Baan Huanam, Si La Lang, Pua District, Nan 55120

3. Huan Phu Kha Restaurant

Huan Phu Kha is a real authentic Nan Restaurant, decorated with old wooden tools, hanging spices, and other icons of Nan. The dining area is open-air and offers a lot of local dishes for you to try. The prices are reasonable as well. We can guarantee that tourists who want to try eating local Food will love it! 

Address  : 13/2 Ka Luang Road, Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan 

4. Huan Hom Restaurant

Huan Hom Restaurant is a local, traditional northern Thai restaurant right in the heart of Nan Town. The restaurant has an open-air dining area, along with both regular tables and khantoke tables, allowing diners to sit on the ground and eat in the traditional northern way. Most visitors to Nan here about this place because it’s really popular with the locals. Aside from selling Food, the owner also runs Nan Touring company and organizes activities and excursions in Nan, including Wa River Rafting. 

Address  : 11/12 Suriyapong Road, Nai Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan

5. Wunda Restaurant

Wunda Restaurant has been open for more than 40 years in Nan and serves a variety of curries over rice. Because of its good flavour, the restaurant has become very famous, yet the dish prices are very cheap compared to typical restaurant prices. Aside from curries and rice, it also offers local northern Food, like khao kan jin and khao soy, which are both must-try dishes while visiting northern Thailand! 

Address  : 100/3 Ka Luang Road, Nai Weing, Amphoe Mueng Nan, Nan province 55000

Get in

By plane

The only airline that flies to Nan is Air Asia, which offers four flights a day in either direction. These flights are usually ¾ full to full.

The airport is located at the north end of town, on the road to Pua-Thung Chang-Thai-Lao border (Hwy 1080/AH13), about 1.5 km from downtown.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

The train station that serves Nan is Den Chai in Phrae Province. From the train station, take a songthaew parked in front of the station to Phrae bus station (about half an hour). Then catch a bus to Nan. There is also bus service directly to Nan from Den Chai, however you need to go to Den Chai bus station to take the bus.

By bus

The best way to get to Nan is by bus. Download the Green Bus app for easy booking and schedule inquiries. Green bus is the sole bus company servicing Nan in the north.

The main bus station is located at the southern edge of town, at the end of a road perpendicular (turn left when arriving from Bangkok) to Wiangsa/Phrae/Bangkok Rd.

• From Bangkok: Buses to and from Bangkok take between 10 to 13 hours, according to the type of bus.
• From Chiang Mai: 6-7 hours.
• From Chiang Rai: 5-6 hours @ 09:30 from the Old Bus Station in Chiang Rai, 164 baht.
• From Phrae: 2 hours
• From Phitsanulok: 5 hours @ 11:00 and 16:30

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Get around

While Nan's layout may seem compact, the near-complete lack of foliage makes walking feasible only in the evenings and early mornings. Visitors without their own transport are best advised to rely on taxis, sonthaews, motorbike-taxis, and trishaws.

By motorcycle

Motorcycle rental options in the past we’re rather limited, but Nan has seen a slight increase in visitors and there are now more options. If you can ride, you absolutely should rent a motorbike. Nan’s charm is undeniable, but the best part is the region and nature around the province.

There are a few places nearby the bus station. Ask around to find a motorbike.

Prices in Nan tend to be a bit higher than other regions. This is due to the isolation and lack of tourist infrastructure.

Expect to pay 250-300 baht per day (compared to 120-200 in Pai or Chiang Mai).

By taxi

Nan has a tiny fleet of metred taxis that are virtually impossible to ride in daytime, due to high demand. At night they charge a flat 100 baht fee for destinations within the town. Phone +66 54 773555

By trishaw

Trishaws offer a leisurely and old-school way of touring the town. For tourists they charge 150 baht per hour (500 baht for a full-day tour from 09:00 to 16:00). While fees are negotiable, it should be noted that the peddlers earn very little.

By trolleybus

The local tourist office operates two trolleybuses that covers the town's main sights (they only stop at Wat Suan Tan and the house of Chao Fongkham, however). Tours, conducted exclusively in Thai, begin daily at 15.30 in front of Wat Phumin. Tickets can be purchased at the tourist information centre. Phone +66 54 751169