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Khun Nan National Park, Nan Khun Nan National Park is within the compound of the Doi Phu Kha and Doi Pha Daeng National Forest Reserves, Phu Fa sub-district, Bo Kluea Tai sub-district and Dong Phaya sub-district, covering important mountain ranges such as Phu Fa, Khun Nam Wa Noi, Nam Wa Klang and Phi Pan Nam mountain ranges. The summit of the Phi Pan Nam mountain in Dong Phaya sub-district is the highest point, with an approximate height of 1,745 metres above sea level. The waterfall is full of water throughout the year. Interesting Attractions within the National Park are as follows: Namtok Sapan is at Mu 1, Ban Sapan, Dong Phaya sub-district, 1 kilometre from the Office of the National Park. Take Highway No. 1081 and turn right for 2 kilometres. It is a medium-size waterfall with a height of 3 tiers with a stream throughout the year. It is a shady, beautiful, and abundant forest, 10 kilometres from the Bo Kluea District Office. It is conveniently accessible by car. Continue with a walk for 700-800 metres. Namtok Huai Ha is at Mu 14, Ban Na Bong, Bo Kluea Tai sub-district. It is a medium-size waterfall. The first, second and third tiers are approximately 8, 12 and 50 metres high, respectively. There is water throughout the year. The third tier (Pha Daeng) consists of various beautiful cascades. To get there: By Bus: From Mueang Nan district, take the Nan – Pua bus and continue with the Pua – Bo Kluea bus. Get off at Bo Kluea district and continue with the Bo Kluea – Chaloem Phra Kiat bus. The bus will pass the entrance of the National Park. Continue with a walk for 500 metres. By Car: From Bo Kluea T-junction, turn left into Highway No.1081 for around 5 kilometres. The park is on the right side. Proceed further for 500 metres. The entrance is a laterite road. The viewpoint spot is 2 kilometres from the park. The Khun Nan National Park provides accommodation and a camping area for tourists. Contact Dong Phaya Sub-district, Bo Kluea District, Nan 55220, Tel. 08 1960 5507 or www.dnp.go.th or e-mail: reserve@dnp.go.th. Sin Thao or Rock Salt Pits, Nan It is hard to believe that an area on the mountain summit reaching up to the cloud in Bo Kluea district has been an important salt production venue from ancient times. Nan has been a large exporting source of rock salt in the north. Salt was a product exchanging with other things that the community could not produce by themselves. The exchange was conducted with the caravan of the Haw People from Yunnan, Guangxi and other provinces in China by taking the route from Xishuangbanna, Shan State to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Mueang Sa (Wiang Sa District nowadays) and Phrae, as well as, the Thai Khoen sellers from Keng Tung and the Thai Lue cow traders from Tha Wang Pha district. In the past, rulers in the Northern administrative circle got a part from the salt levy apart from other fees and fines. Phraya Tilokkarat of Chiang Mai also led the troops to invade Nan with an aim to possess the salt pits which were a significant military factor during that time. There are 2 important salt production venues in Nan. The first one is in the Wa River watershed area, consisting of 2 large pits, while the second one is at the Nan River watershed area, where there are 5 large pits and many tiny ones. At present, the locals still boil the salt by using the traditional method. Saline water will be brought from the pits and pass along the bamboo sticks to the storage ponds. Then, it will be boiled in large woks until the water evaporates, leaving only the dry salt. The salt will be put into bags and sold in front of the houses. Salt of Nan does not contain iodine like that from the sea. Therefore, iodine has to be added before offering to consumers. The Rock Salt Pits are 80 kilometres from Mueang Nan. Apart from agriculture and farming, people of Bo Kluea district also produce salt. The source of the rock salt is on the mountain. (The salt pits are usually closed during Buddhist Lent due to the rainy season.) Ban Huai Kon Border Market, Nan Ban Huai Kon Border Market is in an area of the Ban Huai Kon Checkpoint, opposite Mueang Nam Ngoen, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR., 138 kilometres from Mueang Nan district. The market is open on Saturdays from early morning until nearly noon. Offered products are woven fabric in the Nam Lai design, the handicraft of the Thai Lue people, consumer products such as things from forests, Luk Tao or Luk Chit - Arenga pinnata, etc. The Thai and Laotian people are allowed to visit this checkpoint everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Ban Huai Kon Kao Battlefield Memorial, Nan Ban Huai Kon Kao Battlefield Memorial was originally an operational base of the Third Infantry Battalion. The condition within the compound has remained as in previous times, so that the younger generation would have a chance to study it. There are trenches, minefields, an arsenal, and spots where Thai soldiers passed away. In the similar area stands the Battle Base of the Braves which is an old military base located at Ban Huai Kon, Huai Kon sub-district. It was a battlefield in the past. On 9 April, 1975, the Communist Insurgents (Pho Ko Kho) attacked 69 soldiers under the supervision of the 21st Infantry Battalion, the King’s Guard, who conducted their operation at this base, causing 17 deaths, while a large number of attackers were injured and died. The soldiers successfully protected this operational base. At present, the base has been renovated and become a tourist attraction and a significant historical memorial on the fight of different administrative ideologies. Thung Chang Sacrificial Monument and Thu..., Nan Thung Chang Sacrificial Monument and Thung Chang Military Museum were constructed to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their life for the country. Their Majesties the King and the Queen attended and conducted the opening ceremony, as well as, placed the wreaths at the monument on 10 February, 1976. Therefore, this date of every year is considered the memorial day when wreaths have been presented and a merit making ceremony has been organised for the heroes up until at present. The monument is located on Highway 1080, Nan – Thung Chang Route, at Km. 84. Moreover, the Thung Chang Military Museum displays military weapons for further knowledge and study. Wat Nong Daeng, Nan Wat Nong Daeng in Puea sub-district was constructed in 1787 by the Thai Lue and Thai Phuan people. The main Buddha image was cast by Khruba Sitthikan. The first renovation of the assembly hall was done in 1949 and again later in 1995. It was completed in 1996. Within the compound of the temple is a large shady terrace. The Chofa – gable finial decoration of a Buddhist temple’s roof – is engraved into the sculpture of Nok Hatsadiling (Hastilinga) – a mythical bird in the literature whose tip of the beak is an elephant’s trunk. The Thai Lue people believe that it is a high-ranked animal from heaven. At the same time, the eaves boards are embellished with wooden fretwork, the unique ones of the Thai Lue people. The Buddha image is enshrined on the Chukkachi base – a masonry base of intertwined Nagas, called Naga Throne. It has been believed that the Naga is a symbol of gracefulness, goodness, and a protector of Buddhism. Wat Nong Daeng was granted the Award of Outstanding Performance in the category of Cultural Attraction in Northern Thailand in the 5th Thailand Tourism Awards 2004. To get there: From Mueang Nan district, take Highway 1080 to Chiang Klang District Office. Pass the District Office for 2 kilometres to the Ratchada Intersection. When seeing the Ban Ratchada Police Booth, turn left for 1 kilometre. Wat Phrathat Beng Sakat, Nan Highway 1256 until reaching the entrance opposite Woranakhon School. Enter the entrance for 200 metres and turn left for another 200 metres. It is situated at Ban Kaem, Mu 5, Woranakhon sub-district. Its location is assumed to have been an area where Phraya Phukha had the ancient Pua town or Woranakhon town constructed to be governed by Chao Khunfong, his adopted son. At present, it is the Pua District Office. The word “Beng Sakat” means a miracle at a soil pit. When putting a wooden stick into the pit, the stick will be torn into pieces as though something bites it off. Moreover, a light appeared from the pit during the celebration. The Phrathat and Wihan - assembly hall - were completed in 1283. Inside the chedi is enshrined the Lord Buddha relics which is considered as the centre of faith of the community. This Phrathat also represents the architecture of the Nan craftsmen. It is located on a high rise where a village below can be seen. Its surroundings is a grove, while its back side is a mountain. Therefore, the location influences the uniqueness and grandeur of the temple. During the rainy season, visitors will be able to see the green rice fields at the villages below. The architectural characteristic of the assembly hall is its roof which is