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ByPetra Udomprasert Updated on

Rangsikasem Building: Nan’s Colonial-Era Hidden Gem

So you’re visiting Nan Province, and by some mysterious force, you’ve gotten the idea of seeing Rangsikasem Building? Great! Then I’m proud to present the city’s most underrated historical attraction.

Unlike the province’s Lanna temples and mountain villages, Rangsikasem Building is where Nan’s centuries-long history unfolds from the Western perspective.

The weirdest thing about it is probably that its doors are always closed…

While anyone can drive by and take a quick look at the building, you need an appointment to enter. Imagine how many have driven by without entering because they thought it was closed that day!

But as the history-obsessed cultural nerd that I am, I wasn’t going to settle for the exterior. After driving by, entering the school, talking to the security guard, and a phone call later, I’m proud to share with you exactly how you can visit, too!

An Introduction to Nan and Its Western Story

Known by Thai travelers as the ultimate slow-life destination, Nan has steadily gained popularity over the past several years, although it remains a hidden gem to foreigners.

Little do most people know that it is almost as old as Sukhothai, the first historical capital of Thailand. Nicknamed the Living Old City, you’ll find temples and attractions nearly a thousand years old, well-preserved, and still running.

But Lanna temples aren’t the only structures you’ll see here.

When Western missionaries traveled around Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai included) in the early 20th century, they came to Nan and left footprints here, too. Let’s look at one of those.

⏳ Planning Nan last minute? Here’s everything you’ll need!

Best Hotel: Pukha Nanfa 👉 Check on Booking | Check on Agoda

Transportation is nonexistent outside the city, rent a car!

A rustic seating area inside the historic Rangsikasem Building in Nan, Thailand, featuring two wicker chairs and a small wooden table with a candle and plant. The space is illuminated by natural light streaming through an arched opening, revealing a view of a traditional house with a tin roof and lush greenery outside. A framed painting depicting a vintage scene rests on an easel to the left, complementing the warm, aged ambiance of the space.

What Is Rangsikasem Building?

As cultural travelers, don’t we love knowing what we’re looking at wherever we go? Let me tell you how this Western-style building ended up in one of the most authentically Thai cities in the country.

Today, the building is the history hall of Nan Christian School, but it was initially built as the first girls’ school in Nan, completed in 1916 by the missionaries.

Only the central section existed in the beginning. The left section was built to house dormitories for students and teachers, and later, the right section was added to house more classrooms as the school grew.

A vintage-style sitting area, featuring exposed brick walls, an old fireplace, and antique furniture. The dimly lit room, framed by a large arched entryway, is decorated with vintage radios, clocks, and cabinets filled with historical artifacts.

Hidden Curiosities Inside the Building

It may look like just another Western-style building, but there are curiosities hidden throughout. You just have to know what to look for. Let me walk you through!

1. A Fake Attic Window

The full frontal view of the Rangsikasem Building, a historic two-story structure with symmetrical architecture, arched windows, and a striking red-tiled roof. The faded lavender facade, open wooden shutters, and empty parking lot create a timeless, abandoned atmosphere.

Before entering, look at the two attic windows on the third floor of both wings. The building only has two floors with no access to an attic, so they’re there just to boost aesthetic values.

2. The Only Chimney in Nan (Maybe in Thailand)

Look at the roof towards the back in this photo…

A side view of the Rangsikasem Building, showcasing its lavender-colored brick walls and orange-tiled roof. The open wooden shutters and arched windows hint at the building’s historic past, while a small chimney rises in the background.

Yes, that is a chimney! But the temperature in Nan fluctuates between 14 to 37°C (57-98°F), depending on the season, so what is the chimney for? 🤔

This was and remains the only building with a chimney in Nan, and maybe Thailand.

3. Furniture Without Nails

A close-up of an old wooden desk in the building lobby, showing signs of wear with a wedge holding the corner together. The reflection on the glass tabletop captures the dimly lit interior, adding to the rustic, aged ambiance of the space.

Look closely at this desk, which will be on your left when you walk through the main doors. Its three parts were assembled with no nails at all, only wedges.

4. Self-Locking Windows

Close-up of an aged wooden window with a rusty automatic latch, set against a weathered red brick wall in the historic Rangsikasem Building. The chipped paint and worn-out lock highlight the building’s vintage charm and architectural details.

The windows of this building have special locks designed to click shut as soon as they hit the frame. I imagine that safety was quite important in a building where a bunch of little girls live.

5. An Actual Fireplace (Yup… in Thailand!)

One that goes up to that very chimney, to be exact. It makes you wonder if anyone ever lit a fire in here while in a tropical climate…

A nostalgic interior featuring an old fireplace with peeling yellow paint, a vintage radio, and a wooden cabinet filled with books. The dimly lit room is furnished with rustic wooden chairs, a lantern, and an antique trunk, evoking a historic atmosphere.

