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A Journey to Nan: Reaching the Heart of Pua
24-26 February 2018 | 3 Days, 2 Nights
This trip marks my return to Nan after almost 7 years.
Day 1: Commencement
Day 2: Travel to Nan
Our group of four embarked on our journey to Nan by bus. We opted for the Nakhornchai Air service from Bangkok to Nan, which cost 544 baht per person.
- Departure: 8:15 PM, arriving in Nan around 6:00 AM (approximately 10-hour travel time).
- Amenities: The bus provided a meal box, snacks, water, and milk. It also featured 32 Plus Class seats with massage functions, ensuring a comfortable sleep throughout the journey.
- Entertainment: Passengers enjoyed movies, music, and games with provided headphones.
- Arrival: We reached Nan city center at the bus terminal around 6:00 AM, completing the nearly 10-hour trip.
Nan Province: A Historical and Hydrological Hub in Northern Thailand
Nan Province, nestled in the northeastern corner of Thailand's Northern Region, boasts a rich historical tapestry and serves as a vital source of water for the country.
This region was once home to significant settlements like Mueang Woranakhorn and Wiang Sirinagarindra, and it is the birthplace of the mighty Nan River, a crucial source of water for the region.
- The morning market is a great place to buy offerings for the morning alms giving ceremony.
- The town is relatively quiet in the early morning with minimal traffic, making it easy to walk along the streets and use Google Maps to navigate to key landmarks. The distances are not too far.
- Most of the important places in town are temples, so we followed our map and walked to a temple.
- (According to the trip plan, we were supposed to take a shared taxi, but it hadn't arrived yet. So we decided to walk and wait for the taxi, which was scheduled for 8:30 AM. We arrived a little early.)
Exploring the Top 10 Must-See Check-in Spots in Nan Province
Embark on a journey through the captivating landscapes of Nan Province, where we'll uncover 10 hidden gems that will leave you breathless.
Our mode of transportation for this adventure? A charming songthaew, a quintessential Thai experience.
First stop on our itinerary: the awe-inspiring Wat Sri Panton.
Sri Pan Ton Temple: A Golden Haven in Nan
Nestled amidst the serene landscape of Nan, Sri Pan Ton Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual tranquility and architectural splendor. Its proximity to the Nan Bus Terminal makes it an easily accessible destination, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of cultural immersion and spiritual rejuvenation.
Upon entering the temple grounds, one is immediately captivated by the magnificent golden viharn, its intricate carvings and shimmering facade reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region. The intricate stuccowork adorning the temple walls showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans, with the seven-headed naga guarding the staircase serving as a testament to the temple's deep-rooted connection to ancient mythology.
As you delve deeper into the temple's sanctum, you will discover a treasure trove of murals and paintings that narrate the timeless tales of Buddhist lore. These vibrant depictions transport visitors to a realm of spiritual enlightenment, offering a glimpse into the profound wisdom and teachings of the Buddha.
Sri Pan Ton Temple is not merely a place of worship but also a vibrant community hub, where locals gather to celebrate festivals, engage in religious ceremonies, and foster a sense of shared heritage. The temple's annual ordination ceremony, held during the rainy season, is a particularly significant event, attracting devotees from far and wide to witness this sacred rite of passage.
Whether you are seeking spiritual solace, cultural enrichment, or simply a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Sri Pan Ton Temple offers an unforgettable experience. Its golden spires, intricate murals, and welcoming atmosphere create a sanctuary where visitors can connect with their inner selves and find inspiration in the timeless wisdom of Buddhism.
- The stucco paintings we see were created by artisans from Nan, according to the history we have read.
- Upon entering the viharn, one can observe line drawings depicting the life of the Buddha and the founding of Nan.
- The temple is not very large, and it only takes a short walk to see everything.
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- Walking out (as shown in the picture below) will be the Sri Panton Boat House.
- The next temple, "Phra Katchayana Thera Wihan Sanghachai Wat Sri Panton," houses the largest and oldest Buddha statue in Nan province.