very sloping and low, presenting the Thai Lue local style of art or called “Tia Chae” shape. The hall is covered with 2 tiers of 2 series of shingle roof, made of golden teakwood, a local Thai Lue style of architectural art. The entrance gate represents the Lan Chang art style. Its renovation was conducted during the rule of Phraya Anantayot. Moreover, the Phra Kaeo image, whose hair was in gold, was enshrined in the Phrathat. The main Buddha image is in the local art style, on a masonry base known as Chukkachi base. Mirrors are attached at the back of the image according to the Thai Lue belief, while the engraved wooden doors are the local Nan art style. Ton Dik Diam, Nan Ton Dik Diam is at Wat Ban Prang, Pua sub-district. It is a plant with a special characteristic. Every time it is touched, its leaves will shake. It has many local names such as Di Diam, Dip Diam, and Dik Doi. It can also be used as a medical herb. To get there: From Nan, take Highway 1080 and 1256 to Pua district. Slightly prior to the centre of the district is a crossroad opposite the Thetsaban 1 Market. Turn left for 1 kilometre into Wat Ban Prang. Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea, Nan Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea is located in Chiang Khong sub-district, 60 kilometres from Mueang Nan. From Na Noi district, there is a crossroad. Go along Highway No. 1083 for approximately 6 kilometres. It is a soil formation into strange shapes, similar to the “Phae Mueang Phi” of Phrae Province. From geological evidence, it appears that Sao Din Na Noi occurred from the movement of the earth’s crust during the late Tertiary Period and the natural erosion of water and wind. Geologists assume that it might be aged during 10,000 – 30,000 years and was once the bottom of the sea. There have been discoveries of stone bangles and ancient axes at this place, which are currently preserved at the Nan National Museum. It reflects that this area was once a habitation place of human beings in the Palaeolithic Age. However, there are other interesting attractions. For example, Kaeng Luang is 35 kilometres from Na Noi district. The entrance route to Kaeng Luang is very difficult to travel because there are natural islets and cataracts caused by the stream of the Nan River, flowing pass the rocks scattered in the river. During the season of a rushing torrent, there are echoes of water smashing against the rocks, while during the dry season, rocks and white sandy beaches along the Nan River can be seen. Swimming can be done during the dry season in April only because during the rainy season, the stream will be vigorous and dangerous. Pha Hua Singand Doi Samoe Dao is situated at Km. 16, the Na Noi – Pang Hai route. It is a viewpoint spot on the summit of the high cliff from which the 360° of scenery can be admired. At the spot, a wide terrace suitable for relaxation, star observation and sunset viewing, is located. Visitors who would like to go to Pha Sing (meaning a cliff with a strange shape similar to the head of a lion) will have to contact an official from the National Park. The total distance is 2 kilometres. Along the way, the Chan Pha Tree - Dracaena loureiri Gagnep., the unique tree will be seen. Moreover, when the sky is clear, Na Noi and Wieng Sa districts, as well as, the Nan River can be viewed from the cliff. Accommodation and Facilities: There are bungalows and tents for rent. However, visitors have to prepare their own food. For further information, please contact the Si Nan National Park, P.O. Box 14, Si Sa Ket sub-district, Na Noi district, Nan 55150, Tel. 0 5470 1106, 08 1224 0800 or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th. To get there: Si Nan National Park is 20 kilometres from Na Noi district. Proceed along Highway No. 1083, the Na Noi – Pang Hai route. Along the way, there is a viewpoint spot where the scenery of the mountain ranges within the National Park and the curving Nan River can be clearly seen. The Nan River flows through the National Park to Pak Nai district. The forests in the park are mostly mixed deciduous ones. Therefore, during February, there is usually a beautiful change of the colours of the shedding forests. Otherwise, travel by bus along the Bangkok – Nan route to Wiang Sa district and continue with the Wiang Sa – Na Noi – Na Muen Bus to the Ban Mai T-junction and rent a Song Thaeo further to the National Park. Tham Pha Tup Forest Park, Nan Tham Pha Tup Forest Park is in Pha Sing sub-district, 12 kilometres from the province