Nan National Museum, Nan The building of the Nan National Museum was actually constructed in 1903 and once the residence of a ruler of Nan. It displays exhibitions concerning the town's history and major structures, evolution of arts in different ages, and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent of which is the Black Ivory. It also provides anthropological information on the northern indigenous people including the several minorities residing in Nan. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon.
Nam Wa Rafting, Nan
This exciting activity waits for tourists who like to shoot many rapids. Rafting can be accompanied by elephant riding. The suitable time for rafting is from September to February. Visitors can contact travel agencies in the town.
The routes of rafting are as follows: White-water Rafting along the Middle Part of the Wa River The rapids are of level 3 to 5 difficulty with a length of 100 kilometres. It takes 3 days and 2 nights passing the Doi Phu Kha National Park and the Mae Charim National Park.
White-water Rafting along the Lower Part of the Wa River It was originally a transporting route for teakwood, which was illegally cut from the forest in Mae Charim and Wiang Sa districts. The Wa River runs through the valleys. On both sides are high undulating mountains, and more than 22 rapids. The level of difficulty is at level 3 - 5 (level 3 is medium, level 4 is difficult, and level 5 is very difficult). The biggest and the most difficult one is Kaeng Luang. Some parts of the stream are sandy beach where a raft can be stopped, and it is suitable for swimming. Some parts are the location of elephant camps where visitors can take an elephant to Ban Hat Rai. The period when the tide is the highest is during August, while the lowest one is in April. The most suitable time for white-water rafting is from November to January.
There are 2 routes for rafting along the Wa River as follows: - Sailing route by inflatable rubber dinghy: It starts from Ban Nam Pu, Nam Phang sub-district, Mae Charim district, and ends at Ban Hat Rai, San Na Nong sub-district, Wiang Sa district, being a total distance of 19.2 kilometres or takes 4 hours. However, if visitors start in front of the Office of the National Park , the total distance will be only 15 kilometres.
- Bamboo rafting route: It starts from Ban Nam Wa up to Ban Nam Pu for a distance of 4 kilometres or takes approximately 4 hours.
Contact the Nan Pang Chang Company, Tel. 0 5478 1316, the River Raft Company, Tel. 0 5471 0940, 08 9835 1506, and the Inter Tour, Tel. 0 5471 0195 for information of the Wa River Tour and elephant riding.
Wat Suan Tan, Nan Wat Suan Tan, built in 1230, features an old, beautifully-shaped Chedi and houses a huge bronze Buddha statue, Phra Chao Thong Thip cast by a king of Chiang Mai in 1450.
Si Nan National Park, Nan Si Nan National Park covers an area of approximately 583,750 rai or 934 square kilometres in Wiang Sa, Na oi and Na Muen districts. The undulating mountain ranges line up from the north to the south, paralleling on both the western and eastern sides. They divide the area into the west and the east. Along the riverside are mixed deciduous and deciduous dipterocarp forests. Within the compound of the ranges, there are hill evergreen forest, dried evergreen forest and pine forest. Rare animals that can be found are many flocks of peacocks, leopards, panthers, bears, deer, wolves and Asiatic wild dogs. Moreover, many important wild animals are wild elephants, bantengs, and gaurs, which usually migrate in and out the frontier between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Interesting Attractions in the National Park are as follows: Pha Chu’s foot is where the Office of the National Park is located. In winter, the sea of fog can be admired from the top of the cliff. When the fog is disappearing, the Nan River curving at the end of the forest can be seen. It is also a spot to view the sunrise. The distance to the spot is approximately 2 kilometres. The way near the summit is full of pointed rocks; therefore, a pair of sneakers should be prepared for the convenience of climbing. It takes 1 hour for a round trip. Those interested in climbing up to the summit of the cliff have to contact the park official.
