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Thailand - Nan

Photo Gallery of Nan in Northern Thailand.
Nan is one of provinces of Thailand, located 670km north of Bangkok and situated to the east of Chiangmai around the border between Thailand and Laos. Province capital is also named Nan.

Wat Phrathat Khao Noi. A Buddha image watches over the city on the hill.

We visited there by car from Chiangmai while enjoyed having breakfast and lunch and visiting temples on the way. We started Chiangmai around 9:00 a.m. then went through Lamphun, Lampang, and Phrae, then reached Nan around 4:00 p.m. (about 7 hour drive). (Oct. 2013)

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This area has a history as follows:
Nan had a kingdom, called Phuka Dynasty, established in 13 century. The capital was moved to current Nan city area in the 14th century and in the 15th century, the kingdom became a part of Lannathai. When the control of Lannathai kingdom was taken by Burmese in the middle of the 16th century, Nan was also dominated, and the sovereignty of the local dynasty of Nan was regained in the late of the 18th century. In 19th century, the conflict between Siam (Thailand) and France which were colonizing other countries those days arouse in 1893, called Paknam incident or Siam crisis. As a result, a big part of Nan was ceded to France.

Nan is surrounded by mountains with a rich nature and about 10% of the population belongs to the hill tribes. Because of the mountains around the area, Nan developed its unique culture not so influenced by other areas.
(It looks like it was a little easy to access this region from the south and it was influenced by Sukhotai kingdom culturally and politically.)

You'll see various things in Nan; Wat Phumin which has an ordination hall in a very unique stye, only one in Thailand, Doi Phu Kha National Park with a vast area and a mountain 1,980 high, Doi Smer Dow (in Srinan national park) where the fantastic sea of clouds all around can be seen, hilltribe villages and so on. Nan is maybe the place where you'll meet a little different aspect of Thailand.

Wat Phumin - The most famous temple
Doi Smer Dow - Sea of clouds all around
Nan National Museum
Wat Phrathat Khao Noi
Let's go to the night market
Sao Din Na Noi - very curious landform

[Nan] Wat Phumin - The most famous temple

Wat Phumin, the royal temple in Nan.

Wat Phumin, the royal temple in Nan. Now, let's overview the history of this temple:

Wat Phumin is an important and the most well-known temple of Nan province. It was founded in B.E. 2139 (A.D 1569) by the ruler of Nan, Phrachao Chetabutpromin. The ordination hall has a very unique stye, only one in Thailand, of the Jaturamuk style (four gates on the main directions), its four faced principal and the huge railings of the naga in an alarming mood (Nak Sadung).
In the middle is seated four huge Buddhas of Maravijava (Subduing Mara) facing each direction. The mural painting inside is famous and it shows 4 aspects - Jataka (story of Lord Buddha), folk story and the way of life of the Nan people in the past.

The ordination hall. The appearance is neat and beautiful.		Looks like I went into the hall from the side of the building. Maybe this is the front entrance.
The ordination hall. The appearance is neat and beautiful.		Looks like I went into the hall from the side of the building. Maybe this is the front entrance.
The four huge Buddhas of Maravijava (Subduing Mara) facing each direction. A visitor entering from any door would be welcomed by a face of the image. I heard that they are in Sukhotai style.
The four huge Buddhas of Maravijava (Subduing Mara) facing each direction. A visitor entering from any door would be welcomed by a face of the image. I heard that they are in Sukhotai style.
In front of the huge images, you'll see smaller sized 4 Buddha images facing each direction.。		The famous painting inside the hall, showing Jataka (story of Lord Buddha), folk story and the way of life of the Nan people in the past.
In front of the huge images, you'll see smaller sized 4 Buddha images facing each direction.。		The famous painting inside the hall, showing Jataka (story of Lord Buddha), folk story and the way of life of the Nan people in the past.
It seems like this is especially a famous part. Shops around this temple sells this pictured gift.		Is this showing the hell ? I can't read what the letters say. ...
It seems like this is especially a famous part. Shops around this temple sells this pictured gift.		Is this showing the hell ? I can't read what the letters say. ...

