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A quiet and tranquil province, Nan nestles in a verdant valley in northern Thailand. About 668 kilometres from Bangkok, it covers an area of 11,472 square kilometres and is made up of the following districts: Mueang, Wiang Sa, Na Noi, Pua, Chiang Klang, Tha Wang Pha, Thung Chang, Mae Charim, Ban Luang, Na Mun, Santi Suk, Bo Kluea, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Song Khwae, and Phu Phiang.

The people of Nan descend from the Lan Changs (Laotians). Their forebears moved to settle around present-day Pua district which is rich in rock salt deposits, about 700 years ago at the time when Sukhothai was becoming the kingdom of the Thais. They subsequently moved south to the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive.

Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai which played an important role in both political and religious terms before Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today Nan is still the home of numerous Thai Lue and other hilltribes who retain highly interesting customs and traditions.

Phrathat Chae Haeng

This 600 year-old community is located on Doe Phuphiang Chae Haeng, King Phu Phiang 3 kms. From Nan City (Highway 1168 Nan-Mae Charim) and was constructed in the Sukhothai period. The annual Worshipping Fair takes place on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month (between the end of February and the beginning of March). The fair includes the celebration of fire works processions and offerings processions.

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Nan National Museum

is located on Highway 101 with a left turn before entering the Amphoe Muang, The museum puts on exhibition black ivory and various kinds of artifacts. Featured at the Nan Museum is a “Black Elephant Tusk”. The 94 cms 18 kgs curve ivory actually is a dark tan and is treasured by provincial anthorities. The museum is open on Wednesdays-Sundays from 9.00 AM until 4.00 PM, except national holidays. Tel : (054) 710561

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Wat Phumin

This monastery is located near the Nan National Museum in Phumin Village and has very unusual characteristics compared to other monasteries i.e., The main shrine hall and the vihara are constructed as the same building. Other attractive items of this monastery are, very beautiful carved wood doors facing four directions. (made by the Lanna Thai artisans) : and mural paintings painted on the internal wall of the vihara displaying ways of lives and cultures of the past.

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Wat Suan Tan

This monastery is located in Tambon Nai Wiang, Amphoe Muang. It has a beautiful pagoda with several levels decorated with works of art. Four niches are located in the four directions at the lowest level. A big bronze Buddha image 4.11 metres high named “Phra Chao Thong Thip” is housed inside the monastery. A grand celebration with fireworks displays takes place all day and all night during the Songkran festival.

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Wat Chang Kham
This is the royalgrade monastery, located in the heart of Nan City, constructed in 1426. There are elephant sculptures, of front half, decorating the base of the pagoda. Moreover, there is a Golden Buddha Image 145 cms. High and a big Buddha’s Teachings Hall (Ho Phra Trai Pidok)

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Phrathat Khao Noi
This pagoda is situated on the top of Khao Noi Hill, Tambon Chai Sathan, 2 kms. West of the provincial Hall. The hill is 800 feet high and has and access road to the hill top.

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Kat Laeng or Evening Market
is located on the bank of Nan River in Nan City. Handicrafts, souvenirs and various kinds of products are on sale.

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Pha Toob Arboretum
This arboretum is located 12 kms., from the provincial municipality on Highway No. 1080. There are several caves in the arboretum area worth visiting by nature lovers.