5 Days in Nan Province: An Immersive Itinerary
While I’ll always have a place in my heart for Chiang Mai’s artsy vibes, I felt much more at home five hours away in Nan. Here in Nan, there were very limited western brunch spots, and I could count the foreigners on my fingers.
Known among Thai people as the “living old city,” Nan is a place where you walk around and you can feel its 800 years of history in today’s way of life. It’s feels frozen in time, yet everything’s functioning as it should in the 21st century.
With this itinerary that I carefully designed for history-appreciating, nature-loving immersive travelers, you can spend 5 days in Nan Province with Northern Thai culture to your heart’s content.
Temple hop from a hilltop golden Buddha to a stunning golden sanctuary, wake up to the sounds of birds chirping in Sapan Valley, and sip coffee by the rice fields in Pua are only a part of it!
A Preview of Your 5-Day Itinerary
If you’re looking to spend only 5 days in Nan, I will assume it’s your first visit. If you’ve been there before, you might have planned for a month instead of 5 days. (Hah!)
This itinerary perfectly balances temples and food in Nan City, history in Pua, and relaxation in Sapan and Doi Sakad. Basically, every mood Nan has to offer rolled into one! Here’s a quick look.
- Day 1: Temples and History in Nan City
- Day 2: Hidden Gems in Nan City
- Day 3: Sapan Village and Nan Salt Ponds
- Day 4: Pua and Doi Sakad country life
- Day 5: Slow morning and return to Nan City
NOTE: Please plan to have day 2 land on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to make the most of this itinerary. We have a weekend night market to attend!
โณ Planning Nan last minute? Here’s everything you’ll need!
- This local eSIM lets you stay connected on your own number
- Must-have Apps: Grab, Papago AI Translator, Google Maps, TagThai
- Checklist: Grab my FREE Thailand E-Checklist to help you plan!
Best Hotel: Pukha Nanfa ๐ Check on Booking | Check on Agoda
Transportation is nonexistent outside the city, rent a car!

How to Get to Nan Province
Since I don’t know where Nan will land on your Thailand itinerary, I’ll tell you how to get there from two main travel hubs, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
From Chiang Mai to Nan
- โ๏ธ Plane: No direct flights from Chiang Mai
- ๐ Car: 5 hours (best option)
- ๐ Bus: Not available, only private transfers
From Bangkok to Nan
- โ๏ธ Plane: 1-hour flight (recommended)
- ๐ Car: 9-10 hours (works great if you want to stop in Sukhothai)
- ๐ Bus: 16-17 hours, cheapest but takes โจa whileโจ
Once youโve decided how you want to get to Nan, you can start searching for your rental car or the best flight deals.
I recommend 12GoAsia to find bus rides from Bangkok or a transfer from Chiang Mai,
Buses take the longest time, but are economically the best option, starting at US$25. Transfers are at least US$100.
Day 1: Temple and History in Old Nan City
Known locally as “The Living Old City,” Nan has been around for almost as long as Sukhothai. You won’t see many ruins, though, because everything is still in operation.
Spend your first day getting acquainted with the capital of the province and all its glorious temples. The plan may sound like a lot, but everything is so walkable that you’ll be done with everything before you know it.
Nan National Museum
Visiting the city museum is almost always the first thing I do in a new place.
The things that excite you for one reason often have a different meaning to the locals. Finding that context helps put your experience into perspective.


For a city as underrated and less frequented as Nan, the museum is impressive, beautiful and well-curated. It walks you through the history and culture of the people. Yes, there are English plaques.
One hour is all you need to get through everything.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
- Admission Fee: 100 THB (US$3)
- Location: เธเธดเธเธดเธเธ เธฑเธเธเธชเธเธฒเธเนเธซเนเธเธเธฒเธเธด Phakong, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
Plumeria Tunnel
After visiting the museum, you can snap a few shots with the popular Plumeria Tunnel in front if you’d like.

Wat Phumin (Whispering Mural)
This temple is one of the emblems of Nan Province, with the famous “Whispering Mural” on its interior wall that has turned Nan into a romantic destination for locals.