According to legend, Chao Ueang Phueng, the lover of Chao Chan Pha had to get married to Chao Chuang, making Chao Ueang Phueng upset for not being able to marry the man she loved. Therefore, she decided to commit suicide by jumping off the cliff. Chao Chan Pha later followed her and found out about her death. Chao Chan Pha; therefore, killed himself by jumping off the cliff as well. The bodies of Chao Chan Pha and Chao Ueang Phueng were next to each other. At the same time, Chao Chuang saw the woman he loved jumping off the cliff. He was very sad and decided to follow her as well. However, his body hurtled away. With the true love between Chao Ueang Phueng and Chao Chan Pha, in the next life, Chao Ueang Phueng was born as an orchid hanging under the Chan Pha Tree - Dracaena loureiri Gagnep., while Chao Chuang was born into a pine tree at the spot of his death. (Chuang in northern dialect means a pine tree, while “Ueang Phueng” refers to an orchid). This cliff has, thus, been called “Pha Chu”- the lovers’ cliff - since then.
Ban Pak Nai Fisherman Village, Nan Pak Nai was originally a village by the Nan River. After the construction of the Sirikit Dam, the village became a part of the water reservoir above the dam with characteristics similar to a large lake surrounded by green mountain ranges. The locals of Pak Nai village are fishermen. There are also restaurants on rafts providing fish from the dam to be tasted such as Pla Kot - catfish, Pla Bu - gobies, Pla Khang – Giant Catfish, Pla Raet - giant gourami, Pla Thapthim - Thai Red Tilapia, etc. Some rafts also provide accommodation for tourists. From Ban Pak Nai, visitors can rent a boat to travel along the Nan River to the Sirikit Dam and admire the scenery of beautiful mountainous forests, islets, and fisherman’s raft houses. Out of the rainy season, there will be a pulled-raft service to Wat Pak Nai, where visitors can enjoy their meal on board. The trip takes approximately 2 hours. Moreover, there is a ferry service to Nam Pat District, Uttaradit province.
To get there: The village is in Na Thanung sub-district, 96 kilometres from the centre of the province. Take the Nan – Wiang Sa – Na Noi route. From Na Noi district, there is a crossroad to Na Muen district for 20 kilometres. Then, turn left into Highway No. 1339. It is an asphalt curving road along the shoulder of the mountain. Continue for approximately 25 kilometres to Ban Pak Nai.
Mae Charim National Park (white-water ra..., Nan The national park is in Mae Charim district, 60 kilometres from Mueang Nan along Highway 1168 and 1243, covering an area of 270,000 rai or 432 square kilometres. Geographically, they are undulating mountain ranges, an origin of a tributary flowing into the Nan River at Wiang Sa district. It comprises hill evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest, as well as, various kinds of wildlife.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park are as follows:
Rock Paintings at Pha No The trip starts at Ban Nam Pu. In the first part, visitors will have to cross the Wa River and walk along the mountain ridge, passing the deciduous dipterocarp forest and the mixed deciduous forest, and later climb the steep limestone mountain. The most appropriate season to visit is winter. The rainy season might be too dangerous due to a collapse of soil and very slippery route. Contact the National Park officers for a leader. The total distance is 8.7 kilometres and takes 8 - 9 hours.
The Trekking Route along the Paeng River is a route connecting Ban Rom Klao – Ban Huai Sai. It is a local route for gathering wild products from the forest, starting from Ban Rom Klao – Pak Nam Paeng at the Kaeng Luang area. Visitors will pass through various kinds of forest for a distance of 9 kilometres, taking approximately 4 hours.
The Route to Admire the Sea of Fog of Ban Nam Phang – Ban Rom Klao is on Highway No. 1259 between the Nam Phang and Rom Klao villages. It is suitable for mountain biking or driving and sightseeing the scenery on both sides of the route, especially in winter when there is a sea of fog and sunrise to be admired. The first 10 kilometres is an asphalt road, while the rest is a laterite one cutting across the steep shoulders of the mountains.
