Nan: The Hidden Gem of North Thailand
Nan: The Hidden Gem of North Thailand
Nan province is a region that promotes happiness, creative economy, idyllic nature, abundant agriculture, tight-knit communities and sustainable tourism. Through this journey, we get a glimpse of the local life, visit historical temples and witness the beauty of nature in a quiet paradise that will leave long-lasting memories.
Awards
This programme received the 2023 Thailand Tourism Gold Award
in recognition of its contribution to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Itinerary
We will be met at Nan Airport by your guide and taken to a local restaurant for lunch. We start our exploration of Nan with a visit to Wat Ming Muang. This ancient site dates back to 1857 and was once an abandoned temple where the city pillar, made of two huge trunks, was found in the ruins of its vihara. We then continue to Wat Phumin, famous for the ancient mural paintings that decorate its walls in Thai Lu style, called Pu Man-Ya Man. They are considered highly valuable and depict stories of Buddha, legends, and the local way of life. We also visit nearby Wat Chang Kham Woravihan. The chedi inside the temple reflects the influence of Sukhothai arts. The main vihara enshrines an elegant ancient Buddha image that showcases Chiang Saen-style of art and Nan craftsmanship skills. On our return to the city, we stop at hilltop temple, Wat Pratardnoi, to enjoy its views before the check-in to your overnight accommodation.
We start the day early with a trip to the market to make merit with monks. We then return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Wat Nong Bua, an ancient temple built by the Thai Lue group who migrated from South China. We then take a stroll through Nong Bua Thai Lue village to see locals hand-weaving beautiful fabrics in a Nam Lai design before driving to Doi Phu Ka National Park, a stunning primeval forest. We admire the living fossil Phu Kha tree and its enchanting flowers before continuing on a scenic drive to Bo Klua district, stopping enroute for lunch at a local restaurant. Bo Klua district is an important salt production area. We will explore the salt mountains and watch the traditional salt mining process before returning to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant along Nan River.
Optional: After dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a stroll through the local night market and admire nearby temples illuminated at night.
We start our final day with a visit to one of Nan town’s most sacred spots, Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng, which is perched on the eastern banks of the Nan River and was the former centre of the town after relocating from Pua. The temple’s name derives from Phra That Chae Haeng, the gilded chedi that contains a relic of the Buddha. It was founded in 1355 and features a mix of architectural styles, including Lanna and Thai Lu. Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng represents the year of the rabbit in the lunar calendar. Lanna people believe that travelling to pay respect to the Phrathat of their birth year brings abundant prosperity. Afterwards, we transfer to Nan Airport for your onward flight, or to Huai Kon immigration to cross the border to neighbouring Laos.
- The tour starts from Nan Airport at 12.00 hrs. (approximately);
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us. Even when it is cloudy, the sun still has an immense power;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Tours and transfers with licensed English-speaking guiding services / assistance;
- Other languages are on request at extra charge and are subject to availability;
- Accommodation in sharing twin / double room with air-conditioning;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the programme;
- All applicable taxes and service charges;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only).
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: THB 50 per person per day;
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Visa fee to Laos;
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers.