The building itself is also unique, being the only temple in the country built with four gable ends with four entrances. The Buddha image inside also faces all four sides.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: เธเธฒเธเธญเธ Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000


Lunch at Khao Soi Ton Nam
From Wat Phumin, walk a few minutes west and you’ll find the best place to get a bowl of Khao Soi in possibly Northern Thailand.
I’m not even kidding. I’ve tried the dish in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, too. This one is INSANE.

There are no English menus, but the good news is that Google Translate and Papago camera functions work on the handwritten wall menu!
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
- Location: 38/1-2, Suriyapong Rd, Mai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Khao Soi, Kanomjeen Nam Ngiao
Wat Ming Mueang (The White Temple of Nan)
Although not covered in shards of glass and extremely glittery like the one in Chiang Rai, Wat Ming Mueang stands out among the other temples in the Old City for its pure white exterior.

Inside the temple is the Pillar Shrine, a golden pillar believed to hold the deity that protects the city. Each city has one, and they’re usually the first thing to be built at the founding.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: Suriyapong Rd, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
Optional Afternoon Snack: Thai Tea Bingsu
Right next door to Wat Ming Mueng is Cha Na Agape, one of my favorite cafes in Nan.

They have a wide selection of coffee, tea, and bingsu, but my absolute favorite is their Thai Tea Bingsu. It tastes amazing, of course, but wait until you try the texture. Mmmm!
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Location: 26 3-4 Suriyapong Rd, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Thai Tea Bingsu, Coconut Water Americano
Wat Si Phan Ton: The Golden Temple
Walk a few minutes west and you’ll arrive at the Golden Temple of Nan, Wat Si Phan Ton.

I don’t think anything needs to be said about its appearance. I’ll just let you look at the picture.
Another important artifact of the old Nan Kingdom is here, though! Housed in a small building northeast of the Golden Sanctuary is a 600-year-old “Happy Buddha” statue, perfectly preserved. Don’t miss out on this.

The Old City Wall Sunset Walk
Walk 10 minutes north of Wat Si Phan Ton to find Nan’s Old City Wall.
While you can’t and shouldn’t climb the ancient brick structure, there’s a well-shaded walking trail that runs parallel to the wall.

The locals love to come and hang out here closer to sunset. There are benches here and there where you can rest and relax, but the whole trail takes only 5-10 minutes without stopping.
Dinner at Huen Horm
Possibly the most popular restaurant in Nan City, Huen Horm is never quiet. You’re always in the company of small tour groups or a bunch of locals.
Unfortunately, they don’t sell the typical Khao Soi or Kanomjeen Nam Ngiao for dinner, but you’re not missing out as long as you’ve tried them at Khao Soi Ton Nam.

On the other hand, their Gaeng Hang Le (Northern Thai Curry) was the best one I’ve ever tried. Order yours with a plate of steaming jasmine rice, and drip some soup on it before eating.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Location: 11 12 Suriyapong Rd, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Gaeng Hang Le, Northern Hors d’oeuvres
Day 2: Nan’s Hidden Charms and Weekend Market
We’ll explore the lesser-frequented spots and restaurants in the city for most of today, ending with the lively weekend night market.
Local Breakfast at Lerd Rod
Do you know what the Thai version of scrambled eggs and bacon is? A bowl of clear Pork Blood Soup, served steaming hot with a bowl of rice.

The name may sound scary, but it’s a clear, soul-warming soup with pork balls, blood curds, and vegetables. Add chili flakes, fish sauce, or vinegar to flavor it to your liking.
I’ll be very surprised if you find another foreigner here. Have fun breaking the fast with the locals!
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM daily
- Location: 349 11 Sumon Thewarat, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Pork Blood Soup (with rice), Guay Jub
Wat Phra That Khao Noi Morning View
One of the most iconic views of Nan is here! From up the hill in Wat Phra That Khao Noi, you can take an epic photo of a golden Buddha image looking out at the city.
Unfortunately, the Buddha was undergoing a makeover when I went, so I took this photo below from a page of the travel book I had in my hotel room. This way, you can see what you’ll get.

