Nan is one of Thailand's most overlooked provincial capitals. The city has a compact historic centre with a good national museum and several temples, including Wat Phumin — famous for its extraordinary 19th-century murals painted in the Nan style, which incorporate scenes of traditional life with unusual naturalism and occasional humour. The surrounding valley is beautiful, with rice paddies against a backdrop of forested hills. The province borders Laos and has its own distinct cultural identity.
Why visit
A compact, genuinely charming walled city with remarkable temple murals (Wat Phumin has extraordinary 19th-century Nan-style paintings), surrounded by rice paddies and mountain scenery.
Crowd level
Very few international tourists. One of the most overlooked provinces in Thailand.
Best time
November-January
Getting there
Small airport from Bangkok. Also reachable by bus from Chiang Mai (6hrs). Car recommended for exploring the valley.
Tradeoffs
Less infrastructure than Chiang Mai. Harder to reach. The reward is genuine quiet and one of Thailand's most interesting cultural pockets.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Thailand
- Region
- Northern Thailand
- Fresh Air Score
- 82/100
- Cost level
- $
- Distance from Chiang Mai Old City
- 320 km