That aside, this room full of vintage memorabilia is my favorite in the entire building!

6. A Thousand Old Photographs

While you’ll see a handful of old photographs in the lobby, those are nothing compared to the second-floor exhibits.

An open wooden door leads to an exhibition room inside the Rangsikasem Building, where walls are adorned with historic photographs in blue tones. The wooden floor and arched doorways contribute to the building’s preserved colonial-era charm.
A dimly lit hallway with old wooden floors and walls decorated with framed historic photographs. Open doors reveal glimpses of other rooms, adding to the building’s nostalgic ambiance.
An old classroom inside the Rangsikasem Building, furnished with wooden desks and benches arranged in rows. The aged chalkboard and surrounding walls display historic photographs, offering visitors a glimpse into the building’s past as an educational space.

In each room on the second floor, you’ll find hundreds of old photographs lining the walls.

These are mostly of old Nan leaders and kings of Thailand on their visits to the local communities. It’s another fantastic way to learn about Nan.

7. Slanted Corridors to Prevent Flooding

Why is the second-floor corridor slanted? You think it’s age and weight?

A long, slanted corridor with a wooden floor, exposed beams, and a white metal railing. The red brick walls are adorned with historic photographs, while a series of open wooden doors reveal glimpses of the rooms beyond.

Nope. It’s completely intentional!

When the rain fell through the roof, these corridors made sure the second floor wouldn’t get flooded. A gutter is attached at the end to collect rainwater in a giant tank in a corner.

Vsiting the Rangsikasem Building

Are you ready to see the building’s curiosities and Nan’s history in person?

Luckily, the Rangsikasem Building is located quite close to Old Nan City. A drive takes less than 10 minutes, and biking is convenient! There is ample parking on the school lot, too. That’s a big plus.

Address: 5 Rangsi Kasem, Nai Wiang, Mueang Nan, Nan 55000

How to Make an Appointment

The building technically operates on the same schedule as the school it’s located in, but the doors are always closed, and walk-ins are not allowed.

You have to make an appointment for the school caretaker to come and open it for you.

Make an appointment by calling +66-87-178-2588 (Prof. Ton). Once you both settle on a time, he will either meet you in person, or tell the school caretaker to open the doors for you.

As long as the building’s open for you, you can enter for free. However, the school accepts donations for maintenance.

How to Incorporate the Building Into Your Plans

This section is especially for my fellow planners who may collapse from anxiety visiting somewhere without a locked-in plan. Here are my tips for making it happen.

  • When planning for Nan, leave one day free, with items that can go in the morning or the afternoon.
  • Be ready to swap it with another planned day in case the building can’t open on the day you plan to visit.
  • Call in for an appointment as soon as you arrive in Nan.
  • Start by telling the professor which date and time you prefer, and go from there.
The building's open lobby with high wooden ceilings and yellowed walls exudes a vintage charm. The space is minimally furnished with wooden tables and chairs, with historic photographs adorning the walls, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

When visiting, don’t forget to dress respectfully. The building is part of a school. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops.

Once you’ve locked in a date for Rangsikasem, you’re then free to do whatever else you want during your time in Nan. I recommend cafe-hopping around the city, or wander out to Sapan Village and the ancient salt ponds if you’re comfortable driving.

But whatever you do, I recommend visiting the National Museum first for context.

For a good stay, I highly recommend the Pukha Nanfa Hotel ($$) for your time in Nan District.

A cozy lounge area in Pukha Nanfa Hotel, decorated with large red Chinese lanterns that cast a warm glow over the dark wooden furniture. The open-air balcony overlooks the city, creating a peaceful spot to relax with traditional Thai-style seating.
A warmly lit corridor in Pukha Nanfa Hotel, with terracotta-tiled flooring, rich wooden paneling, and intricate Thai textile hangings. Decorative lanterns and potted plants line the walkway, leading to a beautifully carved wooden door at the far end.
A dimly lit hallway in Pukha Nanfa Hotel, featuring polished wooden walls, framed textile art, and an open skylight that casts intricate shadows. Hanging Lanna-style decorations and warm lighting enhance the elegant, traditional Thai ambiance of the space.

Not only is it decorated in traditional Lanna style and has amazing service, but it’s also one of the oldest hotels. Pretty cool, huh?

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.

Learn the dos and don’ts in Thai culture and some local phrases before arriving.

Don’t forget to always have cash on hand. The smaller the notes, the better!

Grab My Thailand E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

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Petra Udomprasert is a career immersive travel blogger and the founder of Polyglot Petra. Believing in travel as a force that inspires empathy and respect in our world, she writes travel guides that deeply explore the history and culture of every destination she visits, leveraging her fluency in five different languages to access the local perspective. Through her immersive guides and localized language tips, she has helped tens of thousands of travelers enjoy trips that leave lasting positive impacts on their lives.