APT Invites You to Explore the Old Town of Nan: A Slow-Paced Lifestyle Worth Preserving.

Whenever we have the opportunity to visit Nan Province, whether for work or leisure, we never get bored. Nan is a province that resembles an old town, a small town, but rich in value, culture, and nature that cannot be found anywhere else. Before, we wondered what there was to do in Nan. When we arrived, the person who picked us up said, "It only takes 5 minutes to get anywhere here. Let me take you around the old town of Nan and see if you'll be impressed and start packing your bags to visit Nan." Let's see.

The Nan Airport, once a small airport without even a luggage conveyor belt, has now been upgraded to accommodate the growing tourism industry, boasting a spacious and modern design.

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Upon arrival, we paid our respects at the sacred Phra That Chae Haeng, the zodiacal temple for the year of the Rabbit, located just 2 kilometers from the city center. According to Lanna beliefs, visiting and worshipping Phra That Chae Haeng brings good fortune, leading to a happy and healthy life, free from illness.

The Enchanting Phummin Temple and the Whispering Love Legend

Nestled within the heart of Nan city lies Phummin Temple, a sacred site renowned for its captivating murals depicting the legendary "Pu Man Ya Man," a tale of whispered love that echoes through the ages. This architectural marvel, believed to be the only four-faced structure of its kind in Thailand, appears to rest upon the backs of two colossal serpents, their bodies entwined, carrying the central sanctuary aloft.

Within the temple's hallowed halls, four majestic Buddha statues preside over a treasure trove of Tai Lue murals that narrate Jataka tales, local legends, and glimpses into the lives of Nan's people in bygone eras. After paying respects to the deities and admiring the artistry, visitors are invited to participate in a time-honored tradition: walking beneath the serpent's belly three times for good fortune and the fulfillment of desires. It is believed that each circuit, accompanied by a heartfelt wish, brings one closer to their aspirations.

The city boasts numerous temples, which can be explored on foot, by bicycle, or by tram while listening to a guided tour of this historic city. One such temple is Wat Si Phan Ton, which is renowned for its exquisite beauty. The golden ubosot (ordination hall) features stucco paintings of seven-headed nagas guarding the temple's entrance.

The temple houses the relics of the Buddha within its grounds. The main attraction is the Chedi Chang Kam, a Sukhothai-era stupa surrounded by half-bodied elephant sculptures. This unique design is a sight to behold.

Exploring the city of Nan can be done in a single day. Alternatively, you can end your day at another significant temple to enjoy the evening ambiance and a panoramic view of Nan city from Wat Phra That Khao Noi. This would complete your tour of Nan's old town. With its abundance of temples, planning a pilgrimage to nine temples is also a breeze.

After that, let's go find some delicious food to eat by the Nan River and enjoy the view of the river.

Before checking into our accommodation, we made a quick stop at "Bualoy Pa Nim," a popular local dessert shop in Nan province. This shop offers a variety of traditional Thai sweets, but the highlight is their delicious bualoy (sweet dumplings) served with egg and ice cream. We highly recommend trying it! If you visit Nan and miss out on this treat, you haven't truly experienced the city.

Nan Province boasts a plethora of tourist attractions. During our winter visit, we aspired to spend a night gazing at the stars at Doi Samer Dao or Sri Nan National Park. However, our itinerary allowed us to explore the natural beauty and stay near Bo Kluea, offering a unique ecotourism experience. The scenic route from Nan city to Bo Kluea winds through mountains and valleys, adorned with diverse flora. While some travelers may stop to capture the breathtaking landscapes, it is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid obstructing traffic. Our journey led us to the 1715 viewpoint in Doi Phu Kha National Park, where the panoramic vista of the intricate mountain ranges left us awestruck. It evoked a profound realization that life's complexities mirror the mountainous terrain, yet beauty can be found in every corner. Notably, this region is home to the Pink Nan flower, an exceptionally rare species that blooms during the cold months of February and March.

Following our visit, we headed to our accommodation near Bo Kluea. We stayed at Plai Maang Thang Rak, a resort located right on the banks of the Maang River. The resort is surrounded by nature and boasts beautiful decorations that make it feel like you're in a foreign country, while still offering stunning views of the Thai landscape. Be sure to check it out!

A night spent sleeping amidst nature, waking up to its embrace, is truly a blissful experience.

After checking out, we traveled to the Phu Fa Development Center, which is a center for product development aligned with market demands. It promotes ecotourism, nature study, local culture, and serves as a platform for research, knowledge transfer, and sustainable natural resource management, aiming to achieve the goal of "people living in harmony with the forest." Let's take a look at some parts of this center.

Upon reaching the salt mine, we couldn't resist indulging in a delicious meal at Bor Klua View Resort. Their signature dish, the "Kai Tod Makham Kuaen," is a must-try. This dish features chicken fried with rock salt and the region's renowned Makham Kuaen, a sweet and sour fruit. It's a true culinary delight that embodies the flavors of Bor Klua. While the "Kai Tod Makham Kuaen" is a standout, the restaurant offers a diverse menu with both savory and sweet options to satisfy every palate.

After lunch, we visited the Sintawee Salt Mine at Phu Khao, which is considered a hidden gem of Nan province.

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On our way back, we enjoyed the scenery of the rice fields in Pua district and continued our journey along the nature trails until we reached the city again to prepare for our return trip.

The charm of visiting Nan lies in experiencing its ancient Lanna architecture, culture, and simple way of life. You can savor local dishes, which are ordinary yet unique to Nan. These elements have left a lasting impression on us, and we hope that Nan's slow-paced lifestyle will be preserved forever. Nan is a historical city worth conserving as a tourist destination. Let's visit Nan!