Nan Travel Guide: Nan is a city that doesn't receive much attention, but its history stretches back centuries and is fascinating – although describing it all would be beyond the scope of this guide. Nan only joined Siam in 1931 and was an independent kingdom for a long time. This history is reflected, among other things, in the murals of the temples, of which Wat Phumin is the most famous and best preserved. The temples are also a cultural and tourist treasure of Nan, influenced by the Lanna and Thai Lue cultures. Legend has it that the inhabitants of Nan laid Naga eggs, which explains why we found so many of them. Nan is also famous for its boat races, a tradition that dates back over six centuries. They take place in the summer at the Buddhist monastery (the dates vary depending on the lunar calendar). Although domestic tourism in Nan is steadily growing, few foreigners still venture here. However, from a cultural and historical perspective, the city is an interesting stopover. Not necessarily for a first trip to Thailand, but for those already familiar with Thailand's sights and interested in the region's history, Nan is a worthwhile destination. You can find all the options for getting around Nan in our "Getting Around Nan" section.

Accommodation in Nan: There is a growing number of guesthouses and hotels in Nan. Not all guesthouses are run by English speakers, but you can usually find a room. Prices are very reasonable and vary little between accommodations. The value for money varies somewhat. Luxury hotels are not very common in Nan. Guesthouses are often located in traditional wooden houses owned by families, and there are a few small hotels. If possible, the best location is near Wat Phumin and the surrounding temples. There you will be centrally located and everything is easily accessible on foot. Find accommodation in Nan. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories less than 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // grey Less prices not available in the city selection ("All prices are available at any time") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Nan. Richmond Nan Hotel (9.0/10) Book now More details Nan Baan Khun Hotel (8.6/10) Book now More details arrow_circle_right Show all accommodations in Nan

Practical information about Nan: There is a tourist information office in Nan. It's located on the sidewalk opposite Wat Phumin. Not many foreign tourists go there, and there seems to be only one person who speaks English well enough to give detailed information. Nevertheless, you can get a city map there. Nan is very easy to explore by bicycle. There are bike paths. Most guesthouses in Nan rent bicycles (50–80 baht per day). Alternatively, you can also rent bicycles at the café between the gas station and Wat Hua Kuang. Although Nan is easy to explore on foot, a bicycle or car is essential for visiting the two outer temples, including the Standing Buddha of Nan at Prathat Khao Noi, as taxis and tuk-tuks are rather rare in the city. If possible, try to visit Nan on the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday evening, there is a small, very pleasant night market on the street along Wat Phumin. Otherwise, street vendors are set up every evening near the Sukkasem Hotel on Phakong Road between Wat Suan Tan and the traffic light. If you are planning to spend New Year's Eve in Nan, please book your accommodation weeks in advance, as Nan is a popular destination for Thais at this time. Room rates also increase significantly during this period.

How do you get to Nan? To get to Nan, you can choose between bus and plane. Nan does not have a train station. Nok Air and Air Asia fly to the city from Bangkok. The bus journey from Bangkok takes about 10 hours. From Chiang Mai, it takes 6 hours, from Chiang Rai 5 hours, and from Phrae 2 hours. Buses to Nan do not run very frequently. Local tourists usually travel by car. [arrow_circle_right] See all travel options to Nan

What's the best way to get around Nan? Nan is easily explored on foot or by bicycle. The city has cycle paths and even offers a short bike tour to the most interesting sights. Tuk-tuks are not very common in Nan. A private taxi service will take you from Nan Airport to the city for 100 THB.

Nan Boat Race Festival. This festival usually takes place in September. More about the Nan Boat Race Festival

Other sights in Nan: Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawiharn Temple is located just before Wat Phumin and is definitely worth a visit. It is one of the oldest temples in Nan and houses the largest Buddhist manuscript library in Thailand. The Nan National Museum is located in a former palace and is particularly interesting for history and archaeology enthusiasts. It provides an insight into the rich history of the region. Wat Suan Tan is one of the oldest temples in the city and houses what is probably Nan's most beautiful Buddha statue: a four-meter-high bronze statue. Behind the main building, there is also an interesting chedi. Wat Phrathat Chae Hang is located four kilometers outside the city and, due to its 14th-century golden chedi, is the holiest temple in Nan province. The village of Ban Bo Suak is located ten kilometers from Nan and is known for its old pottery kilns. You can visit them, see a small museum, and watch a potter at work, but the visit can be somewhat frustrating as no one there speaks English. It's best to plan your visit as part of a trip to other places, but don't come here solely for that reason. Bo Kluea is about a 3-hour drive from Nan and 1 hour 30 minutes from Pua (which I highly recommend if you love nature and rice paddies). The village of Bo Kluea is famous for its salt springs and also boasts breathtaking scenery of mountains and rice fields. The road between Pua and Bo Kluea is considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Thailand!

How do you ask for directions to Nan in Thai? I want to go to Nan / Yak pai thi Naane. Where is Nan? / Naane yu thi nai?