Founded in the 15th century, Wat Suan Tan is particularly striking for its impressive stupa. At the rear stands a 40-meter-high stupa, adorned with Hindu and Khmer motifs and crowned by a Sukhothai-style lotus bud motif. This motif acquired its current form in 1914. The meticulously restored main hall houses the Phra Chao Thong Thipun, a beautiful 4.10-meter-tall bronze seated Buddha statue in the Sukhothai style. It was commissioned in 1449 by Tilokaraj, the ruler of Chiang Mai, after the conquest of Nan. For him, Wat Suan Tan was undoubtedly worth a visit! A curious detail: at the rear of the temple is a statue of the famous painting "The Whisperer" from Wat Phumin.

Free admission. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For a visit to Nan city center, I recommend a bicycle tour. Most hotels and guesthouses offer bicycles, and there are cycle paths in the streets, including a circular route between the main temples.

Wat Suan Tan is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Suan Tan? To explore Nan city center, I recommend a bicycle tour. Most hotels and guesthouses offer bicycles, and there are bike lanes in the streets, including a circular route between the main temples.