16 Fantastic Things to Do in Nan, Thailand

16 Best Things to Do in Nan, Thailand

1. Visit Wat Phumin ❤️ Must Visit

Wat Phumin is Nan City's most popular temple and an important landmark for the city. It is located right in the middle of Nan Old Town, right by the night market. It is renowned for its well-preserved murals that depict the Buddha's life cycle, as well as scenes of the local life of the time.

Built in the Thai Lue architectural style, Wat Phumin is impressive both on the outside and the inside. Wat Phumin has four entrances, two of which are decorated with two immense nagas, as if the temple were built on top of these mythical snakes.

On the inside, Wat Phumin boasts some of the most beautiful and well-preserved murals in Thailand. On all four sides of the wall, the murals were painted by Thai Lue artists during the restoration of the temple in the 19th century.

Nan in the 19th Century was a time of tremendous change, and it is clearly reflected in the murals. After being ruled and deserted by the Burmese for more than 500 years, Nan finally became independent in the 18th Century.

Not long after, it reluctantly became a semi-autonomous kingdom to Thailand as the Europeans swept through this part of the world, colonizing one kingdom at a time. Nan was going through an identity crisis as Thailand (known as Siam then) gave it to the French, creating much discontent among the local population.

All of this was happening during the creation of these murals, and the artists took the opportunity to reflect these events in their artwork. You can see many foreigners, as well as the French, arriving on warships depicted in the murals.

The most interesting thing about this mural is its depiction of the everyday life of the Thai Lue people in Nan back in the day. One of the most popular paintings of Wat Phumin's murals is that of a man flirtatiously whispering to a local woman, which is a portrait of one of the artists who decided to paint it in sneakily. The greatest troll of that generation 😂.

The temple is not big, but due to the mural, it attracts a ton of tourists from all over Thailand. So, prepare to ward off the crowds to get a photo of the murals.

Wat Phumin's opening hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM, and it is free to enter for both Thais and foreigners.

Where to Stay in Nan, Thailand?

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2. Check out Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan

Not too far from Wat Phumin, you will find another impressive temple called Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan, which is a 15th-century temple that is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Nan.

The temple is also locally known as Wat Chang or the "Elephant Temple", after the prominent gold pagoda built on top of 24 elephant statues. Even though the ordination hall was built in the Lanna-Thai Lue hybrid architectural style, the pagoda is actually built with a Lanna-Sukhothai style, which shows just how many outside influences the city had.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Sukhothai?14 Best Things to Do in Sukhothai

Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan is also home to the largest Buddhist scripture library in Thailand. Although it is no longer used as a library, the library is still used to store Buddhist scriptures that contain the teachings of the Buddha.

Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan's opening hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM, and it is free to enter for both Thais and foreigners.

3. Learn the History at Nan National Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

One of the best ways to start exploring an ancient city like Nan is to first learn the history of the place, in order to understand where the city and its people came from. And there is no better place to do it in Nan than at Nan National Museum.

Located right across the road from Wat Phumin and Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Worawihan, Nan National Museum contains all kinds of historical artifacts, from royal regalia to a rare collection of Lanna-style Buddha statues.

The exhibition is held inside an old wooden residence built in 1903 by the lord of Nan. After his death, the building was donated to the Thai government before being converted into a museum.

The museum has 2 floors with several rooms dedicated to telling the history of Nan and preserving the simple lifestyle of the people of Nan back in the day. It will take you around an hour to check out all the rooms in the museum, so make sure you have some time to spare.

The Nan National Museum's opening hours are from 9 AM - 4 PM, and it is only open from Wednesday to Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 THB, while for Thais it is 10 THB. Children can enter for free.

4. Take Photos with the Plumeria Tunnel

Right in front of the Nan National Museum, you will find a beautiful Plumeria Tunnel that covers the walkway. It is one of the most popular photo spots in the city and it makes for a great place to capture a nice memory of you and Nan.

The Plumeria Tunnel is located right near the main road inside Nan National Museum's premises, so you will need to be there when Nan National Museum is open between 9 AM - 4 PM. In order to see the plants bloom, I recommend you visit the Plumeria Tunnel between May and November. The place is free to enter.

