Today we take you to a special region of Thailand: to Nan in the north-east of the country. You have never heard of Nan? This happens to many people and is the reason why you can experience authentic Thailand here – far off Full Moon parties, endless souvenir miles and overcrowded beaches.

Earlier Nan was a principality, separated through the surrounding mountain from the rest of Thailand. The influence of the former kingdoms Lanna, Sukhothai and Burma can still be seen today and provides for many exciting activities for culture lovers. But also adventures and hiker find a paradise: with rainforest-covered mountains, limestone caves, remote mountain villages and long rivers… there is something for everyone! But back to the beginning.

The provincial capital Nan

As often in Thailand, the capital bears the same name as the province – and also the river is called Nan. The town offers an exciting mixture of various eras what is manifested in the temples. The simple timber houses and the comfortable Old Town stand for an entirely different style. It almost feels as if time had stopped. However, even if the town or the region was secluded in earlier times, in the meantime you find everyday connections to Bangkok and other towns.

Excursions in the region

From Nan, you can go for an excursion to the Phra That Khao Noi temple, located on top of the mountain bearing the same name. It also offers an impressive nine-meter-high Buddha’s statue and a wonderful view of the surrounding villages and mountains. By the way mountain villages: some of the villages have opened to tourism and you can get an exciting impression of the traditional life of the locals; for example, the village Ban Nong Bua inhabited by the tribe of Tai Lue known for their textile with typical pattern drawings. In the district of Boklua, you learn about the mining of the “rock salt”

Traveling responsible– with Siam Rise Travel

To truly experience the untouched nature and the authentic character of the province, it is important to put the focus on responsible tourism. Hence, we can recommend the Thai tour operator Siam Rise Travel being an active member of the Thai Responsible Tourism association. One of the offered tours is the 2-day “Hidden Craft & creative Experience”: the program includes the visit of temples, but also the typical Lanna house Chao Fong of Tham, you learn about the cultural heritage of Lanna and its art craft. You will witness this by taking part in a workshop about lantern production. According to an old faith, the lanterns bring luck and light in life. Moreover, you get to learn the art craft of weaving thin bamboo canes and so you can take home a nice souvenir.

Outdoor activities in untouched nature

When you also like excursions into the nature, the Doi Pukha National Park with its 2,000-metre-high mountain ranges, limestone rocks, waterfalls, caves and a lot of wild animals is exactly the right thing! Y the way, the best time is February when the blossoms of the rare tree Chomphu Phu Kha transforms the park into a pink sea of blossom. A special highlight for adrenalin junkies is the White Water Rafting on river Wa in Mae Chari National park: on different tours of one-day or of several days you travel on the wild river in direction Nan – in just before the mouth of the river it becomes adventurous! In the evening you strengthen yourselves with tasty Thai food at the bonfire and spend the night in the tent on the bank.

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