Ban Rom Klao Trekking Route Visitors have to walk for 3.8 kilometres, starting from Ban Nam Phang. Then they have to walk along the shortcut up to the mountain ridge, passing through many forests at different levels from the sea; namely, deciduous dipterocarp forest, a mixture of deciduous dipterocarp forest and pine forest, hill evergreen forest, and mixed deciduous forest. The condition of the forests along the route is still perfect. The total distance from Ban Nam Phang to Ban Rom Klao is 9.6 kilometres or takes 5 hours. However, it takes only 3 - 4 hours if using a car to the crossroad into the forest. The route is not very difficult to access, but visitors have to be healthy. The most appropriate seasons are winter and summer. Contact the National Park officers for a leader.
Various activities to experience the nature at the Mae Charim National Park are as follows:
White-water Rafting along the Middle Part of the Wa River The rapids are of level 3 to 5 difficulty with a length of 100 kilometres. It takes 3 days and 2 nights passing the Doi Phu Kha National Park and the Mae Charim National Park.
White-water Rafting along the Lower Part of the Wa River It was originally a transporting route for teakwood, which was illegally cut from the forest in Mae Charim and Wiang Sa districts. The Wa River runs through the valleys. On both sides are high undulating mountains, and more than 22 rapids. The level of difficulty is at level 3 - 5 (level 3 is medium, level 4 is difficult, and level 5 is very difficult). The biggest and the most difficult one is Kaeng Luang. Some parts of the stream are sandy beach where a raft can be stopped, and it is suitable for swimming. Some parts are the location of elephant camps where visitors can take an elephant to Ban Hat Rai. The period when the tide is the highest is during August, while the lowest one is in April. The most suitable time for white-water rafting is from November to January.
There are 2 routes for rafting along the Wa River as follows: - Sailing route by inflatable rubber dinghy: It starts from Ban Nam Pu, Nam Phang sub-district, Mae Charim district, and ends at Ban Hat Rai, San Na Nong sub-district, Wiang Sa district, being a total distance of 19.2 kilometres or takes 4 hours. However, if visitors start in front of the Office of the National Park , the total distance will be only 15 kilometres.
- Bamboo rafting route: It starts from Ban Nam Wa up to Ban Nam Pu for a distance of 4 kilometres or takes approximately 4 hours. Contact the Nan Pang Chang Company, Tel. 0 5478 1316, the River Raft Company, Tel. 0 5471 0940, 08 9835 1506, and the Inter Tour, Tel. 0 5471 0195 for information of the Wa River Tour and elephant riding.
Mountain Bike – Trekking along the Paeng River – White-water Rafting along the Wa River The trip starts at the Mae Charim National Park Ranger Station (Ban Mai) in the area of Ban Nam Phang. Cycle along Highway No. 1259 to Ban Rom Klao for 2 hours and walk along the Paeng River to the Wa River in the area of Kaeng Luang, taking 4 hours. Then, take a raft from Kaeng Luang to Ban Hat Rai for a distance of 15 kilometres or 2 hours. The total trip can take 1 day or visitors can stay overnight at Ban Rom Klao and start trekking along the Paeng River early in the morning and do white-water rafting along the Wa River in the afternoon.
Sightseeing – Trekking along the Paeng River – White-water Rafting along the Wa River The starting point is at the Mae Charim National Park Ranger Station (Ban Mai) within the area of Ban Nam Phang. A sightseeing tour can be done along Highway 1259 to Ban Rom Klao for 1 hour. Then, walk along the Paeng River to the Wa River in the Kaeng Luang area. The total time is 4 hours. Then take a raft from Kaeng Luang to Ban Hat Rai for15 kilometres or 2 hours. The total time estimated for this trip is 7 hours.
Trekking from Ban Nam Phang to Ban Rom Klao – Trekking along the Paeng River – White-water Rafting along the Wa River The starting point is at the Mae Charim National Park Ranger Station ( Ban Mai) in the area of Ban Nam Phang. Take Highway 1259 to Ban Rom Klao for a distance of 3.8 kilometres or 5 hours. Then, walk along the Paeng River to the Wa River in the Kaeng Luang area, which takes 4 hours. Then, continue by rafting from Kaeng Luang to Ban Hat Rai for 2 hours. The total time estimated for the trip is 11 hours. This activity takes 2 days and 1 night.