5. Drop By Wat Ming Muang, Nan's White Temple

Not too far from Wat Phumin, you will also find another impressive temple called Wat Ming Muang, Nan's all-white temple, similar to the one you find in Chiang Rai but smaller.

Wat Ming Muang was once an abandoned temple, but due to the fact that the city pillar of Nan was discovered here amidst the ruins, the local ruler of Nan decided to establish the temple in 1857 and named it Wat Ming Muang after the name of the city pillar "Sao Ming Mueang".

Although the temple is nothing compared to the one in Chiang Rai, it is still worth a visit, especially if you are already in the city center. Wat Ming Muang's opening hours are between 7 AM and 5 PM, and there is no admission fee to the temple. Hurray!

6. Admire the Beauty of Wat Sri Panthon, Nan's Golden Temple

Another impressive temple, not too far from Wat Phumin, is Wat Sri Panthon, an all-gold-covered temple with a stunning facade design and two beautiful, intricate naga sculptures that welcome you right at the entrance of the temple.

The amount of detail that went into designing both the facade and the naga sculptures at the entrance is astoundingly breathtaking. With the protruding sculptures depicting heaven and hell on the facade, which you can stare at for days, and the perfectly aligned four heads of the two nagas leading you up the entrance, you won't find any temple quite like it in Nan.

Wat Sri Panthon's opening hours are from 7 AM to 5 PM, and there is no entrance fee for both Thais and foreigners.

7. Eat Your Way Through Nan's Night Market 🥘 Best Place to Eat

After exploring all the temples within Nan's Old Town all day, there is no better way to end a day in Nan City than to go on an eating spree at Nan Night Market.

Although smaller than most night markets, Nan Night Market has a charming sitting area where you are surrounded by several street food trucks for you to choose from. You will find all kinds of local food, from mushroom salads to the delicious grilled pork neck. You can never go wrong with these dishes.

There is also a local musician who often comes out and plays local acoustic songs for the people eating there. It is a great way to try out local food as well as a great place to go people-watching. Nan's Night Market is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 4 PM - 9 PM.

8. Drive Up to Wat Phrathat Khao Noi's Viewpoint

If you are looking for a great viewpoint of Nan City, Wat Phrathat Khao Noi's Viewpoint is what you are looking for. Wat Phrathat Khao Noi is an old temple built in 1487 on top of Khao Noi hill west of Nan's city center.

Wat Phrathat Khao Noi is known for its viewpoint, where you will find a platform bulging off a cliff with a stunning view of the city, as well as a 9-meter-tall Buddha image that overlooks it.

From there, you will have a stunning view of the city and the surrounding hills and mountains of Nan. Since the platform is facing west, it is a popular place for the locals to come and watch the sunset. Wat Phrathat Khao Noi's opening hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM, and there is no admission fee.

9. Visit Sao Din Na Noi

After exploring all the attractions around Nan's city center, it is time to go off into the countryside and explore what Nan's natural wonders have to offer. First off, we go south from Nan City and head over to Sao Din Na Noi.

Sao Din Na Noi is a geological park inside Sri Nan National Park, located around 70 km south of Nan City. It is home to many stunning towers of soil formation that were created over 10,000-30,000 years ago when this area was still under the ocean.

When you arrive at Sao Din Na Noi, you are allowed to freely roam the area as long as you like. There is no designated walking path like Phae Muang Phi Forest Park in Phrae, but due to how flat the area is, it is pretty easy and safe for you to freely roam.

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If you visit Sao Din Na Noi right after sunrise or right before sunset, the place will turn orange, making it quite a sight to behold. Sao Din Na Noi's opening hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM.

Since Sao Din Na Noi is part of Sri Nan National Park, you will have to pay a 100 THB (10 THB for Thais) admission fee, plus 20-30 THB for parking, to enter the premises. But don't worry, you can also use this ticket to enter another tourist attraction that I will recommend next: Doi Samer Dao.

10. Camp Under the Stars at Doi Samer Dao ☀️ Great Day Trip

One of the best places to go stargazing, which is not very easy to find in Thailand, is at Doi Samer Dao, a bald mountaintop located in the southern part of Nan Province near Sao Din Na Noi.