- According to local beliefs, those seeking blessings for fortune, abundance, wisdom, beauty, and charm should pray to Phra Katchayana. (Personal belief)
2. Check-in Point: "Phu Pha Yak Coffee Shop"
Phu Pha Yak Coffee Shop is a relatively small but renowned coffee shop in Nan province. It is a project of the Royal Project Foundation, and therefore offers a variety of locally sourced products from the project.
Location: This branch is located at the PTT gas station in Nan city. It is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Coffee Taste: The coffee is considered to be of good quality and reasonably priced, ranging from 30-40 THB per cup.
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If you visit this shop, you must try the Phu Pha Ya coffee, which is the shop's signature menu.
The shop has seating available, and there are quite a few customers coming and going.
3. Check-in point: "Plumeria Pavilion, National Museum"The plumeria tunnel, or Champac, looks like rows of trees with branches curved towards each other, resembling a tree tunnel. It is one of the Unseen Thailand destinations in Nan. It is located on Pha Kong Road, opposite Wat Phra That Chang Kham, near Wat Phumin.
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The same space also houses the residence of the former ruler of Nan, known as the "Ho Kham," which is now the National Museum. However, we did not visit the museum, but we read that it displays various ancient artifacts, most notably the "Black Ivory Tusk." If you have the opportunity to visit, be sure to check it out. It's a shame we missed it.
This area is called "Wat Noi" (picture below).
Wat Noi is the smallest temple in the world (it's really small, I thought it was a shrine at first). But it's not a shrine, it's called "Wat Noi". Legend has it that King Suriyaphong Pharitdet, the 63rd ruler of Nan, reported the number of temples in Nan to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). However, it turned out that he had counted one temple too many. Therefore, Wat Noi had to be built to make up the number he had reported.
Read more: Wat Noi (Nan Province) - Wikipedia, Google Search
Friends, if you are visiting and looking for parking, you can park inside the National Museum. You can also walk across the street to the "Phumin Temple".
4. Check-in Point: "Wat Phumin"
Phumin Temple, Pha Kong, the legend of the image "Whispering Love, Echoing the World" or "Whispering Sound, Famous to the World", but in reality it is
The image depicts "Pu Man Ya Man," a significant landmark and temple in Nan Province. Situated in the heart of Nan city, the temple stands opposite the National Museum.
History (Interesting Facts)
- Founded around 1596: Wat Phumin is an ancient royal temple with a history spanning over 400 years. It was built by King Chet Butsara Prommin, the ruler of Nan, six years after he ascended the throne.
- Name Change: Originally named "Wat Phra Prommin" after its founder, the temple's name gradually shifted to "Wat Phumin" over time.
- Unique Architecture: The temple's main hall and sanctuary are combined into a single structure. The four wooden doors on each side are intricately carved with intricate designs by skilled Lanna artisans.
- The interior houses four large Buddha statues in the Marawijai posture, each positioned on a high pedestal facing one of the four cardinal directions (as shown in the image below).
- If you observe the faces of the four Buddha statues, you will notice that only one of them has a more cheerful expression than the other three. It is believed that if you pray to the Buddha statue facing that direction, your wishes will be granted (according to local belief).
The mural depicts "Pu Man Ya Man," an ancient Tai Lue couple. The image below illustrates a conversation between them, accompanied by a poem in the Kam Mueang dialect that reads: "My love for you, I cannot entrust to the water, for fear of the cold. I cannot entrust it to the open sky, for fear of the clouds obscuring it. I cannot entrust it to the palace, for fear the king will claim it. Therefore, I entrust it to my heart, where it will sing and whisper of you, whether I am asleep or awake."
The Malai Prods Lok Stupa is located outside the temple. Inside, there are statues depicting the different punishments in hell for those who commit sins. This serves as a reminder to avoid wrongdoing.
- Next is "Shrine of Father Chet Butra Homit", who was the ruler of Nan from 2139 onwards, succeeding his father, Phraya Nho Kham Sathitchai Songkhram.
