Nan...Before the rain comes, on Visakha Bucha Day, May 20-22, 2016, the charm of Nan...Wat Phra That Chae Haeng-Wat Phumin-Nan National Museum-Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan-Wat Si Phan Ton-Wat Ming Mueang-Wat Phra That Khao Noi-Kad Khwang Mueang Nan Bo Kluea...Phu Fa Palace and Phu Fa Development Center-Bo Kluea Sinthao Pua...Viewpoint of Doi Phu Kha National Park-Wat Phu Ket

"Nan Province" is a small province in the north of Thailand, but it is full of natural resources that are still abundant, as well as the way of life of local villagers.

A small town that still preserves its charm for future generations to see. This small town has a charm that attracts many tourists.

Experience it for yourself

May 20-22, 2016, the destination of this trip is Nan, Bo Kluea, Pua.

Starting early in the morning of May 20, 59, Visakha Bucha Day, along Highway 101 Kamphaeng Phet-Sukhothai-Phrae-Nan, arriving in Nan city at 10 am. The first goal is to find something to eat. Khao soi, the first shop, Naem Sunisa, is closed. The next shop, Khao Soi Ton Nam, is also closed (under renovation). So I looked across the street to the shop. Heuan Hom

With full bellies, we set off to our first destination.

Dried Holy Relics

The twin pagodas of Nan, located about 2 kilometers from the city center across the Nan River, are another example of exquisite northern Thai architecture. The construction style is influenced by the Hariphunchai Pagoda.

This is another place that you should not miss when visiting Nan. Stop by to pay respects and ask for blessings.

The weather is getting hot again. I went back to the city center to rest at my accommodation before going to the evening market at Kad Khwang Muang Nan (walking street) and the surrounding tourist attractions, including Wat Phumin, Wat Chang Kham, the museum, Wat Si Phan Ton, Wat Ming Mueang, and Wat Hua Khwang.

Accommodation... Nan Lanna Hotel is located behind Wat Hua Khwang, 200 meters from the Khwang Muang intersection. You can easily walk to the walking street.

Affordable accommodation that doesn't break the bank.

The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and it's time to explore the Kad Khwang Muang market in the heart of Nan city. Let's start at...

Wat Si Phan Ton

Located in the heart of Nan city, opposite Pa Nim's dessert shop, the temple boasts a magnificent golden-hued viharn. This temple is renowned for its exquisite stucco paintings, particularly the seven-headed naga guarding the stairs leading to the viharn. The golden hue of the naga adds to the temple's grandeur.

Back to Khwang Muang Intersection

Nan Provincial Museum

The building is currently closed for renovation. However, the area around the museum is lined with beautiful frangipani trees.

Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan

Located opposite the Nan National Museum and Wat Phumin, it houses the relics of the Lord Buddha. It is a stupa influenced by Sukhothai art from the Sri Lankan style stupa. The base from the first to the second floor has elephant figures supporting it in the same way as the supporting base.

Phumin Temple

If you come to Nan and don't visit this temple, it's like you haven't arrived. Wat Phumin is a temple located in the heart of the city. It is a unique temple compared to others, as the church and the chapel are built as a single building. The wooden doors on all four sides are beautifully carved. Moreover, the walls depict the life and culture of past eras. And if you come to this temple, don't miss the opportunity to see the mural of Pu Man and Ya Man whispering love to each other, which has become a symbol of Nan province.

Nan Walking Street (Kad Khwang Muang Nan)

This walking street in Nan is located next to Wat Phumin. It is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm. There are many delicious foods and lovely souvenirs. It is another colorful place in the peaceful city of Nan.

A new morning on May 22, 2016, after the rain last night. The morning atmosphere of the city looks peaceful, following the way of life.

Wat Hua Huai

Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan

Phumin Temple

Wat Ming Mueang

It is the location of the main pillar of Nan province.

Wat Phai Luang

This afternoon, the destination is at Bo Kluea and Pua. First, stop by to admire the view of Nan province at Wat Phra That Khao Noi.

Wat Phra That Khao Noi

Located on the top of Doi Khao Noi, it can be reached by both car and bicycle. There is a road for cars to go up to the pagoda. Or if anyone wants to exercise, they can walk up the Naga stairs with 303 steps to the top as well. At the viewpoint, there is a statue of Phra Phuttha Maha Udom Mongkhon Nanaburi Si Nan, which is a Buddha statue in the attitude of giving blessings.

The top offers a stunning view of Nan city.

After descending the mountain, prepare to ascend through Doi Phu Kha National Park, passing through Santisuk District to Bo Kluea. This section of the road has ups and downs with left and right curves, on a road known as "Nan Sky Road". For those who get carsick, take motion sickness medication. It takes quite a while to reach the first destination, "Phu Fah Palace and Phu Fah Development Center" in Bo Kluea District. Established in 1999, following a royal visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Phu Fah Development Center is a hub for learning and transferring knowledge in various fields of science and technology to children, youth, farmers, and the general public. Sources of images and information for visitors include the rotating exhibition room, library, agricultural product processing building, oolong tea processing building with tasting opportunities, hydroponic planting, and nature trails such as the Phu Fah Nature Garden and Phu Fah Cultural Center. There is a welfare shop that sells a wide variety of products made by local villagers, and the beautiful Phu Fah Palace, where Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn resides while working at the Phu Fah Center. There are also meeting rooms, seminar rooms, and various types of accommodation available, along with delicious local food.

Phu Fah Royal Villa

Phu Fah Development Center

Next to the Sintawe Salt Mine in Bo Kluea District

Salt Mine of Sinthav

The only salt mine in Thailand, Sintawe Salt Mine, is located on a mountain. Currently, the villagers still boil salt using traditional methods. According to the salt boilers, they will stop boiling salt during the Buddhist Lent period and resume after the Loy Krathong festival.

From the salt well, climb the mountain again to reach the viewpoint of Doi Phu Kha National Park, which is 1715 meters high.

Continuing on to Pua District, a green city in a valley filled with beautiful cultural and natural attractions. It is home to people of various ethnicities, including Tai Lue, Hmong, Mien, and Lahu, but the majority of the population is Tai Lue. The first place to visit, if you want to see Pua at its most beautiful, is during the rainy season, during the rice planting season from mid-September to October. The view of the rice fields and green mountains is a highlight of Pua. Arrive at the destination to visit.

Phuket Temple

This temple is another popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and tranquility. The main attraction that draws many visitors is the spacious balcony in front of the church. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with rows of benches for visitors to relax and take photos. The view features a complex of mountains that are part of the Phu Kha National Park. Between the small hills where the temple is located and the larger mountain range in front, there is a vast flat area used for agriculture. During the rainy season, rice and other crops are planted, while in the dry season, the area is covered with lush green vegetables and corn, creating a picturesque scene.

Tonight's accommodation is at Tanong Homestay in the Phaiphob zone, with a view of rice fields, cornfields, and mountains.

May 22, 2016, the day to return. Before returning, I stopped by to pay respects at Wat Phra That Chom Thong, not far from my accommodation.

And arrived at Phrae, stopped to pay respects to Phra That Cho Hae, the zodiac Buddha image for the year of the Goat.

The journey through Phrae has come to an end. On the way back, amidst the rain, from Den Chai to Sukhothai, the final destination of Kamphaeng Phet, a total distance of about 1,000 km along Route 101 Kamphaeng Phet-Nan.