Doi Samer Dao is a popular campsite for local tourists, so you will find that the place is very well-serviced. Maybe a little too much in my opinion, with makeshift restaurants equipped with full hotpot-style meals, boxed-up food, and other convenient food.

Basically, all you need to do to camp at Doi Samer Dao is just to get there, and that is it. The national park will allow you to rent one of their many tents and sleeping bags for around 350 THB, and you can get dinner and breakfast for around 50 - 60 THB at these makeshift restaurants.

Or if you're like me, you can also bring your own tent and camp at the designated campsite located just at the foot of the ridge viewpoint, allowing you to access the ridge to stargaze and watch the sunrise in about 2 minutes.

Since it is very popular among local tourists, I would recommend that you avoid visiting Doi Samer Dao on the weekends. You will have a much better experience on weekdays when you don't have to deal with as many people. Trust me, you will not want to deal with them in such a beautiful place.

Despite what I said about the crowds, Doi Samer Dao is really one of the best places to stargaze in Thailand. Due to its easy access to the viewpoint from the campsite and bald ridge, you will get an unobstructed 360° view of the surrounding mountains, which is perfect for stargazing.

Plus, right before you reach the ridge, you will find these 2 lone trees that are just perfect as a foreground subject to capture the Milky Way with your camera. If you are into astrophotography, you will love Doi Samer Dao.

Since the ridge is bald, Doi Samer Dao is also a great place to watch both the sunset and sunrise at the same location. You can see the view from both sides of the mountain, so be sure to get there before sunset.

One thing to note is that you won't be allowed to park at the campsite overnight, so you will need some time to unpack your camping gear, move your car to one of the 3 designated parking spaces below the hill, and walk around 5 minutes to get to the ridge and finally enjoy the sunset. So, be sure to spare some time.

Doi Samer Dao is located inside the Sri Nan National Park, so you will have to pay an admission fee of 100 THB (20 THB for Thais), plus 30 THB for parking. You can use the same ticket if you have already visited the Sao Din Na Noi.

Tip #1: Be sure to visit Doi Samer Dao during the new moon phase so that you will be able to see the Milky Way clearly.

Tip #2: The most concentrated area of the Milky Way will be most visible in August, but since it is during the rainy season, you won't have many days with clear skies. For a higher chance of clear skies, late November to January is recommended, but you will only see the Milky Way's trail. Even with only the Milky Way's tail visible, it is still quite a sight to behold.

11. Visit Wat Phuket

After spending a night camping at the top of Doi Samer Dao, it is time to say goodbye to the south of Nan and say hello to the north with a visit to the ancient town of Pua where Wat Phuket is located.

Located right by the Kwang River in Nan, Wat Phuket is not to be confused with Phuket, a province in Southern Thailand. Wat Phuket is a temple in Nan that gets its name from the nearby mountain called Ket.

In Thai, the word Phu (as well as Doi) means mountain, and Phuket in this case refers to Ket Mountain where the temple was built atop, hence the name "Wat Phuket".

Wat Phuket is located on top of Ket Hill, offering a stunning view of the rice paddies and the mountains of Northern Nan hovering over the horizon. Right below the temple, you will find a fish pond where you can feed the fish from the top of the mountain using PVC tubes that extend all the way to the pond from the platform.

This is the first time I have ever fed the fish in such an awesome way 😆. Have you ever seen this type of fish feeding instrument before? Let us know in the comments below.

Next to the fish pond, you will also find a Thai Lue's market where you can stroll around and buy local handicrafts and Nan traditional clothes and attires, but do not buy them here yet. If you are looking for a place to buy local products, there is a much better place located not too far from the temple, which is next on the list.

12. Buy Nan's Traditional Fabrics at Lamduan Woven Shop

Pua, the town where Wat Phuket is located, is one of the cheapest places to buy the famous Nan traditional dresses and attires, and there is no better place to buy these fabrics than at the Lamduan Woven Shop.

Lamduan Woven Shop is a locally-run shop that sources its items from minority groups all over Nan, such as the Thai Lue. You will find all levels of quality of Nan's traditional clothes with varying prices here, from factory-made ones as cheap as 100 THB to the handmade ones priced around 1500 THB.

If you are looking to buy these traditional clothes and want to support the local community, Lamduan Woven Shop is a great place to visit. The shop's opening hours are between 9 AM and 5 PM.