Climbing at Pha No – Admiring the Rock Paintings – White-water Rafting along the Wa River The starting point is at Ban Nam Pu to the No Cliff. Then, walk to the Kaeng Luang for 8 hours and do rafting along Kaeng Nam Wa to Ban Hat Rai, which takes 2 hours. The total time might be 1 day or visitors can stay overnight in the forest area of Ban Huai Hat Khom at the foot of the No Cliff.
Accommodation and Facilities: Contact Mae Charim National Park, 35 Mu 5, Ban Huai Sai Mun, Nam Pai Sub-district, Mae Charim District, Nan 55170, Tel. 0 5477 9402-3 or e-mail: reserve@dnp.go.th
Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Pro..., Nan Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Project of Nan is an agro-tourism attraction where there is an experimental project for growing temperate plants. Moreover, there is Siao Khao or mountain ebony tree – Bauhinia variegate., the symbolic flower of the province, and Nang Phaya Suea Khrong – Prunus cerasoides D.Don. Inside the project are the Hmong and Lua hill-tribe villages. What is interesting is that the project is located on the Doi Phu Kha Mountain Range, where many groups of Chomphu Phu Kha – Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl. are standing. However, the ones in perfect condition and location for visitors to pay a visit is 3-4 kilometres from the Tourist Information Centre. There is transportation to its entrance. Then, visitors have to walk further for 30 metres.
Interesting Attractions within Ban Mani Phruek are as follows:
Tham Pha Phueng is on the way to Mani Phruek 1 Village, 1 kilometre from the Office of the Security Development Project (Pho Mo Pho) and 100 metres from the road. The condition of the forest along the walking trail is still perfect. It is an evergreen forest, with a lot of Tao Rang – fishtail palms standing. The entrance of the cave is 40 metres wide and 20 metres high. Visitors have to descend for 25 metres to the cave floor. The first part of the cave is a spacious hall with a height of 20 metres with water dropping from the ceiling and creating stone layers, similar to the waterfall continuously running down. Moreover, there are beautiful stalactites. The distance to the deepest part of the cave is 400 metres. There is still air for breathing. At the end of the cave is a channel with a width of 20 -30 centimetres. Underneath the channel, visitors will be able to hear the sound of running water to the deeper part, creating a very strange phenomenon. In the past, this cave was a refuge for villagers with a containing capacity for hundreds of people.
Doi Pha Phueng is situated in Mani Phruek 3 Village. It is a limestone mountain with a height of 1,600 metres above sea level. There is not many trees, but mostly a Ya Kha or lalang field. Its characteristics are similar to Doi Phu Wae, where the atmosphere of the sunrise and sunset can be admired. Moreover, the scenery of Bo Kluea district and the ridge of Doi Phu Wae and Doi Cho can be seen. From the entrance, visitors have to walk for 20 minutes along the shoulders of the mountains amidst the beautiful nature.
Furthermore, at Phu Hua Lan Viewpoint Spot, various districts can be viewed such as Chiang Klang, Thung Chang and Chaloem Phra Kiat districts.
Tham Phu Hua Lan was also a habitation site of Thai soldiers in the past, located near the Operational Base.
To get to the Office of the Security Development Project: Take Highway 1080 from Ban Na Nun, at Km. 77 - 78. Turn right into the route to Mani Phruek Village. The road is curving along the shoulder of the mountains. It is also a laterite road alternating with the asphalt one. A four-wheeled-drive vehicle in good condition is recommended. It takes 2 hours for the trip.
Nanthaburi National Park, Nan Nanthaburi National Park covers an area of Mueang district and Ban Luang district, as well as, a compound of the Nam Yao – Nam Suak and Tham Phu Toei National Forest Reserves. It comprises mixed deciduous forests, dried evergreen forest, and hill evergreen forest with various kinds of plants such as teaks, Pradu – Burma Padauk, Tabaek – Lagerstroemia, etc. The national park is also a habitation area of the Mlabri or Tong Lueang Tribe.
