TH · Nan · 18.77°N 100.78°E

nan

Slow northern province with Wat Phumin's murals and empty mountain roads.

Best time
November to February is cool and clear, with misty mornings in the hills. The rainy season, roughly May to October, turns the rice fields green but can make mountain roads slippery.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours), then a domestic flight of about 1.5 hours to Nan. By road it's about 5 hours from Chiang Mai. A car makes it much easier to get around the province.
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TH · Nannan18.77°N 100.78°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Slow northern province with Wat Phumin's murals and empty mountain roads.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNanTH, Nan
KLnan
≈ 1,741 km from KL, as the crow flies
Wat Phumin

Photo: Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A quiet province in upper northern Thailand, along the border with Laos. Nan town has old temples, including Wat Phumin and its famous murals, and beyond it lie mountain roads, rice-field villages and national parks.

Makan

  1. Northern Thai foodKhao soi, nam ngiao and sai oua at the town's markets and walking street.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Wat PhuminA cross-shaped temple with old murals of local life, including the famous whispering couple.Map ↗
  2. Wat Phra That Chae HaengA hillside temple just outside town with a golden chedi and naga staircases.Map ↗
  3. Wat Phra That Khao NoiA hilltop temple with a standing Buddha and views over Nan town.Map ↗
  4. Bo KlueaA mountain village where salt is still made from salty spring water the old way.Map ↗
  5. Doi Phu Kha National ParkMountain viewpoints and cool forest, a winding drive north-east of town.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The mountain roads are steep and twisty. Drive slowly and avoid driving after dark.
  • Cover shoulders and knees at the temples.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.