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Nan Festivals
 Wai Phrathat Festival Wai Phrathat Festival (งานประเพณีไหว้พระธาตุ) Nan is a town in the Lanna kingdom where Buddhism spread for a long period of time. Within the area of the ancient city, both in Mueang Nan and in Amphoe Pua, lie Phrathats on the hill. Every year, festivals paying respect to the important Phrathats are organized as follows:
 Tan Kuai Salak, Hae Khua Tan or Khrua Than Festival Tan Kuai Salak, Hae Khua Tan or Khrua Than Festival (งานตานก๋วยสลาก หรืองานแห่คัวตาน หรือ ครัวทาน) Than Salak or Kuai Salak is an ancient tradition created in the Buddha’s time. For the northern people, it is considered as a major local merit making ceremony possessing local uniqueness. Monks are invited to receive the offerings by drawing lots.
 Nan Boat Races Nan Boat Races (งานประเพณีแข่งเรือจังหวัดน่าน) has been passed on for a long period of time. In 1936, boat racing was organized during the community’s robe presentation to the monks after the end of the Buddhist Lent until the time of the royal robe presentation ceremony. Nowadays, it is around mid-October or at the beginning of November every year. The opening of the races is the date when the food offerings are presented to the priests by drawing lots of Wat Chang Kham Worawihan, a royal temple. The food offering ceremony will be firstly organized. Therefore, the Nan Boat Races have come together with the Tan Kuai Salak of Wat Chang Kham until nowadays. Later, the province added the celebration of the black elephant tusk which is the precious treasure of Nan as well. Moreover, there is boat racing at Amphoe Wiang Sa in the Tan Kuai Salak Festival.
Namatsakan Phrathat Beng Sakat Fair (งานนมัสการพระธาตุเบ็งสกัด) is organized on the full night of the 4th northern lunar month (around January).
“Hok Peng Waisa Mahathat Chae Haeng” Fair (งานประเพณี “หกเป็งไหว้สามหาธาตุแช่แห้ง”) takes place on the full moon night of the 6th northern lunar month or the 4th central lunar month (around the end of February-March). Sky rockets are fired as an offering to the Buddha.
“Namatsakan Phrathat Khao Noi” Fair (งานประเพณีนมัสการพระธาตุเขาน้อย) takes place on the full moon night of the 8th northern lunar month or the 6th central lunar month (around May). In the festival, there is a ceremony paying respect to Phrathat Khao Noi and sky rockets are fired as an offering to the Buddha.
“Namatsakan Song Nam Phrachao Thongthip” Fair (งานประเพณีนมัสการสรงน้ำพระเจ้าทองทิพย์) at Wat Suan Tan during the Songkran festival on 12-15 April.
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Tourism Sights
Wat Phra That Chae Hang (วัดพระธาตุแช่แห้ง) (18°45.50′N, 100°47.50′E) It features a 55 metre-high golden Chedi containing a Holy Relic from Sukhothai. Over the Viharn’s door frames and on parts of the roofs are plaster designs in the shape of Naga, the great serpent, which represent the artistic best in local architecture.
The building of the Nan National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติน่าน) It displays exhibitions concerning the town’s history and major structures, evolution of arts in different ages, and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent of which is the Black Ivory.
Wat Phaya Wat (วัดพญาวัด) (18°46.22′N, 100°45.75′E) An ancient religious site, it has rectangular Chedi bases on which Buddha states are placed around the Chedi structure. Combined artistic influences of Lanna, Lan Chang and native Nan can be detected.
Opposite the Nan National Museum is Wat Chang Kham Woravihan (วัดช้างค้ำวรวิหาร) (18°46.59′N, 100°46.32′E) Its main features are the sculpted upper halves of elephants adorning around the Chedi, a Sukhothai influence.
Wat Suan Tan (วัดสวนตาล), built in 1230, features an old, beautifully-shaped Chedi and houses a huge bronze Buddha statue, Phra Chao Thong Thip cast by a king of Chiang Mai in 1450.
