A 4 day / 3 night road trip through mountainous Nan province, exploring some of Thailand's roads less travelled.
A 4 day / 3 night road trip through mountainous Nan province, exploring some of Thailand's roads less travelled.
Nan province shares a border with Laos in the North, and is fast becoming one of Thailands emerging destinations on account of its stunning natural landscapes. During this road-trip, you will experience untouched Thailand, and an immersion with the friendliest of Northern people, rich Lanna culture and cuisine that's unlike anything you've tried before. This beautiful province has slowly begun to open its doors and is ideal for guests looking to explore the ‘real’ Thailand.
Nan is a rural province located in Northern Thailand bordering Laos, that is well-known for its numerous national parks, limestone mountains, waterfalls, rice fields, and rare plants. Despite its small size Nan offers many possibilities and it is one of the must-visit destinations, especially for those looking to experience rich culture, unique cuisine, and adventure.
Here you can visit many beautiful temples, local markets, trek and hike to the mountains, or simply relax. Whether it’s a beautiful resort or a local homestay, all is surrounded by rice fields and rich local culture. If you’re looking to experience the true natural beauty of Thailand, Nan is the ideal destination.
In the afternoon we start our journey with a visit to Nai Wiang – Ban Nong Tao community, which is home to many ancient temples and Thai architecture. Here we will learn about Nan history and a glimpse at how people lived in the past. Learn how to make Tung Ka King which is used to perform the unique life-extending ceremony.
Next, visit Wat Phu Min, an over-400-year-old royal temple which is the most famous landmark in Nan - an ideal place to discover bona fide Nan culture. Wat Phu Min can also be found on the 1-baht Banknote used during World War II. Tourist attractions include the one and only building in Thailand with four gable ends, as if sitting on the back of two nagas, the murals inside the vihara, and Nan’s signature painting called “The Whisper of Love”.
Then, moving onwards to the breathtaking Frangipani Tunnel (arch), leading to Nan National Museum. The walkway will enchant you with twisty branches and is considered one of the most beautiful time travel experiences ever. The museum itself houses artefacts and antiques that belong to the city’s previous rulers as well as exhibitions of ethnic cultures.
After the visit, we return to our hotel to relax.
Note: Those who love culture and history can visit Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, located on a hill just across the river from Nan town and widely considered the town’s most sacred temple. Phra That Chae Haeng houses a relic of the Buddha and silver and gold votive tablets. Enjoy a tranquil walk and ask your guide about the special building where monks are being ordained.
Early this morning we will visit Phra That Khao Noi at sunrise. Located on the top of Doi Khao Noi, this temple reflects Burmese art mixed with Lanna style. There is a Buddha statue standing on a 9-meter-high lotus base. From the viewpoint, you can see a beautiful panoramic view overlooking Nan.
Before returning to the hotel, we will stop at Tungjit Nusorn morning market, where you can find an array of interesting local products and authentic food displayed on the stands. This market is full of abundance, it is a lively place to experience the morning atmosphere and to observe the local way of life.
Return to the hotel to freshen-up and for breakfast.
After checkout, we drive to Nan Riverside Art Gallery. As its name indicates, this art gallery is located on the bank of Nan River, approximately 20 km away from the city. The gallery was founded by Winai Prabriboo, a famous Thai artist, and functions as an important hub for art and culture for Nan province. Spend a few hours marveling at the exhibitions and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
For today’s lunch, we are in the hands of Nan Native Kew Muang by Chef First who won MasterChef Thailand in 2018. Here you will enjoy a fine, mouthwatering, creative lunch in beautiful natural surroundings.
After lunch, we depart for Pua District. En-route, we will stop at Wat Sri Mongkol, an ancient temple that was bestowed upon Wisung Kham Sima (royally granted land for monks to build upon) in 1852. It is a place to honor Lanna art, a key to the ethos of Nan - to preserve rare antiques, and for future generations to know and promote a love of community and country. There is a bamboo hut, called Huen Ma Gao, in the front which is filled with antique appliances. You can take pictures from the balcony, and if traveling during the farming season, the visitors will be able to see the verdant rice fields.
Behind the rice fields is a view of Doi Phu Kha, and the Hug Na Nan Bamboo Bridge. Alongside there is a skywalk that looks over the picturesque view of Huen Ocha, a 2-storey Thai-Lanna house.
If our trip does not fall in the rainy season (Jun – Sept) we will stop to visit Wang Silalaeng, also known as the “Grand Canyon” of Nan before continuing the drive onwards to our hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is at leisure
After breakfast, we check out and venture to Bo Kluea via road no. 1256, which is the most breathtaking scenic roads in Nan.
This road lies on the crests of mountains that gives you a feeling like rising above the clouds. It also boasts stunning views of the mountains, fields, and forests with the vibrant green of the land starkly contrasting with the white of the clouds.
After an-hour's drive, we arrive at Bo Kluea Rock Salt Pond, located in a tiny village, but don’t let that deceive you. It’s home to the world’s only mountain salt wells, where you can watch locals go about their rock salt extraction business, just as they did centuries ago.
Apart from farming, the villagers of Amphoe Bo Kluea also make a living as salt makers from the natural rock salt sources on the mountain. It is incredible that at such a high altitude, Amphoe Bo Kluea has been a significant source for salt production since ancient times. Nan is a huge salt source and has majorly been trading salt in the northern region of Thailand and with Chin Haw merchant caravans from China.
We will stroll through the village and learn how salt is produced in the highlands.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will visit Sapan Waterfall - a medium-sized waterfall with a height of 3 tiers and a stream throughout the year. It is a shady, beautiful, and abundant forest. Finally, we transfer to our hotel in Bo Kluea for check-in.
This morning, we check out and enjoy a scenic drive to Nan City (approx. 105 mins).
Enjoy an iconic Khao Soi lunch (a creamy, slightly spicy yellow noodle traditionally found in Northern Thailand) followed by a local Thai dessert at a shop which has lately become a famous in Nan. Here you’ll find a variety of sweet treats, including both hot and cold desserts.
We visit Hong Chao Fong Kham, the splendid teak Nan Noble House which was built in 1866 and is one of the town’s local charms. The house is filled with heritage antiques including ancient weapons, war elephant ivory, and photographs of King Rama V. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring as you travel back in time.
Later we transfer to Nan Airport for our return flight to Bangkok or your next destination.
PROGRAM CONCLUDES
Travel Designer Insights
If you have ever seen picturesque photos of rolling mountains covered in mist and wanted to witness these yourself, Nan is a must visit.
Nan is home to some of the most spectacular views in Thailand that can simply not be seen anywhere else. A visit to Nan will certainly open your eyes to an area of Thailand that most will never have the privilege of seeing.
Thanks to the increasing demand, small boutique hotels are starting to make the area accessible for foreign visitors whilst keeping its charm and laid back vibe.
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