There are 74 steps to get up to the temple from the taxi drop-off. You can bypass the stairs and ask to be dropped off at the temple parking lot, too.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: 128 เธซเธกเธนเนเธเธตเน 11 Du Tai, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
This is another significant temple to the locals and Nan’s history. It was built in the 14th Century to the east of Nan River, where the city center was at the time.

The King of Nan, Phaya Kan Mueang, had it built to enshrine the 7 Buddha relics he had received from King Maha Thammaracha I of Sukhothai.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: เธซเธกเธนเนเธเธตเน 3 89 Muang Tuet, Phu Phiang District, Nan 55000
Rangsikasem Building (Appointment Required)
This Western-style building is always closed and is asily the most hidden of all hidden gems.

To visit and look at the historical exhibitions inside, call the building’s overseer, a schoolteacher, and make an appointment a few days in advance.
He’ll then have a caretaker open the doors for you.
The hassle is completely worth it. Apart from the many architectural curiosities, this building can show you Nan’s history from the missionaries’ perspective.
- Call to make an appointment
- Admission: FREE
- Location: 5 Rangsi Kasem, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000


Lunch at Huean Phuka
Again, I’d be surprised if you run into other foreigners here. Huean Phuka, one of my top recommendations in Nan, is another local favorite, untouched by visitors.

You won’t get any Khao Soi here, but I highly recommend trying less-promoted Northern Thai dishes like Gaeng Yod Maprao (spicy soup with coconut shoots) and Chiang Da Kua Khai (northern Thai vegetables stir-fried).
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Location: 13 2 Kha Luang, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Gaeng Yod Maprao Gai Baan, Chiang Da Kua Khai
Chill Afternoon at Luem Wela Cafe
Forget camping because Luem Wela also does the job if relaxing on a hill away from the city is what you’re looking for.

Order a cup of Americano or an iced latte, grab a seat in one of their lawn chairs, and enjoy the breeze as you look out into nowhere, just the greens and the sky.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
- Location: Pha Sing, Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Americano, outdoor seating area
Wat Phra That Chang Kham
This temple was built in the first decade of the 15th Century to become the royal chapel that holds important ceremonies for the kingdom.

Wat Phra That Chang Kham was inspired by the architecture of Sukhothai, noticeable from the golden Lanka-style chedi that houses the relics.
Supporting the Phra That is brick and mortar, molded into the forms of 20 elephants. This gives name to the temple, as “Chang Kham” means “supported by elephants.”
Dinner at the Nan Weekend Night Market
There’s no need to figure out a dinner restaurant today because nothing beats the night market street food, am I right?

Every weekend from Friday night, the whole street next to Wat Phumin and the City Plaza is closed to car traffic, making way for countless food and souvenir vendors and their customers.
You can also get standard Thai dishes like the Holy Basil Pork here if you miss them while up north.
- Market Hours: 4:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Location: Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000
- Must-Try: Anything you can get your hands on!
Day 3: Traditional Salt-Making and Sapan Village
Today marks the start of your true countryside experience!
Visit the 800-Year-Old Nan Salt Ponds
Visiting the Salt Ponds is one of the top activities I recommend in Nan Province, and the only way you can watch salt being made the traditional way.

From harvesting 50-60 buckets of saltwater from the well to boiling the brine over a woodfire stovetop, it’s all routine for the villagers. But not for us, right?
READ MORE: A Guide to Visiting the Nan Salt Ponds
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: 259 เธซเธเนเธฒเธเธตเน 1 เนเธเธจเธเธฒเธฅ, Bo Kluea Tai, Bo Kluea, Nan 55220
Coffee By the River at Lhong Khao Cafe
The boiling stoves at the salt ponds are HOT. That means you need an iced coffee break by the river, specifically 5 minutes away.