Pha Chu, or Pha Cheot Chu (ผาเชิดชูหรือผาเชิดชู), is a cliff located within the Si Nan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติศรีน่าน) which covers extensive forested and mountainous areas. A national flag pole has a lanyard running all the way down to the foot of the hill, the longest in the country.
Hom Chom (ฮ่อมจ๊อม) The site is characterised by a large earthen mould eroded by the elements through the ages, leaving only hard eastern columns, whose exotic shapes and forms can be interpreted as differently as the imagination goes.
The Thai Lu Village-Ban Nong Bua (หมู่บ้านไทยลื้อบ้านหนองบัว) The Thai Lu people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation.
Wat Nong Bua (วัดหนองบัว) (19°05.34′N, 100°47.11′E) was built by Thai Lu craftsmen who had early migrated from southern China. Apart from the Viharn which is adorned with elaborate carvings, there are also wall murals painted by Thai Lu artists some one hundred years ago.
Wat Phrathat Beng Sakat (วัดพระธาตุเบ็งสกัด) The main Buddha image is in the local style residing on the so-called Chukkachi base. The back of the Buddha image is decorated with a mirror in accordance with the Thai Lue belief.
Ban Pak Nai (บ้านปากนาย) is a fishing village on the bank of the fresh-water lake above the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province.
For more information on interesting sites within or near the city of Nan see the Wikipedia article on “Nan, Thailand”
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Local Market
Ban Huai Kon Border Market
 Ban Huai Kon Border Market Ban Huai Kon Border Market is in an area of the Ban Huai Kon Checkpoint, opposite Mueang Nam Ngoen, Sayaboury province, Lao PDR., 138 kilometres from Mueang Nan district. The market is open on Saturdays from early morning until nearly noon. Offered products are woven fabric in the Nam Lai design, the handicraft of the Thai Lue people, consumer products such as things from forests, Luk Tao or Luk Chit – Arenga pinnata, etc. The Thai and Laotian people are allowed to visit this checkpoint everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 – 17.00
Category: Local Market
Language Support: Thai
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Village, Community
Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua
 Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua This village is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 kilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lue people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. It has also been improved in the designs but still retaining the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among tourist.Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 24 Hour
Category: Village, Community
Language Support: Thai
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Outdoor activity and adventure sites
Nam Wa Rafting
 Nam Wa Rafting This exciting activity waits for tourists who like to shoot many rapids. Rafting can be accompanied by elephant riding. The suitable time for rafting is from September to February. Visitors can contact travel agencies in the town.
The routes of rafting are as follows:
White-water Rafting along the Middle Part of the Wa River The rapids are of level 3 to 5 difficulty with a length of 100 kilometres. It takes 3 days and 2 nights passing the Doi Phu Kha National Park and the Mae Charim National Park.
White-water Rafting along the Lower Part of the Wa River It was originally a transporting route for teakwood, which was illegally cut from the forest in Mae Charim and Wiang Sa districts. The Wa River runs through the valleys. On both sides are high undulating mountains, and more than 22 rapids. The level of difficulty is at level 3 – 5 (level 3 is medium, level 4 is difficult, and level 5 is very difficult). The biggest and the most difficult one is Kaeng Luang. Some parts of the stream are sandy beach where a raft can be stopped, and it is suitable for swimming. Some parts are the location of elephant camps where visitors can take an elephant to Ban Hat Rai. The period when the tide is the highest is during August, while the lowest one is in April. The most suitable time for white-water rafting is from November to January.
There are 2 routes for rafting along the Wa River as follows:
- Sailing route by inflatable rubber dinghy: It starts from Ban Nam Pu, Nam Phang sub-district, Mae Charim district, and ends at Ban Hat Rai, San Na Nong sub-district, Wiang Sa district, being a total distance of 19.2 kilometres or takes 4 hours. However, if visitors start in front of the Office of the National Park , the total distance will be only 15 kilometres.
- Bamboo rafting route: It starts from Ban Nam Wa up to Ban Nam Pu for a distance of 4 kilometres or takes approximately 4 hours.
Contact the Nan Pang Chang Company, Tel. 0 5478 1316, the River Raft Company, Tel. 0 5471 0940, 08 9835 1506, and the Inter Tour, Tel. 0 5471 0195 for information of the Wa River Tour and elephant riding.
