By Kylian Dev
1
Wat Phumin
A cruciform temple famous for its 19th-century murals, including the "Whisper of Love".
Destination guide · North
Nan: the 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.
- Best: November to February
- €20 - 40 / day
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
Must-sees
Things to do in Nan
Lanna temples, old murals and forgotten valleys
2
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
A golden stupa on a hill east of town, guarded by nagas.
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
- 4
The Nan National Museum
CultureAbout 1 hHoused in the former palace of the rulers of Nan, it displays the black elephant tusk and local history.
- 5
Wat Phra That Khao Noi
ViewpointAbout 1 hA temple on a hill with a standing Buddha overlooking the town, beautiful at sunset.
- 6
Cycling in the old town
Activity2 to 3 hNan's small old town is best explored by bike, from temple to temple.
- 7
Sapan village
CultureHalf dayA village in the mountains near Bo Kluea, with rice terraces and a river.
- 8
The weekend walking street
MarketEveningNear Wat Phumin, a lively market with food and crafts.
- 9
Wat Nong Bua
TempleAbout 1 hA Tai Lue temple with murals similar to Wat Phumin, in a peaceful village.
- 10
Rafting on the Nan River
ActivityFull dayRafting on the Nan River in the rainy season, when water levels are high.
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:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarFair
- AprFair
- MayFair
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctFair
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Nan: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €20 - 40 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Budget
20–40 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~12 €
Food
~8 €
Activities
~6 €
Local transport
~5 €
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
~727 km
Nearest destinations
Road
~208 km · ~3 h by road
Nan → Chiang Mai
Road
~244 km · ~4 h by road
Nan → Sukhothai
Road
~295 km · ~4.5 h by road
Times and tickets Bangkok → NanPartner link
Where is Nan?
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.
Food
What to eat in Nan
Northern khao soi and nam ngiao
Herb-packed sai ua sausage
Nan-style laap (spicy minced-meat salad)
Combine with
Similar destinations
Health and safety
Healthcare and useful numbers in Nan
The numbers to call, the hospitals and clinics on site and, when the nearest hospital is elsewhere, how long the transfer takes. Save this before you go.
Hospitals and clinics
- Nan HospitalPublic hospitalDirections
Private hospitals ask for a payment guarantee on admission: keep your insurance certificate and assistance number on your phone.
Choose your travel insuranceFAQ
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 NanWhat 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 monthWhat 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 NanHow 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, ferriesWhich 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 NanPlan your trip
Tools to plan your stay in Nan
Compare with the other destinations
Nan is one of the 28 destinations covered in detail on the site. The destinations hub sorts them by traveler profile, by month of travel and by daily budget, to help you decide where to go and how many days to stay.