3 Days Nan: the Hidden Gem of North Thailand
3 Days
Nan: the Hidden Gem
of North Thailand
Explore local customs and historical landmarks
framed by beautiful natural scenery
WHY THIS TOUR?
Nan province is a region that promotes happiness, creative economy, idyllic nature, abundant agriculture, tight-knit communities and sustainable tourism. Through this journey, we get a glimpse of the local life, visit historical temples and witness the beauty of nature in a quiet paradise that will leave long-lasting memories.
Awards
This programme received the 2023 Thailand Tourism Gold Award
in recognition of its contribution to responsible and sustainable tourism.
TRAIL ITINERARY
DAY 1
Bangkok – Nan [L]
We will be met at Nan Airport by your guide and taken to a local restaurant for lunch. We start our exploration of Nan with a visit to Wat Ming Muang. This ancient site dates back to 1857 and was once an abandoned temple where the city pillar, made of two huge trunks, was found in the ruins of its vihara. We then continue to Wat Phumin, famous for the ancient mural paintings that decorate its walls in Thai Lu style, called Pu Man-Ya Man. They are considered highly valuable and depict stories of Buddha, legends, and the local way of life. We also visit nearby Wat Chang Kham Woravihan. The chedi inside the temple reflects the influence of Sukhothai arts. The main vihara enshrines an elegant ancient Buddha image that showcases Chiang Saen-style of art and Nan craftsmanship skills. On our return to the city, we stop at hilltop temple, Wat Pratardnoi, to enjoy its views before the check-in to your overnight accommodation.
DAY 2
Nan [B, L, D]
We start the day early with a trip to the market to make merit with monks. We then return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Wat Nong Bua, an ancient temple built by the Thai Lue group who migrated from South China. We then take a stroll through Nong Bua Thai Lue village to see locals hand-weaving beautiful fabrics in a Nam Lai design before driving to Doi Phu Ka National Park, a stunning primeval forest. We admire the living fossil Phu Kha tree and its enchanting flowers before continuing on a scenic drive to Bo Klua district, stopping enroute for lunch at a local restaurant. Bo Klua district is an important salt production area. We will explore the salt mountains and watch the traditional salt mining process before returning to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant along Nan River.
Optional: After dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a stroll through the local night market and admire nearby temples illuminated at night.
DAY 3
Nan – Bangkok |or Cross the Border to Laos [B]
We start our final day with a visit to one of Nan town’s most sacred spots, Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng, which is perched on the eastern banks of the Nan River and was the former centre of the town after relocating from Pua. The temple’s name derives from Phra That Chae Haeng, the gilded chedi that contains a relic of the Buddha. It was founded in 1355 and features a mix of architectural styles, including Lanna and Thai Lu. Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng represents the year of the rabbit in the lunar calendar. Lanna people believe that travelling to pay respect to the Phrathat of their birth year brings abundant prosperity. Afterwards, we transfer to Nan Airport for your onward flight, or to Huai Kon immigration to cross the border to neighbouring Laos.