Is this a chair for a high-ranked monk ?	The footprint of Buddha. A lot of coins are put on it.	People praying to the Buddha images.
Is this a chair for a high-ranked monk ?	The footprint of Buddha. A lot of coins are put on it.	People praying to the Buddha images.

There is a domed building in the site and it shows what the hell looks like inside.		You'll sometimes see this kind of thing in Thailand. I ever saw a much bigger hell and heaven park, Saensuk Palace, in Bang Saen, east of Bangkok.
There is a domed building in the site and it shows what the hell looks like inside. You'll sometimes see this kind of thing in Thailand. I ever saw a much bigger hell and heaven park, Saensuk Palace, in Bang Saen, east of Bangkok.

Gift shops sell the picture of the painting inside the hall as a gift.	I found a small curtain in Japanese. It says Thank you in Kansai dialect.	The street next to the temple. Not so crowded when we visited there.
Gift shops sell the picture of the painting inside the hall as a gift.	I found a small curtain in Japanese. It says Thank you in Kansai dialect.	The street next to the temple. Not so crowded when we visited there.

[Nan] Doi Smer Dow - Sea of clouds all around

The scenery from Doi Smer Dow early in the morning !

Doi Smer Dow in Srinan national Park in Nan.
Srinan national park is an extensive national park, spreads on both side of Nan river and you'll see a fantastic sea of clouds all around with Nan river on a hill at Doi Smer Dow early in the morning.

We visited here around the end of October. The sky was not so clear and it was foggy all over but the moment when the sun comes up was amazing. :D

On the way to the top in the early morning. Very foggy and can not see ahead !	Arrived at Doi Smer Dow. It was cold and couldn't see around because of the fog.	The board says it's 924 meters above mean sea level.
Can not see ! On the way to the top in the early morning. Very foggy and can not see ahead !	Very foggy up there also Arrived at Doi Smer Dow. It was cold and couldn't see around because of the fog.	924 meters The board says it's 924 meters above mean sea level.

A lot of visitors were waiting in the tents to see a fantastic sea of clouds. Hey ! Wake up ! :D		Can not see ahead also...
Waiting in the tents A lot of visitors were waiting in the tents to see a fantastic sea of clouds. Hey ! Wake up ! :D		Looking down from the hill Can not see ahead also...
On top of the hill. If it was a fine day, you'd have a great view from here.		Waiting for the best shot Actually, more people than in the picture were waiting.
If it was a fine day, ... On top of the hill. If it was a fine day, you'd have a great view from here.		Waiting for the best shot Actually, more people than in the picture were waiting.

Mountains holding clouds - The sun was going up and the scenery was gradually coming into view.
Mountains holding clouds The sun was going up and the scenery was gradually coming into view.
The morning sun's rays peep through the clouds. The scenery with a person looks like a picture the first sunrise of the new year, right ? :D		The clouds covered all over and Nan river was seen under the clouds. I really hope I come back here again when it's a fine day.
The morning sun's rays through the clouds The morning sun's rays peep through the clouds. The scenery with a person looks like a picture the first sunrise of the new year, right ? :D		Nan River under the clouds. The clouds covered all over and Nan river was seen under the clouds. I really hope I come back here again when it's a fine day.

The rock which makes a very good scenery when it's a fine day.	This is the scenery of the opposite side. It's cloudy also. :D	There is a camping washing area. Are they preparing for breakfast ?
Famous rock ? The rock which makes a very good scenery when it's a fine day.	Opposite side This is the scenery of the opposite side. It's cloudy also. :D	For breakfast ? There is a camping washing area. Are they preparing for breakfast ?

[Nan] Nan National Museum

Nan National Museum !

This is Nan National Museum. This two story museum shows various items such as prehistoric remains, explanations of people who live in Northern Thailand, Buddha statues of various eras and many swords. Personally speaking, I was very impressed with the detail explanations of the Northern tribes and various Buddha statue styles.