Interesting Attractions in the National Park are as follows:
Doi Pha Chi From Nan, take Highway No. 1091 for 40 kilometres until reaching Ban Luang district. Take Highway No. 1172 to Ban Phi Nuea to Doi Pha Chi for 30 kilometres. Doi Pha Chi can be accessed by walking from the Nanthaburi National Park at the connection point between Nan and Phayao provinces. Doi Pha Chi is a beautiful mountain with abundant waterfalls and various kinds of plants. Doi Pha Chi was once a stronghold of the Pho Ko Kho – communist insurgents. At present, equipment such as the electricity generator and water pipes still remain in the area. Moreover, nearby are villages of the Hmong and Mien hill-tribes.
Doi Wao is under the supervision of the Nam Khang Watershed Development Unit. It is a nice viewpoint spot to admire the sea of fog and the sunset. The area was once a very declined forest. However, at present, it has been revived by the Watershed Development Unit by growing the original plants such as wild apples, maples, and Pinus kesiya. Prior to Doi Wao, visitors will pass Doi Tio which is a very well-known tourist attraction of Nan, Nanthaburi National Park, and the Hmong villages at Ban Doi Tio and Ban Sop Khun.
Doi Wao is 4 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. It is accessible by car to the Watershed Development Unit. Continue by walking to the mountain summit. Along the way is an abundant forest, and a habitat of highland birds such as - grey-cheeked fulvetta, long-tailed sibia, yellow-cheeked tit, white-browed shrike-babbler, red-billed scimitar-babbler, etc. During winter, these birds usually migrate into the area.
Other interesting attractions are the Santi Suk Waterfall, Song Khwae Waterfall, Huai Phrik Waterfall, Tat Fa Rong Waterfall, Doi Mok Waterfall, and hot springs.
Accommodation: The National Park provides tents for tourists. Contact P.O. Box 3, Tha Wang Pha district, Nan 55140, Tel. 08 1602 7286.
To get there: From Tha Wang Pha district, take Highway No. 1082, Tha Wang Pha – Sop Khun for approximately 27 kilometres. Turn right at a crossroad and go further for 500 metres to the Office of the National Park. Otherwise, take Highway 1080 from Mueang Nan district to Tha Wang Pha. Then, take Highway 1148, the Tha Wang Pha – Song Khwae Route for 1.5 kilometres. Turn into Yai Nun – Sop Khun Road to Km. 27 and turn right further for 500 metres.
Ban Bo Suak Kiln Site and Glazed Ceramic..., Nan Ban Bo Suak in the past was an important production venue of glazed ceramics in Nan province. The production pattern and process of this place are unique.
It is assumed that the ceramic products from Ban Bo Suak were once popular due to their discoveries in the burial grounds of the people in the past, especially along the mountain ridges from Omkoi district in Chiang Mai to Tak and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. It is assumed that the production of the Bo Suak ceramics was originated and developed during the reign of Phraya Phonlathep Ruechai (1528-1559) which was the glorious period of Nan. The knowledge of kilns and glazed ceramics of Nan was influenced from Lanna such as San Kamphaeng Kilns and Kalong Kilns which are kiln sites near Chiang Mai.
Since 1984, the Archaeology Division has conducted a preliminary research and study of the kilns in this area. The “Community Archaeological Site” is located at Ban Bo Suak Phatthana, Mu 10, Suak sub-district, 17 kilometres from the centre of town. The location where the kilns were discovered in October 1999 was by the river within the area of the residence of Police Sergeant Major Manat and Khun Sunan Tikham. The kilns face the Chao Phraya River for the convenience of transportation. Inside is a large firing chamber where a person can enter. The kilns are sloped and possess a chimney on the top. Two ancient kilns have been reconstructed and sheltered within a permanent building. At the basement of Pol.Sgt.Maj. Manat’s house is an exhibition of artefacts from the kilns.