Lhong Khao, a stylish cafe right by the highway, faces the river while making it super easy for visitors to access. Their Matcha Latte and Iced Orange Americano are both to die for.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Location: 1081, Bo Kluea Tai, Bo Kluea, Nan 55220
- Must-Try: Matcha Latte, Almond Cake, Orange Americano
Hike the Sapan Waterfall
Sapan Village, or Baan Sapan, is only a 10-minute drive from Lhong Khao and your destination for the day.
Once you’ve arrived, deposit your bags at the homestay and walk over to Sapan Waterfall, located on the edge of Khun Nan National Park.

The trail is well-paved with concrete stairs and is easy, especially if you’re a routine hiker. The waterfall is not big, but the soothing sounds and mystical lighting will more than make up for your efforts.
LEARN MORE: Things to Do in Sapan
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: Dong Phaya, Bo Kluea District, Nan 55220
Free Time to Relax or Explore
Your homestay should be ready for check-in by now. Get settled in and enjoy a slow moment to yourself before traveling again tomorrow.
If you have some time left before you get hungry, take this opportunity to stroll around the village and soak in the peaceful surroundings. You know, excluding the roosters.

Night Market Dinner on Sapan Bridge
I keep asking you to do things the local style, don’t I? Well, I’m not about to stop.
Every afternoon and evening on Sapan Bridge, a handful of local vendors would set up their food stands for people to have dinner by the river.

Grab a seat with the traditional Khan Toke, the “woven table” on one side of the bridge, and enjoy the view of the Wa River as you chomp on typical dishes only found in Sapan; Yum Mee Tai Lue is one of them if you can handle spice!
- Market Hours: 3:00 โ 9:00 PM daily
- Location: Sapan Bridge, Unnamed Road Dong Phaya, Bo Kluea, Nan 55220
- Must-Try: Khao Puk Nga, Yum Mee Tai Lue, Khai Pam


Day 4: Scenic Drives, Pua, and Doi Sakad
Let’s start today with a slow morning because you’ll be driving quite a bit!
Traditional Breakfast at the Homestay
Have breakfast by the river at the homestay.
This is included in your room price, so take advantage of it!

Coffee Overlooking the Valley at Yud Vela Cafe
Before you leave, say goodbye to Sapan from above at Yud Vela Cafe, overlooking the rice fields of the valley. They make the most delicious Avocado Blended, but of course, their coffee is good, too.

- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Location: 52 Dong Phaya, Bo Kluea, Nan 55220
- Must-Try: Avocado and Milk Blended
Drive on Nan’s Floating Road to Pua
The drive from Bo Kluea to Pua District is considered one of the most scenic in Thailand.
About 40 minutes into the drive, you’ll pass a section known to the locals as “the floating road,” where the mountain drops on both sides of the road, leaving it looking almost like it’s floating among the mist.
There is no place for you to stop your car and get a good picture, though. Just enjoy the unique view!
Huanam Mushroom Farm and Wang Silalaeng
Your first stop in the old capital of Nan Kingdom, Pua District, is a famous mushroom farm, run by a local for the locals.


In Huanam Mushroom Farm, there’s a souvenir shop, a homestay, a restaurant, and mushroom tents where visitors can explore at their own leisure.

Optional: Follow a set of stairs down to the lower road. Turn right and go until the road ends (about 7-10 minutes), you’ll find Wang Silalaeng, another hidden gem, and what I think looks like a mini version of the Narrows.
Farm-to-table Lunch at the Mushroom Farm
Once you’re ready for food, settle in at the farm restaurant and order a cup of Mushroom Cream Soup. You’ll thank me later.

I got the soup and the pizza, and they were delicious, but feel free to try anything on the menu. They’re all mushroom-themed and made fresh with the farm mushrooms you saw in the tents, of course!
- Restaurant Hours: 8:00 AM โ 6:00 PM daily
- Must-Try: Mushroom Cream Soup, Mushroom Pizza
Wat Phuket for Countryside Views
This is not only the most important temple to the locals, but it’s also the perfect spot for you to see some of the most peaceful views of Pua.

