Wat Phumin
Nan’s most famous Buddhist temple is celebrated for its exquisite murals, executed during the late 19th century by a Thai Lü artist named Thit Buaphan…
Nan
Nan (น่าน) is not the kind of destination most travelers are going to stumble upon, as it's remote by Thai standards. But if you take the time to get here, you’ll be rewarded with a relaxed city rich in both culture and history.
Many of Nan’s residents are Thai Lü, the ancestors of immigrants from Xishuangbanna in southwestern China's Yunnan Province. Their cultural legacy can be seen in the city’s art and architecture, particularly in its exquisite temples. But there's also a strong Lanna influence here, as revealed in the remains of the old city wall and several early wát.
Explore Nan
- Wat Phumin
Nan’s most famous Buddhist temple is celebrated for its exquisite murals, executed during the late 19th century by a Thai Lü artist named Thit Buaphan…
- NNan National Museum
Housed in the 1903 vintage palace of Nan’s last two feudal lords, this museum first opened its doors in 1973. It’s one of the country’s better provincial…
- WWat Phra That Chang Kham
The founding date of this wát, the second-most important temple in the city after Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, is unknown, but the main wí·hăhn (sanctuary),…
- WWat Nong Bua
The neat and tidy Thai Lü village of Nong Bua, approximately 30km north of Nan, is famous for the Lü-style Wat Nong Bua. Featuring a typical two-tiered…
- WWat Phra That Chae Haeng
Located 2km past the bridge that spans Mae Nam Nan, heading southeast out of town, this Buddhist temple dating from 1355 is the most sacred wát in Nan…
- WWat Hua Khuang
This temple features a distinctive Lanna/Lan Xang–style chedi (stupa) with four Buddha niches, an attractive wooden hŏr đrai (manuscript library) and a…
- WWat Hua Wiangtai
A Buddhist temple in Nan.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Nan.
See
Wat Phumin
Nan’s most famous Buddhist temple is celebrated for its exquisite murals, executed during the late 19th century by a Thai Lü artist named Thit Buaphan…
See
Nan National Museum
Housed in the 1903 vintage palace of Nan’s last two feudal lords, this museum first opened its doors in 1973. It’s one of the country’s better provincial…
See
Wat Phra That Chang Kham
The founding date of this wát, the second-most important temple in the city after Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, is unknown, but the main wí·hăhn (sanctuary),…
See
Wat Nong Bua
The neat and tidy Thai Lü village of Nong Bua, approximately 30km north of Nan, is famous for the Lü-style Wat Nong Bua. Featuring a typical two-tiered…
See
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
Located 2km past the bridge that spans Mae Nam Nan, heading southeast out of town, this Buddhist temple dating from 1355 is the most sacred wát in Nan…
See
Wat Hua Khuang
This temple features a distinctive Lanna/Lan Xang–style chedi (stupa) with four Buddha niches, an attractive wooden hŏr đrai (manuscript library) and a…