Tools for agriculture and so on.	Northern tribes: Mien costumes for wedding.	Northern tribes: explanation of Thai Lue from their origin to their life and custom.
Tools for agriculture and so on.	Northern tribes: Mien costumes for wedding.	Northern tribes: explanation of Thai Lue from their origin to their life and custom.

Lanna Characters engraved This stone was found at Wat Chang Kham in Nan. The Lanna Characters in 1548 were engraved, describing a reconstruction of the temple.		Ayutthaya style, 16th century A Buddha image in Ayutthaya style, 16th century. This is the first time for me to see this style image with arms holding something like a bowl.
Lanna Characters engraved This stone was found at Wat Chang Kham in Nan. The Lanna Characters in 1548 were engraved, describing a reconstruction of the temple.
Custom of Nan people They have a ritual every year from middle of September to middle of October; they offer food and things to monks and dedicate merit to their ancestors and other spirits.
Custom of Nan people They have a ritual every year from middle of September to middle of October; they offer food and things to monks and dedicate merit to their ancestors and other spirits.		Ayutthaya style, 16th century A Buddha image in Ayutthaya style, 16th century. This is the first time for me to see this style image with arms holding something like a bowl.

Buddha Granting Pardons; the image with with the palms of both hands outwards.	Nan style Buddha image. This is a very small image but with a characteristic look.	This image is also in Nan style. A standing Buddha image with both arms to the side of the body.
Buddha Granting Pardons; the image with with the palms of both hands outwards.	Nan style Buddha image. This is a very small image but with a characteristic look.	This image is also in Nan style. A standing Buddha image with both arms to the side of the body.

Important Buddha Images in Nan It explains styles and periods of the images.		Terracotta Dolls DVARAVATI Art, 8 to 9 century. (Dvaravati is said the first Mon kingdom flourished from the 6th to the 11th century.)
Important Buddha Images in Nan It explains styles and periods of the images.		Terracotta Dolls DVARAVATI Art, 8 to 9 century. (Dvaravati is said the first Mon kingdom flourished from the 6th to the 11th century.)

Swords.I'm afraid I forgot to check the explanation of them.	Vihara. Its explanation was not seen.	The park in front of the museum. There is the most smallest temple in Thailand called Wat Noi, 3.35 m high, 1.98 wide and 2.34 deep.
Swords.I'm afraid I forgot to check the explanation of them.	Vihara. Its explanation was not seen.	The park in front of the museum. There is the most smallest temple in Thailand called Wat Noi, 3.35 m high, 1.98 wide and 2.34 deep.

Annual boat races in Nan are held between mid Oct.to Mid Nov.	Inside the museum is neat.	One of my favorite flowers in Thailand.	A shop was selling Thai sweets outside the park. It shows お菓子はおいしい (Sweets are delicious) in Japanese.
Annual boat races in Nan are held between mid Oct.to Mid Nov.	Inside the museum is neat.	One of my favorite flowers in Thailand.	A shop was selling Thai sweets outside the park. It shows お菓子はおいしい(Sweets are delicious) in Japanese.

[Nan] Wat Phrathat Khao Noi

The unique temple, Wat Phrathat Khao Noi, which stands on a hill in Nan. It's said that the construction of phrathat (pagoda) and wihan (assembly hall) were completed in 1283.
The view from the temple is fantastic; you can see all over the city of Nan. The Buddha statue on the hill watch over the whole city all the time.

A chedi is on the left hand and the building on the right has Buddha images enshrined inside.		Completed in 1283. It has remains of Buddha inside. It was being repaired when we visited here.
In the temple area A chedi is on the left hand and the building on the right has Buddha images enshrined inside.		A white chedi Completed in 1283. It's enshrined the Lord Buddha relics inside. It was being repaired when we visited here.

A Buddha statue standing on the hill while watching over the whole city.
Standing Buddha image on the hill A Buddha statue standing on the hill while watching over the whole city.
You can see all over the city. If it was not cloudy but a fine day, you would have a great view.
Scenery You can see all over the city. If it was not cloudy but a fine day, you would have a great view.