And no, it has no ties to Phuket, the southern province. The temple just happens to be in Ban Ket Village, while the word “Phu” means a hill. So, the name means the temple on the hill of Ban Ket.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Admission: FREE
- Location: Wora Nakhon, Pua District, Nan 55120
Stop at Ban Tai Lue Cafe for a Strawberry Latte
Although this massive cafe is beautiful and has multiple seating areas, we’re mostly stopping for the famous “Tai Lue Coffee” and some strangely delicious Perilla Seeds Snack Bars.


Better views are waiting for you atop the mountains this evening!
The Tai Lue people migrated down from today’s Southern China and are indigenous to the Nan Kingdom. Their community is most well-preserved here, where they first settled.

Their coffee is basically a latte mixed with strawberries. Mmmm!
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM โ 5:00 PM daily
- Location: 164 เธซเธกเธนเน 4 Sila Laeng, Pua District, Nan 55120
- Must-Try: Tai Lue Coffee, Orange Americano, Perilla Seeds Bar
Spend the Night at a Doi Sakad Homestay
This is possibly the most stressful bit of driving you’ll do on this itinerary.
From Pua, the drive up to Doi Sakad is not far but takes 40 minutes because of the narrow, winding roads. The locals drive fast, so be extra careful around corners.
There are many homestays and hotel options in Doi Sakad. I recommend Baan Mom, where I stayed.

The 900 THB/person/night (US$27) comes with free homemade breakfast and dinner per day. You can only book via Messenger, where the host will use Google Translate to communicate with you.
Day 5: A Slow Farewell to Nan
Wake up to the epic views of Doi Sakad and some cloud inversions if you’re lucky and it’s humid enough.
Homemade Northern Thai Breakfast
At the homestay, you can tell the host what time you’d like your breakfast served.

Today is mostly freestyle since I don’t like crowding the last day of an itinerary. This way, you have time to repeat whatever you enjoyed the most.
Enjoy your breakfast with a view, and then walk a few minutes up to Jak-ka-pat Cafe.
Morning Tea and Scones at Jak-ka-pat Cafe
For the locals of Doi Sakad, this homestay is THE cafe to chill at.
They only make one kind of pastry, the butter scones, but for good reason. They are so delicious, only one might not be enough. Have some with the signature Butterfly Pea Honey Lemon and soak in the fresh air.



- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM โ 5:00 PM daily
- Location: 129 เธซเธกเธนเน 5 Sakat, Pua District, Nan 55120
- Must-Try: Butter Scones, Butterfly Pea Honey Lemon
Return to Nan City
Once you’ve had enough of nature up in Doi Sakad, slowly head back to Nan City and spend your last afternoon doing whatever makes you feel alive.
You may want to repeat some activities or revisit cafes you enjoyed, or explore some new ones, or you may just want to nap and recover. That’s okay, too!
Nan 5-Day Itinerary Map
Save this pinned map to your phone so you don’t have to keep reading this itinerary. It’s filtered by day!
Recommended Places to Stay in Nan
For the sake of convenience on this particular itinerary, below are the hotels and homestays I recommend at each of the three places you’ll visit.
|
Area |
Recommended Stay |
Price Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Nan City |
$$ |
|
|
Sapan Village |
$$$ |
|
|
Doi Sakad |
$ |
More Itineraries to Help You Plan Thailand
With this itinerary, you should be able to experience the best of Nan’s culture in what I think is the minimum possible time.
Combine it with another 3 days in Chiang Mai, 2 days in Chiang Rai, and I think you’ll get a pretty satisfying time out of Northern Thailand.
If you’re visiting Central Thailand, too, use my standard 5-day itinerary for Bangkok as a starting point. I also highly recommend a quick visit to Kanchanaburi as well.
For more ideas, check my Thailand Cultural Travel page.
Helpful Travel Tips for Thailand
All visitors need to fill out a Digital Arrival Card no longer than 3 days before their trip to Thailand. And if applicable, a visa.
- Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
- Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
- Must-have Apps: Grab, Papago AI Translator, Google Maps
Learn the dos and donโts in Thai culture and some local phrases before arriving.
Donโt forget to always have cash on hand. The smaller the notes, the better!
Grab My Thailand E-Checklist
To make sure you donโt leave anything important out of your preparations, Iโve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!
๐ Pin this for later


