About Nan Province
Nan is one of northern Thailand's most rewarding and least-visited provinces — a river valley surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an old city that has barely changed in decades, some of Thailand's finest 15th-century temple murals, a distinct Tai Lue cultural tradition, and outstanding natural scenery in Doi Phu Kha National Park. The town moves at an extremely gentle pace. Wat Phumin contains nationally celebrated mural paintings featuring unusually expressive figures including a famous whispering couple that has become one of northern Thailand's most reproduced images. The Nan River originates in this province and flows southward to join the Chao Phraya.
Key facts
- Population
- 476,727 (2020)
- Area
- 11,472 km²
- Density
- 42 / km²
- Districts
- 15
- Capital
- Nan
- ISO code
- TH-55
- Airport
- Nan Nakhon Airport (NNT)
National parks (3)
Doi Phu Kha National Park, Khun Nan National Park, Tham Sakoen National Park
All 15 districts
Ban Luang · Bo Kluea · Chaloem Phra Kiat · Chiang Klang · Mae Charim · Mueang Nan · Na Muen · Na Noi · Phu Phiang · Pua · Santi Suk · Song Khwae · Tha Wang Pha · Thung Chang · Wiang Sa
Top Highlights
Wat Phumin
15th-century temple with exceptional mural paintings including the famous Whispering Lovers
Doi Phu Kha National Park
highland forests, rare pink cherry blossoms in January, orchids
Nan National Museum
excellent collection of Tai Lue art and the Black Elephant Tusk of the Nan princes
Nan old town
preserved wooden shophouses and authentic northern market culture
Getting There
Nan Airport (NNT) has daily flights from Bangkok (Nok Air and Bangkok Airways, about 1 hour 10 minutes). Buses from Bangkok's Northern Terminal take 10–11 hours; from Chiang Mai, the journey takes 6–7 hours. Within the province, car hire or motorbike is recommended for reaching Doi Phu Kha.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources
Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.
- 1.Q244698 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
- 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
- 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026
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