Top Things to do in Nan
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Top 10 Things to do in Nan, Thailand
Discover the best top things to do in Nan, Thailand including Wat Phumin, Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng, Wat Phra That Khao Noi, Wat Ming Muang, Wat Sri Panton Temple, Nan Noble House, Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan, Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan, Nan National Museum, Wat Hua Khuang Temple.
Restaurants in Nan
1. Wat Phumin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By Mike C - Hobart, Australia
We visited here as part of a road trip around Thailand.
The highlight apart from the building was the fresco's on the wall of the Wat which are believed to be some 700 years old.
In particular the famous fresco " The Whisper " was a delight and if in the west would be highly quarantined from visitors touch not so in Thailand.
Highly recommended as a Wat experience !
2. Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Art2911 - Oslo, Norway
I did not expect much, but was taken by the atmosphere, the feeling of serious dedication from the people walking around the stupa. I had to join, and it ended like very good walking meditation. Thanks for the Holy Water!
3. Wat Phra That Khao Noi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Raymond W - Chengdu, China
This wat is interesting enough for a short visit. There is a large white chedi that is quite attractive. There's a grand staircase with naga railings which leads up from the road below. Probably most photographed of all is a large Sukothai-style Walking Buddha, which seems to survey the valley from his lotus pedestal.
However, the main reason to come here is for the panoramic view of the valley and Nan town. You can see the spires of several gilded chedis. The forested hills in the background make an attractive backdrop to the scene.
4. Wat Ming Muang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By PretoriaTravelfreak - Pretoria, South Africa
One of my favorite temples! Very different and just beautiful with its white/silver colour! Stunning carvings and absolutely beautiful wall paintings, even better than Wat Phumin. We loved this temple!
5. Wat Sri Panton Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Arthurrvr - Marlborough, United Kingdom
Wat Si Phan Don, aka Wat Sri Panton, most definitely will not appeal to the more traditional visitor who likes temples and things peaceful and subdued, which is no doubt why this temple doesn't appear on most visitor itineraries to Nan. However, this is a temple which jumps out and grabs your attention with its brilliant façade and complex gilded carvings. For those who like well OTT buildings this was magnificent, and for me, probably the best decorated small temple that I have ever seen, anywhere, not just in Thailand. When I first saw it all I could say was Wow, and Wow again. I really loved this place and would highly recommend a visit to anyone who loves elaborate carving and gilding, as I do.
The temple was built in the 1960's and is near the top of Thanon Suriyapong road, on the left just as you turn off the main 101 road down to the centre of Nan City. There is a small amount of parking at the front of the temple grounds. The temple used to be called Wat Salee Panton, Salee being a Bhodi tree, but the large old tree was cut down during road widening and the temple had to change its name.
It is not just the outside of the temple which is impressive (particularly note the elaborate gilded Naga serpent on the stairway) but the inside is very well and highly decorated as well with plenty of bright murals on the walls and nicely carved roof decorations, the roof being held up by a number of slender tall teak (?) columns. Also, sitting in the front and to the right of the main Buddha statue, there is a smaller seated Buddha statue, around 1 metre high, which I particularly loved. The posture is reasonably standard but the Buddha's expression was lovely, the artist made him look as if he was having a “Eureka' movement, possible having just discovered the answer to the meaning of life. I hadn't seen that expression before on a Buddha statue and found it really charming.
Also in the main temple you will find some Chinese style numbered sticks near the main Buddha image, which you can shake in the container, and the one which falls out is meant to predict your future. Just match the number up with the printed small sheets nearby and you can read your fortune – in both English and Thai. I don't quite approve, but as in most temples, if you don't like the prediction, you can just shake the sticks again for another try and just take with you the prediction sheet which you like best!
While at the temple, visit the 2 ornate Nan long boats in the sheds near the entrance which the temple uses during the annual Nan River races. Also there is another small building just beyond the pond which houses a large seated fat Buddha, similar to the ones one often sees in China called 'Happy Buddha' but this one with a more reflective expression. I liked that one as well.
Definitely a great temple to visit, for me at least.
6. Nan Noble House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
7. Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Arthurrvr - Marlborough, United Kingdom
This temple is opposite the Nan Museum and diagonally opposite Wat Phumin and is regarded by many local people as being the second most important temple in Nan after Wat Phra That Chae Haeng. However, it was certainly far from being my favourite temple in Nan and although there were some nice parts, I found the temple generally somewhat plain and run down and too simple for my taste. Most Thais though are likely to disagree with me on this and it is certainly regarded as an important place for Thais to visit!
It is an old temple, the primary viharn (aka wiharn) building (similar to an ubosot building but an ubosot is primarily for monks whereas a viharn is open to the laity as well) having been constructed in 1458. The viharn also contains a set of Lanna period scrolls containing descriptions of history, law, etc as well as the more usual Buddhist scriptures. Round to the side of the viharn is a very old stupa/chedi, meant to be from the same period as the viharn. The chedi has a series of 24 carvings around it of the top halves of elephants and this is very representative of the Sukhothai period.
As you will no doubt be visiting Wat Phumin anyway then by all means having a look inside Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan as well.
8. Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Charn P - Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan is located at the Golden Intersection of Nan. The vast temple ground indicated its importance as well as its functionality. By walking through the temple, you will feel the daily activities of the monks going through various ritual. The pagoda with the elephants carrying the loads is where the name of the temple came from. If you have time, visiting the temple by observing the activities within is another interesting experience.
9. Nan National Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By 918teresah - Manchester, United Kingdom
The upper floor was under renovation but the lower floor gave an interesting history of the area although in Thai language. Our guide did translate for us.. Also a family tree of Thailand rulers.
10. Wat Hua Khuang Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By a s - Perth, Australia
I found this Wat down a narrow alley, opposite the female prisoners massage shop. It is such a lovely retreat, hidden from the main road so it is peaceful. I found it had canine fans too. Worth a good look around.
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