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DESTINATION:
Nan Province

Northern Thailand is full of places to visit and can serve all kinds of tourists. However, if you prefer places off the beaten track, then Nan Province is a place you should consider visiting.

First founded in the 13th century, Meuang Nan continued to be an independent kingdom until two centuries later, when the power in the region started to shift after the decline of Sukhothai. With that decline, Nan city was captured successively by Lanna, Burmese and Siamese forces respectively before eventually being reintegrated as a province almost forty years later.

Geographically, the province is located in the remote valley of the Nan River. Surrounded by mountains covered with forests that were home to the so-called communist movement during the cold war, Nan used to be rather hard to access. The proper road to Nan was constructed only recently, paving the way for tourists to experience the relatively unspoiled natural paradise that's perfect for trekking and rafting, including the remarkable Doi Phuka with its highest peak at an altitude of almost two thousand meters.

One of the annual celebrations worth checking out is the famous Nan longboat race which takes place some time toward the end of September. (Current schedule not yet available).

The neighboring provinces include (from south clockwise) Uttaradit, Phrae and Phayao provinces. To the north and east it borders the Lao province of Xaignabouri, which is also accessible through Nan as well.

How to get there?

Nan can be reached by road. It's 318 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Almost hourly, buses depart from the Arcade Bus Station. If you want to drive there, take the super highway to Lampang, turn left into Highway 1 and right again to 11, which will lead you to 101 and all the way through to your destination.

Alternatively, you can take a train to Denchai station in Phrae Province, and connect with local transport from there for another 143 kilometers. However, this can be more difficult for foreigners, given the language differences in those parts... where even Central Thais have been known to be stumped by the odd local phrase or two.

Text : Terryl
Photos: SP