on Highway No. 1080, Nan – Pua – Thung Chang route, at Km. 9-10. It is accessible in every season. Interesting Attractions within Tham Pha Tup Forest Park are as follows: Nature Study Route There are various kinds of plants that should be studied and rarely seen such as Chan Pha - Dracaena spp. - and Ueang Phueng - Dendrobium lindleyi Steud., which are usually in bloom during the end of the rainy season. There are overall many routes starting from the walking trail to Tham Bo Namthip, the route from the Office of the Forest Park to the viewpoint spot, and the route around the Office. Tham Phra is a large cave, covering an area of 50 square wa. There is a chimney letting in the breeze and the sunshine passing through and beautiful stalactites in the cave. It is located 200 metres from the Office of the Forest Park. Tham Bo Namthip has a large room with a width of approximately 30 square wa and a chimney letting the sunshine penetrate the cave. At a side of the cave wall are stalactites and a deep tunnel where an oval basin containing water throughout the year is located. The water is considered as sacred and the symbol of this cave. Visitors have to climb up the rocky cliff all the way to the cave which is 1,200 metres from the Office of the Forest Park. During the rainy season, there is water in the cave making it not accessible. Tham Khon is a cave with a long shape similar to a log. The cave houses a splendour of stalagmites and stalactites. At the front of the cave entrance stands a cliff. It is suitable for relaxation and admiring the view of the Nan Swamp. Tham Chedi Kaeo is a small cave whose front houses a rock similar to a chedi. The Viewpoint Spot is in a bamboo forest, next to Khao Bo Namthip in the southern side. At this spot the surrounding scenery and Mueang Nan district can be clearly seen. It is 1 kilometre from the Office of the Forest Park or takes 2 hours for a round trip on foot. Activities: On the full moon day of the fifth lunar month (of the North) the Ban Pha Tup people usually organise a ceremony of gilding the Buddha image of Khao Tham Phra, called “Tham Pha Tup Fair”. In the morning, there is a ceremony of giving alms to the monks, while during the day are music and performances of students from Ban Pha Tup School. The fair takes place annually at the cave. To get there: From Mueang Nan district, take Highway No. 1080 for 10 kilometres until reaching the crossroad to the entrance of the Pha Tup Forest Park for 200 metres. Otherwise, take a Nan – Pua Bus or Nan – Thung Chang Bus passing the Tham Pha Tup Forest Park. Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, Nan Wat Phrathat Khao Noi is situated at Tambon Chai Sathan. The Buddha relic is enshrined in the chedi on the summit of Khao Noi on the western side of Nan town on a similar route as Wat Phaya Wat at Km. 2. It was constructed during the reign of Chaopu Khaeng in 1487. The Phrathat is a chedi made of bricks and cement reflecting a combination of Burmese and Lanna arts. It contains Buddha’s hair and was under major renovation during the reign of Phrachao Suriyaphong Pharitdet during 1906 - 1911 by Burmese craftsmen. The wihan was constructed during this similar period as well. From Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, the surrounding scenery of Nan can be seen. At present, at the viewpoint spot is “Phra Phuttha Maha Udom Mongkhon Nanthaburi Si Nan”, a 9-metre Buddha image in the giving blessing posture on a lotus base. The head finial of the image was made of gold with a total weight of 27 Baht. It was cast on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 5 December, 1999. Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan, Nan Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan is on Suriyaphong Road, opposite the Nan Municipality Office. It was previously called “Wat Luang” or “Wat Luang Klang Wiang”, constructed during the reign of Chaopu Khaeng in 1406. It is a royal temple within the compound of Nan town for the ruler to conduct Buddhist ceremonies and the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony in accordance with the 74th stone inscription which was discovered within the temple. The inscription mentioned that Phaya Phonlathep Ruechai, a Nan ruler renovated the main wihan in 1548. The architectural characteristics of the temple reflect the influence of the Sukhothai arts such as the chedi in the Lankan style (a bell shape) whose base is surrounded by sculptures of the front half of elephants made of bricks and cement. Five