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 24 Hour
Category: Outdoor activity and adventure sites
Language Support: Thai
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Other nature sites
Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea
 Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea is located in Chiang Khong sub-district, 60 kilometres from Mueang Nan. From Na Noi district, there is a crossroad. Go along Highway No. 1083 for approximately 6 kilometres. It is a soil formation into strange shapes, similar to the “Phae Mueang Phi” of Phrae Province. From geological evidence, it appears that Sao Din Na Noi occurred from the movement of the earth’s crust during the late Tertiary Period and the natural erosion of water and wind. Geologists assume that it might be aged during 10,000 – 30,000 years and was once the bottom of the sea. There have been discoveries of stone bangles and ancient axes at this place, which are currently preserved at the Nan National Museum. It reflects that this area was once a habitation place of human beings in the Palaeolithic Age.
However, there are other interesting attractions. For example, Kaeng Luang is 35 kilometres from Na Noi district. The entrance route to Kaeng Luang is very difficult to travel because there are natural islets and cataracts caused by the stream of the Nan River, flowing pass the rocks scattered in the river. During the season of a rushing torrent, there are echoes of water smashing against the rocks, while during the dry season, rocks and white sandy beaches along the Nan River can be seen. Swimming can be done during the dry season in April only because during the rainy season, the stream will be vigorous and dangerous. Pha Hua Singand Doi Samoe Dao is situated at Km. 16, the Na Noi – Pang Hai route. It is a viewpoint spot on the summit of the high cliff from which the 360° of scenery can be admired. At the spot, a wide terrace suitable for relaxation, star observation and sunset viewing, is located. Visitors who would like to go to Pha Sing (meaning a cliff with a strange shape similar to the head of a lion) will have to contact an official from the National Park. The total distance is 2 kilometres. Along the way, the Chan Pha Tree – Dracaena loureiri Gagnep., the unique tree will be seen. Moreover, when the sky is clear, Na Noi and Wieng Sa districts, as well as, the Nan River can be viewed from the cliff.
Accommodation and Facilities: There are bungalows and tents for rent. However, visitors have to prepare their own food. For further information, please contact the Si Nan National Park, P.O. Box 14, Si Sa Ket sub-district, Na Noi district, Nan 55150, Tel. 0 5470 1106, 08 1224 0800 or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.
To get there: Si Nan National Park is 20 kilometres from Na Noi district. Proceed along Highway No. 1083, the Na Noi – Pang Hai route. Along the way, there is a viewpoint spot where the scenery of the mountain ranges within the National Park and the curving Nan River can be clearly seen. The Nan River flows through the National Park to Pak Nai district. The forests in the park are mostly mixed deciduous ones. Therefore, during February, there is usually a beautiful change of the colours of the shedding forests. Otherwise, travel by bus along the Bangkok – Nan route to Wiang Sa district and continue with the Wiang Sa – Na Noi – Na Muen Bus to the Ban Mai T-junction and rent a Song Thaeo further to the National Park.
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 24 Hour
Category: Other nature sites
Language Support: Thai
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National Parks & Marine Reserves, Caves
Tham Pha Tup Forest Park
 Tham Pha Tup Forest Park Tham Pha Tup Forest Park is in Pha Sing sub-district, 12 kilometres from the province on Highway No. 1080, Nan – Pua – Thung Chang route, at Km. 9-10. It is accessible in every season.
Interesting Attractions within Tham Pha Tup Forest Park are as follows:
Nature Study Route There are various kinds of plants that should be studied and rarely seen such as Chan Pha – Dracaena spp. – and Ueang Phueng – Dendrobium lindleyi Steud., which are usually in bloom during the end of the rainy season. There are overall many routes starting from the walking trail to Tham Bo Namthip, the route from the Office of the Forest Park to the viewpoint spot, and the route around the Office.
Tham Phra is a large cave, covering an area of 50 square wa. There is a chimney letting in the breeze and the sunshine passing through and beautiful stalactites in the cave. It is located 200 metres from the Office of the Forest Park.