There are many temples in the city center. If you want to pay respect to the Buddha, you can read more information at this link: 9 Beautiful Temples in Nan for Making Merit and Paying Respect to the Buddha http://travel.trueid.net/detail/1ZzdNoGkny1
Next place... Take a songthaew from Nai Wiang Subdistrict to Du Tai Subdistrict, which is still within Mueang Nan District. Drive along Highway 1025 for about 3.5 km from Wat Phumin to reach Wat Phra That Khao Noi.
5. Check-in Point: "Wat Phra That Khao Noi"
Wat Phra That Khao Noi is a Buddhist temple located on the summit of Khao Noi Hill in Du Tai Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province. It is a public temple, and its main attraction is the Phra That (relic stupa) situated atop the hill.
History (Interesting Facts)
The temple was built during the reign of Chao Pu Keng in 2030 BE. It is located on Doi Khao Noi, approximately 240 meters above sea level. The front of the temple has a 303-step naga staircase leading up to it. From the temple, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nan city.
- The scenic viewpoint currently houses the Phra Buddha Maha Udommongkol Nanaburi Si Nan, a 9-meter-tall Buddha statue in the posture of bestowing blessings, seated on a lotus base. The topknot of the statue is made of 27 baht of gold.
- The statue was built to commemorate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday anniversary on December 5, 1999.
- The main stupa is a brick and stucco structure, built in a Burmese and Lanna architectural style. It enshrines a relic of the hair of the Buddha. The stupa is located on the top of a hill.
6. Check-in Point: Wat Si Mongkol (Kong), Tha Wang Pha District
Wat Si Mongkol (Kong) is located in Yom Subdistrict, Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province, approximately 40 kilometers from Nan city center. This ancient temple received the royal decree of the Visungkhamasima in 1852. The most renowned monk of this temple was Luang Pu Kong.
Travel: From Nan city center, head towards Tha Wang Pha district, approximately 40 km. Route 101(1080) will enter Tha Wang Pha district. However, it is recommended to set your travel route using Google Maps, as there are road construction projects on several routes. It is advisable to study the route carefully before setting off. If you rent a local songthaew, you don't need to worry, as the driver is familiar with the route.
The observation deck area offers several pavilions and viewpoints for taking pictures. The temple also has a coffee shop, shops, and souvenir shops.
The scenic viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of rice fields and the Doi Phu Kha mountain range. A designated path leads down to the viewpoint, allowing visitors to capture stunning photographs. However, be cautious of the intense sunlight, which can cause dizziness.
The scenery at the bottom of the photo spot changes with the seasons. If you go during the sunflower season, you will get a different feeling from the photo. The rice field will also give you a different feeling.
7. Check-in Point: "Mushroom Farm Baan Huana Homestay, Pua District"
Mushroom Farm Baan Huana Homestay (Baan Pha Ko Na Kun) is located at House No. 129, Baan Huana, Sila Laeng Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province. After a tiring journey, this spot serves as a perfect resting point. We believe it's an ideal accommodation option for those seeking to breathe fresh air, admire scenic views, and gaze upon vast rice fields, offering a true escape from the city.
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- The main slogan of the mushroom farm is "a place to relax," as it offers food, coffee, and snacks within its premises. The location feels as if you're enjoying a meal and relaxing at home.
- The atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, surrounded by the natural beauty of rice fields, forests, and streams typical of Pua District, with views of the Doi Phu Kha mountain range.
- Visitors can reach the farm within 10 minutes from Pua District. Pua District itself is approximately 60 kilometers away from Nan city center.
- The majority of the menu focuses on mushroom dishes, as this is a modern and large-scale mushroom farm that produces mushroom spawn.
Recommended Dishes:
- Mushroom Pizza (140 THB): This dish is highly recommended, with many customers praising its delicious flavor.
- Mushroom Cream Soup (50 THB): A creamy and flavorful soup perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
- Spicy Fermented Pork Salad with Mushrooms (90 THB): A flavorful and spicy salad with a unique combination of textures.
