Introducing Nan
Just over 668km from Bangkok, little-known Nan is steeped in history. For centuries it was an isolated, independent kingdom with few ties to the outside world. Ample evidence of prehistoric habitation exists, but it wasn’t until several small meuang consolidated to form Nanthaburi on Mae Nam Nan in the mid-14th century – concurrent with the founding of Luang Prabang and the Lan Xang (Million Elephants) kingdom in Laos – that the city became a power to contend with. Associated with the powerful Sukhothai kingdom, the meuang took the title Waranakhon and played a significant role in the development of early Thai nationalism.
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Parts of the old city wall and several early wats dating from the Lanna period can be seen in present-day Nan. Meuang Nan’s wats are distinctive: some temple structures show Lanna influence, while others belong to the Thai Lü legacy brought from Xishuangbanna, the Thai Lü’s historical homeland.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: A relatively fast and cheap way from BKK to Luang Prabang
by lonelyinlaos 19 August 2011
Another option is to take a bus from Bkk to Nan, Thailand and stay a night there as it's the nicest town I've been to in Thailand. Then…
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RE: Laos Itinerary
by wanderingstraycat 11 August 2011
it's possible to get away from the crowds in LPB. most of the tourists congregate in the tourist area. but LPB town is far bigger than…
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RE: North of Thailand in October
by wanderingstraycat 02 August 2011
see reply #5 here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2009436 & #1 here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thre…
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