13. Admire the views along the road to Bo Klua

After spending some time exploring Pua, it's time to drive into the mountains of Nan once again and discover the beautiful nature of Northern Nan with a drive to Sinthao Salt Pond, our next destination, along with one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the province.

The road to Sinthao Salt Pond (Bo Kluea district) is a tourist attraction in itself, and there are several notable viewpoints you should definitely check out along the way.

First is the Floating Road Scenic Spot, which is a winding road that goes down and up the hill, allowing you to see the road along a narrow hill almost as if the road is floating.

This isn't your typical viewpoint as there are no platforms or parking spots. All you can do here is get your camera ready and take photos as you drive down the road.

DO NOT PARK your car at this spot to take photos! The road is way too narrow, and incoming cars won't be able to see your car if it's parked at the top of the hill.

The second is at the Phu Kha Viewpoint 1715, which is more of your typical viewpoint with service areas like parking spots, shops, and toilets to accommodate you. The view is pretty good here, but you will also welcome the break after driving the long winding road to Sinthao.

14. Admire the Way of Life of the People Around Sinthao Salt Pond 💎 Hidden Gem

One of the must-not-miss places to visit in Nan is the Sinthao Salt Pond or Nan's Natural Rocksalt Pond, which is located in Bo Kluea District, 110km away from downtown Nan.

Sinthao Salt Pond is an old local community that has made a living as salt makers out of the sources of rock salt found here and in the surrounding mountains for many centuries. Nan was a significant source for salt production, so much so that many kingdoms fought over Nan for control of the natural salt ponds found right here.

And you can still see these salt makers in their element, drying their products, and adapting the salt to several modern products like bath scrubs and soaps, etc., that you can buy straight from the source.

Sinthao Salt Pond is, by far, the most unique experience I had in Thailand. The locals are also very friendly and would invite those curious travelers to check out their workstation. It truly was quite a sight to behold.

There are no official opening hours at Sinthao Salt Pond, as it is basically a small village. However, the people typically start working from 6 AM to around 6 PM, so it is best if you visit Sinthao during this period. Again, there is no admission fee for the Sinthao Salt Pond.

15. Spend a Night in Sapan

Sapan is the new Pai but back in the good old days... for now. It is a beautiful, small, quiet town surrounded by mountains and rice paddies, with a calm river that runs through the village.

Sapan is a great destination that will allow you to be with nature and explore the more remote parts of Nan. Due to the town being in a valley, it is also a great place to experience the morning sea of fog, which is why I would recommend you to stay in Sapan for at least one night.

After spending the night, you can get up early in the morning and head over to Yood Vale Cafe to have a cup of coffee while enjoying the foggy morning. Then, go for a walk to Sapan Waterfall and drive up to Sapan Viewpoint via Khun Nan National Park.

As you can see, there are many things you can do here to keep yourself busy for a day. However, just like Pai, the best thing to do in Sapan is to take it slow and enjoy nature.

For accommodation, unfortunately, due to the popularity of Sapan among local tourists, the place is often flooded with Thais on the weekends. Due to the rising demand, the available accommodation can't keep up, and you will have to reserve a place before you arrive in Sapan.

Sapan has many nature-centric accommodations for you to choose from, but most are not on any booking platform, so you will have to call them up to book. I recommend you check out Baan Sapan Retreat or Yood Vale Na Sapan.

There is also a campsite near Yood Vale Cafe, so in case you are unable to find any free accommodation, you will always have a backup. If you do not have camping gear, it might be worthwhile to go and sleep near Sinthao in Bo Kluea Town instead, as I did, and drive to Sapan in the early morning. Accommodation is way cheaper in Bo Kluea Town than in Sapan, and it is only 10 km apart.

16. Check Out the Sea of Fog viewpoint at Yood Vela Cafe (Stop Time Cafe)

As mentioned earlier, when you are in Sapan, be sure to visit Yood Vale Cafe in the morning to have a nice cup of coffee while enjoying the morning sea of fog that often descends into the valley.

The coffee is not too expensive at around 70-80 THB, and they also sell pastries, although a bit pricey if you want to eat something. The cafe has a platform that goes over the cliff, and you will be able to see just how beautiful Sapan and the valley are.