Long stairs to the temple. You'll see this kind of stairs often in Thailand.	The roof is covered with 2 tiers of 2 series of shingle roof.	A Buddha image is enshrined in the hall.
Long stairs Long stairs to the temple. You'll see this kind of stairs often in Thailand.	Main hall The roof is covered with 2 tiers of 2 series of shingle roof.	A Buddha image. A Buddha image is enshrined in the hall.

[Nan] Let's go to the night market

One of many things I want to do on a trip to Thailand is to go and check a night market.
I don't mean I like buying a lot of things (Sorry !) but it's very fun for me to see night sceneries and vivid markets crowded with local people.
Now, let's go to the market with me !

From our hotel, let's walk to the market. The street is kind of busy.		市場へ行く途中にも、野菜とか沢山売ってますね。
Let's walk to the market From our hotel, let's walk to the market. The street is kind of busy.		Shops along the street On the way to the market, you'll see some people open their shops along the street.
You made it ! :D This is a market near the hotel in Nan. I didn't check what its name but it was already crowded even in the early evening.
Now, we got to the market ! You made it ! :D This is a market near the hotel in Nan. I didn't check what its name but it was already crowded even in the early evening.
You'll see various kinds of food. I love a little messy atmosphere. We bought peanuts and fruits for night snack. After enjoying the market for a while, we went back to the hotel.
In the market You'll see various kinds of food. I love a little messy atmosphere. We bought peanuts and fruits for night snack. After enjoying the market for a while, we went back to the hotel.
You'll see various things not only foods. What are they hung on the right ?		They can't get a space in the market ? A lot of shops on the side of the way.
Various things You'll see various things not only foods. What are they hung on the right ?		Shops side on the path They can't get a space in the market ? A lot of shops on the side of the way.

A lot of bananas. One bunch of bananas is 25 or 30 Baht.	市場や寺院などではよく見る宝くじ売り	When I looked up to the sky, I saw many many bats frying.	I saw coin washing machines along the street back to the hotel. For travellers ?
Bananas A lot of bananas. One bunch of bananas is 25 or 30 Baht.	Lottery Lottery sellers that you'll see so often at a market or in a temple.	Many bats ! When I looked up to the sky, I saw many many bats frying.	Coin washing machines ! I saw coin washing machines along the street back to the hotel. For travellers ?

[Nan] Sao Din Na Noi - very curious landform

The very interesting landfrom that you might see sometimes in Thailand. This is "Sao Din Na Noi" or Hom Chom and Khok Suea, located in Sri Nan national park, about 60 kilometers from Nan city.

It appears that This shape was made from the movement of the earth's crust during the late Tertiary Period (about 65 to 2.6 million years ago) and the natural erosion of water and wind. It was once a bottom of the sea.

You'll see this kind of place in Phrae (a province next to Nan) or Ratchaburi near Bangkok.
It seems that this land shape was created from the movement of the earth's crust during the late Tertiary Period (about 65 to 2.6 million years ago) and the natural erosion of water and wind. It was once a bottom of the sea.

Remains of Palaeolithic Age was discovers here such as stone bangles and ancient axes, and they are now preserved in the Nan national museum

Very curious shape. It took a long long time much more than our imagination for the land to be created like this.		Like an island on the land.
Very curious shape. It took a long long time much more than our imagination for the land to be created like this.
A scenery from a little distance.
A scenery from a little distance.		Like an island on the land.
It's a very wide space and the whole of it shows this kind of curious shapes. It was a cloudy day and still early morning. No one was seen besides us. :D
It's a very wide space and the whole of it shows this kind of curious shapes. It was a cloudy day and still early morning. No one was seen besides us. :D
A close shot. The surface looks rough and sandy.		A close shot. The surface looks rough and sandy.
Close shots. The surface looks rough and sandy.
Other scenery.		Other scenery.
Other scenery. No one was there and we were alone. Is it because it was cloudy and still early morning ? :D

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