elephant sculptures are on each side and 1 at every corner. It looks as though they use their back to support or “Kham” the chedi, similar to the characteristic at Wat Chang Lom in Sukhothai province. Within the wihan, “Phra Phuttha Nanthaburi Si Sakkayamuni” is enshrined. It is a bronze Buddha image, with 65% pure gold, in the posture of forgiveness with a height of 145 centimetres. It is aged around the 14th century or during the late Sukhothai Period. The main Buddha image is very beautiful and large. It was made of lime, representing the Chiang Saen style of art and the skills of Nan craftsmanship. Wat Nong Bua, Nan Wat Nong Bua Wat Nong Bua in Nong Bua village of Tha Wang Pha district was built by Thai Lue craftsmen who had early migrated from southern China. Apart from the Vihan which is adorned with elaborate carvings, there are also wall murals painted by Thai Lue artists some one hundred years ago. Their artistic value and degree of perfection equal those at Wat Phumin. Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua, Nan This village is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 kilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lue people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. It has also been improved in the designs but still retaining the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among tourist. Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan To the north of Nan along Highway No. 1080 in Nong Bua district and with a further distance of 25 kilometres on the route to Bo Kluea district lies the Doi Phu Kha National Park. The terrain is mainly forested lands on limestone mountain ranges, the source of several streams which merge into the Nan River. The elevation is about 1,900 metres above sea level. Here are found several rare and near-extinct floras, particularly the Chomphu Phu Kha, whose pink flowers are in full bloom during February. In the morning, a sea of mist can be seen drifting across the valley. There are also several scenic waterfalls. Permits to camp can be applied for. Alternatively, tourists may choose to utilise the accommodation services in the park. Wat Phumin, Nan A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the Ubosot and Vihan. Four Buddha statues with their backs against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen. Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries. Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, Nan Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng is a sacred place of worship, situated on a mound on the eastern side of the Nan River, at the former centre of the Nan town after moving from Pua town. Wat Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng was constructed during the rule of Chao Phraya Kanmueang (the Feudal Lord of Nan during 1326 – 1359) as an enshrining venue of 7 Buddha relics, silver and golden votive tablets presented by King Maha Thammaracha Lithai on the occasion that Chao Phraya Kanmueang assisted in the construction of Wat Luang Aphai (Wat Pa Mamuang in Sukhothai Province at present) in 1354. It features a chedi in a bell shape. The pattern of Phrathat Chae Haeng is assumed to have been influenced by the chedi of Phrathat Hariphunchai. It is plated with Thong Changko or Thong Dok Buap – a combination of brass and copper. The staircase up to the Phrathat is in a Naga shape, while the gable above the entrance gate to the wihan is the stucco relief depicting intertwined Nagas, the unique characteristic of Nan fine art. Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng represents the Year of the Rabbit. Lanna people believe that travelling to pay respect to the Phrathat of their Year of Birth or “Chu That” would reap them great results. Tourists can visit the temple everyday from 6.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. To get there: Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng is located in Muang Tuet sub-district, King Amphoe Phu Phiang. From the centre of Mueang district, cross the Nan River Bridge and go along the Nan – Mae Charim route or on Highway No. 1168 for 3 kilometres. Contact the temple at Tel. 0 5475 1846. Wat Phaya Wat, Nan Wat Phaya Wat This temple is located just before reaching the town on Highway No. 101. An ancient religious site, it has rectangular Chedi bases on which Buddha states are placed around the Chedi structure. Combined artistic influences of Lanna, Lan Chang and native Nan can be detected.

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