The excavation of Nan’s kilns at Ban Bo Suak is considered as a new vision on the “Community Archaeology” research by cooperating with the locals, private organisations, local governmental sector, and researchers from universities to sprout the knowledge and increase the strength of the community at the same time. In the future, a Ban Bo Suak Community Archaeology Fund will be established. Money from the fund will be utilised in community development such as a revival of the pottery profession, construction of the village museum, and training of community tour guides.
Wat Ming Mueang, Nan Wat Ming Mueang is on Suriyaphong Road. It was constructed in 1857. Its distinguishing point is the stucco reliefs on the outer wall of the ubosot, presenting the skill of the Chiang Saen craftsmen. The patterns are very exquisite. Within the ubosot are mural paintings depicting the lifestyles of the Nan people by present-day local craftsmen. Moreover, within the compound of the temple stands the city pillar in a cruciform-plan pavilion at its front. The city pillar is 3 metres high. Its base is decorated with engraved and gilded wooden design. The top of the pillar was engraved into 4 faces of the Brahma God, representing Phrom Wihan (Brahmavihara) 4 – the four sublime states of mind; namely, Metta - kindness, Karuna - compassion, Mudita – sympathy, and Upekkha - equanimity.
Wat Chang Kham, Nan
Wat Chang Kham
Opposite the Nan National Museum is Wat Chang Kham. Its main features are the sculpted upper halves of elephants adorning around the Chedi, a Sukhothai influence. Here have been found stones with ancient Thai scripts relating the alliance between the kings of Nan and Sukhothai when Nan was still and independent state. An ancient golden Buddha is enshrined in the Vihan.
Nan Prison, Nan
Prison is previously well-known among people that it is a frightful place. In fact, the prison is recently developed to be a peaceful and beautiful place. It absolutely seems to be a place for a new trend travel. Let's explore this kind of travel at the prison in Nan Province.
Nan Prison is located at a center of Nan Province over an area of almost 7 rais. The prison is decorated into many untitled areas to serve its prisoners such as library. It is a 2-floors building style which has been established for over 100 years since the period of King Rama 6. This library was previously served as a sleeping hall with 12 rooms, and then it was changed to be utilized as a multi-purpose building for 500 prisoners. The studying is provided by lecturers from the Center of Non-formal Education under many subjects such as Thai, Computer, Music, etc. The prison also provides the prisoners the library service. In the prison, there are an exhibition room, which is exhibited history of ancient prisoners, a praying room, and a working room of HRH Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn. Besides, the prison here also outstandingly provides the prisoners for occupation practice support such as wood furniture skill, hair cut service and cloth weaving as well as sports and exercises areas for Thai boxing and takraw. Moreover, there are also beautiful park. clinic and store for prisoners.
The second prison is located at Khao Noi. It occupies over an area of 85 rais. The prison here is not featured in a high-wall style as the others. Also, the prisoners are dressed as normal people . They are functioned in agricultural areas such as mulberry growing, silk worm and pig feedings called "Moo Lum", wild boar culture, fertilizer production, cat fish feeding in a bamboo and the highlight one is hydroponics vegetable growing based on a local wisdom method. These methods use local receiving the same quality with a modern method. These income generating programs are amazingly originated from the prison's officer Mr. Apisith Muenthina. The Khao Noi Prison is now proclaimed among Thais and foreigners for its outstanding prisoner's activities.
For more information please contact Khao Noi Prison at least 3 days early. The office opens daily from 08.30 to 16.30 hr. Tel : 0 5471 0275.
Opposite the Nan National Museum is Wat Chang Kham. Its main features are the sculpted upper halves of elephants adorning around the Chedi, a Sukhothai influence. Here have been found stones with ancient Thai scripts relating the alliance between the kings of Nan and Sukhothai when Nan was still and independent state. An ancient golden Buddha is enshrined in the Vihan.
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