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Destination guide · North

Nan: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget

The former capital of an independent kingdom, in a valley near Laos, still off the main tourist circuits. Temples with famous murals, a relaxed walking-street market and mountain roads to the villages of Bo Kluea and Doi Phu Kha National Park.

Kylian DevBy Kylian Dev

  • Best: November to February
  • €20 - 40 / day
View on the map Estimate my budget

In short

Nan (North) — Lanna temples, old murals and forgotten valleys. Best time to go: November to February; average temperatures 23°C. Budget: about €20 - 40 / day. Weather: 23°C • Clear skies and cool mornings in the dry season

RegionNorth
TypeCity & culture
Best seasonNovember to February
Avg. temperature23°C
Budget / day€20 - 40 / day
Suggested stay3 to 4 days
Thai nameน่าน
Nan, North (1/2)Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Nan, North (2/2)Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Must-sees

Top 10 things to do in Nan

Lanna temples, old murals and forgotten valleys

Wat Phumin – NanPhoto: Wikimedia Commons
1

Wat Phumin

A cruciform temple famous for its 19th-century murals, including the "Whisper of Love".

Doi Phu Kha National Park & Bo Kluea – NanPhoto: Wikimedia Commons
3

Doi Phu Kha National Park & Bo Kluea

Scenic roads up to the mountain salt wells of Bo Kluea, about 2 hours' drive.

More things to do in Nan

  1. 4

    The Nan National Museum

    CultureAbout 1 h

    Housed in the former palace of the rulers of Nan, it displays the black elephant tusk and local history.

  2. 5

    Wat Phra That Khao Noi

    ViewpointAbout 1 h

    A temple on a hill with a standing Buddha overlooking the town, beautiful at sunset.

  3. 6

    Cycling in the old town

    Activity2 to 3 h

    Nan's small old town is best explored by bike, from temple to temple.

  4. 7

    Sapan village

    CultureHalf day

    A village in the mountains near Bo Kluea, with rice terraces and a river.

  5. 8

    The weekend walking street

    MarketEvening

    Near Wat Phumin, a lively market with food and crafts.

  6. 9

    Wat Nong Bua

    TempleAbout 1 h

    A Tai Lue temple with murals similar to Wat Phumin, in a peaceful village.

  7. 10

    Rafting on the Nan River

    ActivityFull day

    Rafting on the Nan River in the rainy season, when water levels are high.

Tours and activities in NanPartner
Great forTemples & CultureJungle & Hiking

Weather

When to go to Nan?

23°C • Clear skies and cool mornings in the dry season. Month-by-month outlook:

  1. JanIdeal
  2. FebIdeal
  3. MarFair
  4. AprFair
  5. MayFair
  6. JunRain / monsoon
  7. JulRain / monsoon
  8. AugRain / monsoon
  9. SepRain / monsoon
  10. OctFair
  11. NovIdeal
  12. DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Thailand weather month by month Travelling in the rainy season

Budget

Budget in Nan: how much per day?

Plan on roughly €20 - 40 / day per person, excluding international flights.

Budget

20–40 € / day

Estimate my budget for Nan

Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)

Accommodation
~12 €
Food
~8 €
Activities
~6 €
Local transport
~5 €
How much a trip to Thailand costs Convert baht into your currency

Transport

How to get to Nan

Transport tip

Flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang) or bus from Chiang Mai (about 6 h). Explore the centre by bike; rent a scooter or car for the mountains.

From Bangkok → Nan

Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier

Flight

~559 km

Nearest destinations

Nan → Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle

Road

~160 km · ~3 h by road

Nan → Chiang Mai

Road

~188 km · ~3.5 h by road

Nan → Sukhothai

Road

~227 km · ~4 h by road

Times and tickets Bangkok → NanPartner
Build an itinerary with Nan Getting around Thailand: buses, trains, ferries

Where is Nan?

BangkokNan
Nan is in the North region, about 559 km from Bangkok as the crow flies.

Accommodation

Where to stay in Nan

The best-known areas to base yourself:

Old town

Walking distance to Wat Phumin and the weekend market.

Nan riverside

Quiet hotels with river views.

Pua / Bo Kluea

Mountain homestays for the Doi Phu Kha road.

See hotels in NanPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Nan

Food

What to eat in Nan

Northern khao soi and nam ngiao

Northern khao soi and nam ngiao

Herb-packed sai ua sausage

Herb-packed sai ua sausage

Nan-style laap (spicy minced-meat salad)

Nan-style laap (spicy minced-meat salad)

Combine with

Similar destinations

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
North · €25 - 45 / dayDiscover
Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
North · €20 - 40 / dayDiscover
Pai
Pai
North · €18 - 35 / dayDiscover

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Nan

What are the best things to do in Nan?

The must-sees are Wat Phumin, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, Doi Phu Kha National Park & Bo Kluea. Also worth your time: The Nan National Museum, Wat Phra That Khao Noi, Cycling in the old town, Sapan village.

How many days should I spend in Nan?

3 to 4 days

Build an itinerary with Nan
What is the best time to visit Nan?

The best season is November to February. 23°C • Clear skies and cool mornings in the dry season. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.

Thailand weather month by month
What daily budget should I plan for Nan?

Plan on roughly €20 - 40 / day per person (Budget), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.

Estimate my budget for Nan
How do I get to Nan?

Flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang) or bus from Chiang Mai (about 6 h). Explore the centre by bike; rent a scooter or car for the mountains. From Bangkok, Nan is about 559 km away as the crow flies.

Getting around Thailand: buses, trains, ferries
Which area should I stay in, in Nan?

The most popular areas are Old town, Nan riverside, Pua / Bo Kluea. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.

Full guide: where to stay in Nan

Plan your trip

Tools to plan your stay in Nan

When to goWeather by region, month by month.Itinerary plannerChain stops and transport.Packing listTailored to region and season.Budget calculatorYour total budget, stop by stop.Compare toolTwo destinations side by side.Thailand visaExemption, e-Visa and formalities.