Nan is a mostly rural province in North Thailand. The province bordering Laos is a remote place of valleys and forested mountains, a tranquil place little visited by foreign tourists.
Because Nan has long been isolated due to its remote location, the province has developed its own distinct culture. During the last two centuries a large number of people from Yunnan province in Southern China settled in Nan province. These people, the Thai Lü brought with them their own culture and architecture, visible in the Thai Lü temples across Nan.
The provincial capital is Nan town, a small town in the center of the province. The town on the banks of the Nan river still has parts of its old city walls as well as a large number of ancient temples.
History
In the 13th century a small independent Kingdom was formed in Nan which was associated with the Sukhothai Kingdom. The small Kingdom was fairly isolated and did not have many connections with other regional powers because of its remote location.
During the late 14th century Nan came under the influence of the Lanna Kingdom. After the decline of Lanna the area came under control of the Burmese. Nan regained its independence until 1931 when it was incorporated into Siam (present day Thailand).
To do & see in Nan
Nan province hosts many interesting attractions, including ancient Buddhist temples, old teak mansions and museums.
Buddhist temples
Nan houses a great number of old temples in various architectural styles including Thai Lü and Lanna. Some of the best known are Wat Ton Laeng, Wat Phra That Chang Kham, Wat Hua Khuang, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and Wat Phumin.
The Wat Phaya Wat’s most interesting structure is a 17th century Mon style chedi. Standing on a square base its five tiers of receding size contain niches on all of its four sides in which are enshrined standing images of the Buddha. The chedi is similar to the Suwanna chedi of the Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun and the Mahabol chedi of the Wat Ku Kut in Lamphun, which was built centuries earlier around the year 1150.
Rural Nan landscape