Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Nan Province
Situated over a sprawling 11,472 square kilometers, the province of Nan happens to be a well-preserved repository of art and culture, sheltered by the provinces of Uttaradit, Phrae, and Phayao in one side and by the Sainyabuli province of Laos on another. This distinctive geographical unique features have steered Nan’s art and culture, which is mirrored in the age-old mosques all across the province.
From October to January, the winter months imbue the air with a cool, dry ambience, making it an ideal time for locals and foreign visitors to explore Nan, bypassing the usual heat and humidity of other seasons.
Listed below are some hidden gems to discover in Nan, far from the rush of mainstream tourist spots.
Wat Tham Chetawan
Nestled within the Na Noi district, Wat Tham Chetawan, once named Wat Kru Ba Noi, was the spiritual retreat of a monk, Kru Ba Noi, who devoted three years, three months, and three days of his life between 2014 to 2017 in pursuit of dhamma in the adjacent caves. The temple evokes a deep-seated spiritual aura, enriched with sacred artifacts influenced largely by Myanmar teachings. However, it’s advisable to keep a distance from the cave if heights or slippery trails create discomfort.
Ban Nong Ha Sufficiency Economy Learning Centre
In Na Noi district, you can enrich yourself in the Ban Nong Ha Sufficiency Economy Learning Centre, which specializes in export-quality garments like clothing, bags, and skirts, crafted from community-sourced, eco-friendly materials.
Nakorn Nan Identity Hall
Travel through time in the Nakorn Nan Identity Hall in the Mueang district, chronicling the province’s socio-cultural history from being a part of the Lanna Kingdom during the Sukhothai era, the subsequent colonization by Burma, and eventually becoming a part of Thailand.
Wat Ming Muang
Mueang district also is home to Wat Ming Muang, a temple that inspired Thailand’s National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat to create his renowned Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai.
Wat Sri Panton
Constructed by Phaya Panton, one of the province’s historical rulers, Wat Sri Panton, positioned in Mueang district, was once named Wat Saree Panton inspired by the towering Bodhi trees on the temple’s north and south sides.
Wat Suan Tan
The Mueang district is also home to Wat Suan Tan, a temple built on the former royal sugar gardens and whose principal Buddha image, Phra Chao Thong Thip, was a gift to the locals of Nan from Tilokaraj, the King of Lanna, in appreciation of their contribution in supplying the kingdom with rock salt.
Hong Chao Fong Kham (The Noble House)
This community museum in Mueang Nan district used to be the dwelling of the province’s aristocracy. Maintained meticulously and redecorated to its original architecture, it is a repository of a wealth of artifacts including betel nut sets, traditional clothes, Buddha statues, old banknotes, and coins.
Wat Phra That Chang Kham
With a renowned pagoda called Phra That Chang Kham, this temple in Mueang district showcases an impressive Sukhothai-style pagoda enriched with elephant statues all along its base
Nan National Museum
Situated in Mueang district, the Nan National Museum, the erstwhile residence of the last ruler of the province, Chao Maha Phrom Suratada, showcases a wide range of artifacts representing the province’s identity.
Wat Phra That Khao Noi
Located at the top of Doi Khao Noi in Mueang district, Wat Phra That Khao Noi captivates visitors with its standing Buddha image overlooking a panoramic view of the province. The Buddha image, known as Phra Phuttha Maha Udom Mongkhon Nanthaburi Si Nan, was commissioned to commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s sixth cycle birthday anniversary on December 5, 1999.
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