Also, the toilets at Yood Vale Cafe are some of the cleanest out there. So, if you are looking for a nice toilet after a night of camping (which I found was not so easy to come by here), then I recommend you stop by Yood Vale Cafe.

What to Eat and Drink in Nan, Thailand?

1. Have Breakfast at Hot Bread Restaurant

Known for its delicious homemade bread, Hot Bread Restaurant is a small and nice cozy breakfast place that sells traditional Thai-Vietnamese dishes like Khai Grata (fried egg on a pan) as well as your usual western breakfast like scrambled eggs and omelettes.

They can be slow, as I think there is only one chef, but I assure you, their bread is worth waiting for. They also have a small bookshelf where you can buy second-hand English books for 100 THB.

Hot Bread Restaurant's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 4 PM, and the breakfast costs around 40 - 100 THB.

2. Relax with a Cup of Coffee at Arabitia Cafe

Right across the street from Nan Night Market, you will find a nice, cozy cafe called Arabitia Cafe, which I recommend if you are looking for a nice, quiet place to enjoy your coffee while you sit and read a book.

Arabitia Cafe's opening hours are between 8 AM and 8 PM. Their coffee costs about 40 - 75 THB, and you can also order Thai dishes for lunch for about 60 THB.

3. Try Nan's Khao Soi at Khao Soi Ton Nam Restaurant

Located right by the Hot Bread Restaurant, Khao Soi Ton Nam Restaurant is another popular restaurant among local tourists. The place serves Khao Soi dishes with clear soup, which is not as common to find as what you can find in places like Chiang Mai, where the soup is thickened with curry.

Khao Soi Ton Nam Restaurant opens from 8 AM to 4 PM, and their dishes cost around 45-90 THB. It's not the cheapest option out there, but it is a great place to try Nan-style Khao Soi.

4. Take a Coffee Break at Ban Tai Lue Café

One of the best cafes to stop by in Pua is the Ban Tai Lue Café, located right by Lamduan Woven Shop. The café sells cheap but delicious Thai coffee and other drinks, as well as snacks to go with them.

Ban Tai Lue Café is inside this old-school Tai Lue-style wooden house, and you will find a beautiful flower field hidden behind the building where you can walk around and take photos.

The café is very well decorated with many seating areas around the flower field. The drinks cost around 30-40 THB, and the opening hours are between 7 AM and 5 PM.

5. Enjoy a Morning Coffee at Yood Vela Cafe (Stop Time Cafe)

As mentioned earlier, if you decide to travel to Sapan, a must-visit cafe is the Yood Vale Cafe, which has one of the best views in Sapan and is a great place to experience the morning sea of fog.

They sell coffee for around 70-80 THB, which is pricey, but you are paying for the view, and it doesn't disappoint. Find a seat by the balcony and wait as the sea of fog dissipates, revealing just how beautiful Sapan is when seen from above.

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When to visit Nan, Thailand?

The best time to visit Nan is from November to January, when the weather is cold, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more with cooler temperatures and a beautiful blue sky.

That said, Thailand has also suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, which is extremely prevalent during Thailand's late winter period (January - February). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March-April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle heat well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also see a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

How to Get to Nan, Thailand?

Nan is located in Thailand, and in order to get to Nan, you will first have to make your way to either Bangkok, its capital, or Chiang Mai, a northern tourist hub. Depending on where you are, here are some of the ways you can get to Thailand:

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from most European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you do not mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options for this.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Nan

Once you arrive in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, you will then have to find your way to Nan. Here are some ways to get from Bangkok to Nan:

By Air: You can fly directly from Bangkok to Nan via low-cost airlines such as Nok Air for around 1700 THB per person. They fly twice per day from Don Muang Airport, and it is the fastest way to get to Nan. For the best price, I recommend you book your flight in advance. You can book the flight from Bangkok to Nan here.

By Buses/Vans: If you are not in a rush, you can also take an overnight bus from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Nan Bus Terminal, which will take around 9.5 hours. There are approximately 9 buses leaving from Bangkok to Nan, and it costs around 650 THB. You can book the bus from Bangkok to Nan here.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Nan

By Buses/Vans: If you are already in Chiang Mai, you can take the daily bus/van operated by the Green Bus Company from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal Arcade 3, and the bus will take you to Nan in about 6.5 hours for 300 - 500 THB per person.