Tham Bo Namthip has a large room with a width of approximately 30 square wa and a chimney letting the sunshine penetrate the cave. At a side of the cave wall are stalactites and a deep tunnel where an oval basin containing water throughout the year is located. The water is considered as sacred and the symbol of this cave. Visitors have to climb up the rocky cliff all the way to the cave which is 1,200 metres from the Office of the Forest Park. During the rainy season, there is water in the cave making it not accessible.
Tham Khon is a cave with a long shape similar to a log. The cave houses a splendour of stalagmites and stalactites. At the front of the cave entrance stands a cliff. It is suitable for relaxation and admiring the view of the Nan Swamp.
Tham Chedi Kaeo is a small cave whose front houses a rock similar to a chedi.
The Viewpoint Spot is in a bamboo forest, next to Khao Bo Namthip in the southern side. At this spot the surrounding scenery and Mueang Nan district can be clearly seen. It is 1 kilometre from the Office of the Forest Park or takes 2 hours for a round trip on foot.
Activities: On the full moon day of the fifth lunar month (of the North) the Ban Pha Tup people usually organise a ceremony of gilding the Buddha image of Khao Tham Phra, called “Tham Pha Tup Fair”. In the morning, there is a ceremony of giving alms to the monks, while during the day are music and performances of students from Ban Pha Tup School. The fair takes place annually at the cave.
To get there: From Mueang Nan district, take Highway No. 1080 for 10 kilometres until reaching the crossroad to the entrance of the Pha Tup Forest Park for 200 metres. Otherwise, take a Nan – Pua Bus or Nan – Thung Chang Bus passing the Tham Pha Tup Forest Park.
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 – 17.00
Category: National Parks & Marine Reserves, Caves
Language Support: Thai
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National Parks & Marine Reserves
Si Nan National Park
 Si Nan National Park Si Nan National Park covers an area of approximately 583,750 rai or 934 square kilometres in Wiang Sa, Na oi and Na Muen districts. The undulating mountain ranges line up from the north to the south, paralleling on both the western and eastern sides. They divide the area into the west and the east. Along the riverside are mixed deciduous and deciduous dipterocarp forests. Within the compound of the ranges, there are hill evergreen forest, dried evergreen forest and pine forest. Rare animals that can be found are many flocks of peacocks, leopards, panthers, bears, deer, wolves and Asiatic wild dogs. Moreover, many important wild animals are wild elephants, bantengs, and gaurs, which usually migrate in and out the frontier between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Interesting Attractions in the National Park are as follows:
Pha Chu’s foot is where the Office of the National Park is located. In winter, the sea of fog can be admired from the top of the cliff. When the fog is disappearing, the Nan River curving at the end of the forest can be seen. It is also a spot to view the sunrise. The distance to the spot is approximately 2 kilometres. The way near the summit is full of pointed rocks; therefore, a pair of sneakers should be prepared for the convenience of climbing. It takes 1 hour for a round trip. Those interested in climbing up to the summit of the cliff have to contact the park official.
According to legend, Chao Ueang Phueng, the lover of Chao Chan Pha had to get married to Chao Chuang, making Chao Ueang Phueng upset for not being able to marry the man she loved. Therefore, she decided to commit suicide by jumping off the cliff. Chao Chan Pha later followed her and found out about her death. Chao Chan Pha; therefore, killed himself by jumping off the cliff as well. The bodies of Chao Chan Pha and Chao Ueang Phueng were next to each other. At the same time, Chao Chuang saw the woman he loved jumping off the cliff. He was very sad and decided to follow her as well. However, his body hurtled away. With the true love between Chao Ueang Phueng and Chao Chan Pha, in the next life, Chao Ueang Phueng was born as an orchid hanging under the Chan Pha Tree – Dracaena loureiri Gagnep., while Chao Chuang was born into a pine tree at the spot of his death. (Chuang in northern dialect means a pine tree, while “Ueang Phueng” refers to an orchid). This cliff has, thus, been called “Pha Chu”- the lovers’ cliff – since then.
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 – 17.00
Category: National Parks & Marine Reserves
Language Support: Thai
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