Mini City Guide: Travel, Eat, and Stay in Nan

Nan, a charming little town located in the north of Thailand, set amidst great mountains and dense forest. There’re interesting way of life and cultures of people there, along with fascinating architectures including temples and traditional Lanna houses that reflects how the people live from age to age. So this is why everybody wants to experience fascinating cultures and live in the city that recalls your good old days.

Where to travel in Nan?

Wat Phumin

This temple is well-known for its fascinating Lanna architectures, arts and design and is a home for Thailand’s famous ancient wall murals called Pu Man, Ya Man which appears on the wall paintings. The paintings here are all telling about folk tales, Jataka tales, and Nan’s ancient history. There’s walking street nearby which is open every Friday-Sunday and long weekend, so you can enjoy shopping and eating after finish temple tour. 

Wat Phra Thard Khao Noi

A landmark of the city, Wat Phra Thard Khao Noi is located at a particularly significant historic site on the hilltop, so visitors have to climb 303 stairs steps or drive uphill to the temple. There’s big Buddha image to worship and admire and the temple boasts amazing bird eye views of Nan that highly recommended for enthusiast photographers as there are a lot of photo opportunities.

Sao Din Na Noi

Locally called “Hom Jom” that located in the national park of Nan. It was created by soil erosion of wind and rain which is similar to Phae Muang Phee of Phrae Province. From geological evidence, Sao Din N a Noi was once the bottom of the sea and there have found stone bangles and ancient axes which reflects that this area was once a habitation place of human beings. It is an interesting sight to see and take a tourist spot photos.

 

 

Doi Samer Dao

It is wonderful place to watch the sunrise and the fog in the morning. From Doi Samer Dao, you can see impressive panoramic views of the Nan river flows through the valleys. At night, you can lay down, feel a cool breeze and watching the sky full of stars shining above you. You should visit here once in a life time and you will understand how this place is true to its name ‘Mountain in the same level of stars’

Where to eat in Nan? 

Ban Tai Lue Cafe

Nestled in the little charming district, Pua. The highlight is the location, a coffee hut in the middle of the greenery rice fields where you can sipping coffee while enjoy a cool breeze and beautiful surroundings. And not only serving the coffee, there also have a souvenir shop for you to shopping as a gifts for your family and friends.

Location: 164 Moo 4 Sila Lang, Pua, Nan
Tel: 081 882 7767, 089 264 6058, 054 792 371

Cafe Sood Gong Dee

Lovely cafe stands along the Nan River. It’s on the way to Phra That Chae Haeng, after cross the Pattana Pak Neua Bridge, turn right and go straight about 200 meters, the cafe will be on your left by the river. The property is a traditional Thai house gives off a cozy atmosphere and serving 100% Arabica coffee, several kinds of food including cakes and bakery.

Location: 110 Moo 2, Ban Sang Dao, Nan-Mae Charim Road, Fai Kaew, Phu Phiang, Nan 55000
Tel: 086 995 6545

Banban Nannan Library and Guest Home

If you loves reading and drinking tea, we recommended you this café plus library plus guesthouse. Banban Nannan is a traditional Thai house containing various kinds of book, so this is ideal place for book lovers that can rest, read books, and drink some coffee or eat tasty bakery. The owner is friendly and hostitable.

Location:  14/1 Mahawong Road, Nai Wiang, Muang, Nan 55000
Tel: 089 859 5898

Nam Ngiao Khao Soi Mae Sunee

This famous eatery has been serving Nam Ngiao and Khao Soi for a long time. Well-known and always recommended by locals. The absolutely don’t miss dishes are Khao Soi, Nam Ngiao, rice noodle rolls, steamed dumplings and you might want to try this most recommend dish Khao Kanchin that is rice blended with pork blood, mince pork and herbs.

Location: Mahayot Road, Muang, Nan 55000
Tel: 054 772 359

Where to stay in Nan?

Oun I Mang Homestay

Cold hands but warm heart at Oun I Mang, cozy little homestay in Bo Klua district. I Mang means the Mang River which flow through the front of the hotel, so guests can rest, relax and close to nature. There’re many types of room as you choose, from houses to tents. The guestrooms are warm, clean and simple, perfect for weekend getaway.

Location: 26 Moo 1, Dong Phaya 52, Bo Klua, Nan 55220
Tel: 081 374 7004

Sri Nual Lodge
Wallet friendly hotel the divided the price of the guestrooms into two season, April 1^st – October 31^st 560 Baht/night and November 1^st – March 31^st 880 Baht/night. There’s a hotel lobby serving tea and coffee every morning and you can enjoy eating Indochina pan-fried egg with toppings at the beautiful garden that will make you feel at home. With a great atmosphere, charming guestrooms and helpful staffs, to make it no wonder why travelers keep coming to this place.
 
Location: 40 Nor Kham Road, Nai Wiang, Muang, Nan 55000
Tel: 090 015 1692, 081 550 8443
 

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Pukha Nanfa Hotel

Pukha Nanfa Hotel has a long lost history since Pukha is the name of the first dynasty of ancient Nan therefore it’s reflect the greatness and pride of Nan Kingdom. Started some 80 years ago, this 3 story wooden hotel offers 14 guestrooms that are stylishly furnished in classical Lanna combine with warm and sweet tones color. Even remain the classic architecture, but the accommodations are all well equipped with amenities that a modern hotel should have.

Location: 369 Sumon Thewarat, Nai Wiang, Muang, Nan 55000
Tel:  054 771 111

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Nantrungjai Boutique Hotel

Vintage boutique hotel offers the best services and amenities to made guests feel comfortable and feel at home. Ivory white architecture gives off Thai touches yet sweet and simple. The interior is packed with chic furniture and all amenities. Who want to take in the sights and sounds of Nan, Nantrungjai Boutique Hotel is the perfect pick.

Location: 354 Moo2, Nan-Tha Wang Pha Road, Pha Sing, Muang, Nan 55000
Tel: 088 252 7689, 088 267 7189, 054 600 087

 

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How to go to Nan from Bangkok?

Click to enlarge the map

By car
From Bangkok, driving on highway number 32 to Nakhon Sawan, then drive on highway number 117 to Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Den Chai district in Phrae. After that driving on highway number 101 from Phrae to Nan, it’s take about 668 km.
 
By public bus
Transport Co. Ltd. operates bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Nan every day, which offers both regular and VIP buses and the trip takes about 10 hours to complete. Call 1490, 054 711 661 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. To book tickets online goes to www.thairoute.com
 
By train
From Bangkok, there’s no direct train to Nan, you’ve to cash the train at Hua Lam Phong station and get off at Den Chai district, then take the bus to Nan province. It’s about 142 km. Call 1690 or www.railway.co.th for more information.
 
By airplane
Nok Air and Air Asia offer flight from Bangkok (Don Muang Airport) to Nan every day. For more information, Nok Air call 1318 or www.nokair.com and Air Asia call 02 515 9999 or www.airasia.com
 
Travel around Nan
Nan is simple to travel around and most sites are within short walk distance to each other. But you can cash local minibuses that run around the town or there’s motorbike service which the fare start from 20 Baht. The other way is rent a motorcycle or bicycle from your hotel and guesthouse or there’re a couple of independent agents along Sumondhewaraj Road to travel around town.

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