- Tom Yum Soup with Enoki Mushrooms (90 THB): A classic Thai soup with a slightly sour and spicy broth, featuring the delicate flavor of enoki mushrooms.
- Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Herbs (120 THB): A flavorful and aromatic dish with tender chicken and a variety of fresh herbs.
- Mushroom Curry with Wild Betel Leaves (80 THB): A unique and flavorful curry with a slightly bitter and earthy taste from the wild betel leaves.
- Stir-Fried King Oyster Mushrooms with Shrimp (130 THB): A hearty and satisfying dish with succulent shrimp and tender king oyster mushrooms.
Personal Recommendation:
The mushroom pizza is a must-try for mushroom lovers. Its delicious flavor and generous portion size make it a popular choice among customers. The spinach and cheese baked with mushrooms is another highly recommended dish, offering a rich and creamy flavor.
- The farm's restaurant is a two-story wooden house surrounded by lush trees, especially bamboo.
- Diners can enjoy their meals around the wooden house, where the atmosphere is cool and breezy.
- Free Wi-Fi is available, and guests can help themselves to glasses, spoons, and forks.
8. Check-in point "Baan Tai Lue Coffee Shop, Pua District"
Nestled in the heart of Pua District, Nan Province, Thailand, lies a hidden gem known as the "Lanna Coffee House." This charming establishment, owned by Lamduan Textiles, offers a unique blend of traditional Tai Lue hospitality and contemporary coffee culture.
This coffee shop is owned by Lamduan Textile Shop. It is a souvenir and Tai Lue woven fabric shop, selling antique-patterned, flowing-water woven fabrics. Lamduan Textile Shop is located on the roadside and is easy to find. There is parking available near the shop, but it is quite crowded with tourists.
The personal feeling for the taste of coffee or drinks needs improvement. The taste is not very delicious, and the price is not expensive, but it is a general price. However, most tourists stop by because of the unique seating area. The coffee is served in a thatched hut located by the rice field, with a view of the mountains. We really liked this.
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The front of the shop is divided into sections. The front is a woven fabric shop, while the back of the shop is home to the Baan Tai Lue coffee shop. The overall atmosphere of the shop is decorated in the style of the Tai Lue community mixed with Lanna.
Day 3: Last Day
9. Check-in Point: "Sila Phet Waterfall, Pua District"
Waterfall Sila Phet: A Refreshing Oasis in the Heart of Nan
Nestled within the lush embrace of the Pa Tong village in Sila Phet district, Nan province, lies the captivating Waterfall Sila Phet. Originating from the Y่าง River, this cascading wonder boasts three distinct tiers, each forming a refreshing pool ideal for a dip. As noted by Wikipedia, the waterfall's constant flow ensures year-round enjoyment. However, during my visit, the water level was considerably low, and the weather was uncharacteristically warm.
The journey from Nan city center is approximately 71 kilometers. Private transportation or a chartered songthaew is required. Take Highway 1080, the Nan-Pua route, before reaching Pua district at kilometer 10. If traveling from Pua district, the distance is less than 20 kilometers.
Before reaching this point, there are shops selling food and drinks, such as Thai papaya salad. These shops are mainly frequented by locals and offer reasonable prices compared to other tourist destinations.
The path leading to the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere. The temperature is pleasant, making the hike enjoyable.
The waterfall is a natural formation, characterized by the confluence of several streams that flow together to form a river that passes over rocks. This is not a waterfall that falls from a great height, as mentioned earlier. During this period, the water flow was quite low, so we were only able to dip our feet in the water.
The waterfall is relatively well-known and is another popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. As you walk up, you will see local children playing in the water.
10. Check-in Point: "Scenic Viewpoint Along the Road, Behind Doi Phu Kha, Pua District"
Throughout our trip in Nan, we traveled by renting a songthaew (a type of shared taxi) for the entire journey.
You can contact the driver to rent the car and inquire about the price at Tel: 089 835 6884, Mr. Sombut.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 3:19 PM
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