There are around 7 buses per day. The number of buses may vary depending on the day you want to travel. Check out the official Green Bus timetable for more details. You can book the bus from Chiang Mai to Nan here.

By Rented Car: Renting a car from Chiang Mai to travel to Nan is also a great option if you are already in Chiang Mai and looking for an easy and comfortable way to get to Nan.

There are several car rental companies operated right from the Chiang Mai airport with a price range of around 700 - 1500 THB, depending on how big the car is. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai here.

By Rented Motorcycle: You can also rent a motorbike straight from Chiang Mai and drive to Nan in about 6 hours. To rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop in Chiang Mai that offers a wide range of motorbike options for you to choose from.

For a 150cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic. I highly recommend getting a motorbike with a 150cc engine or higher to tackle the mountain road in Nan.

How to Get Around Nan, Thailand?

There are tons of things to do in Nan, all spread out across the province, and in order to see them all, you will need your vehicle. Here are ways you can rent a vehicle to explore Nan:

By Renting a Motorcycle: If you are looking to rent a motorcycle within the city center, you can rent one from the Frabbit Motorbike Rental Store for 250 THB per day. Their motorbikes are in great condition, and they are well trusted by local travelers.

Since we will be traveling up and down mountains, make sure you rent a motorbike with at least 150cc or higher so that you can make the climb without causing a mountain traffic jam.

In order to rent a motorbike here, you will have to provide an ID or a valid driving license (don't leave your passport with them as you will likely need it; give them a photocopy version instead), a deposit of around 1000 THB, and you are off to explore Nan. Yup, it's that easy to rent a scooter in Thailand.

By Renting a Car: If you are not a strong motorbike driver, you can also rent a car instead. HERTZ and AVIS rental kiosks are operating right at the Nan Nakhon Airport with several selections of cars from 900 THB to 1500 THB per day.

To rent, you only have to pay a deposit of 8,000 THB and provide a copy of your passport, a driving license, and a credit card. Rent a car in Nan here.

How Many Days Do I Need For Nan, Thailand?

To truly experience Nan and all that it has to offer, I recommend staying for at least 4 days (3 nights). Here's a suggested 4-day itinerary for your time in Nan:

Day 1: Explore Nan City and all its attractions around the city center. Visit the National Museum, Wat Phumin, Nan's Night Market, etc.

Day 2: Spend the morning relaxing in Nan City before heading south to visit Sao Din Na Noi and camp at Doi Samer Dao.

Day 3: Drive to Pua and explore what the town has to offer, shop for Nan's traditional fabric before heading into the mountains, visit Sinthao Salt Pond, and sleep in Sapan.

Day 4: Explore Sapan before heading back to Nan City and home.

How Much Money Do I Need For Nan, Thailand?

With the 4-day itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much you would spend on this trip as follows:

Accommodation: For 4 nights in Nan, you can expect to pay around 45 USD for accommodation.

Food: For 4 days in Nan, the food costs around 50 THB per meal, so you will be paying 600 THB in total for food.

Transportation: For the 4-day 150cc motorbike rental (500 THB per day) plus gas (~500 THB), you can expect to pay around 2,500 THB for transportation.

Activities: For activities, you will be paying for Sao Din Na Noi and Doi Samer Dao (~120 THB), 100 THB to enter Nan National Museum, and that's it. All the other activities are free, so in total, you will pay around 220 THB per person in Nan.

Total budget for 3 days in Nan: 4,664 THB (156.2 USD).

Is Nan, Thailand Safe?

Like most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand, Nan is extremely safe to travel to. The locals are extra friendly as they don't usually get a lot of tourists, and you will unlikely find scammers or touts like in other places in Thailand.

That said, since you will be driving on Thai roads, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but we sometimes drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Nan, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Nan, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. I myself use AIS, as I have been with them since my first phone, and they have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Nan, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Nan, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
• Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
• As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, located 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many lesser-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here is a list of the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How do you find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off-the-beaten-path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fa, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful scenery, waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.