Understand

Little-known Nan holds a significance deeply rooted in Thailand's history. It was once a separate kingdom with limited connections to the outside world. Interestingly, "Nan" is also used as a nickname for children with certain physical features in Thailand. Nan has evidence of prehistoric habitation, but it truly emerged as a power in the mid-14th century when multiple small "mueang" united to form Nanthaburi along the Nan River. This occurred around the same time as the creation of Luang Prabang and the Lan Xang kingdom in Laos. Nan became associated with the mighty Sukhothai kingdom and played a crucial role in the development of early Thai nationalism. During the late 14th century, Nan was one of the nine northern Thai-Lao principalities that constituted Lan Na Thai (Lanna). The city-state flourished throughout the 15th century under the name Chiang Klang, which means "Middle City" referring to its location between Chiang Mai (New City) and Chiang Thong (Golden City, now Luang Prabang). In 1558, the Burmese took control of Nan and deported many of its inhabitants to Burma as slaves. The city was completely deserted until western Thailand was reclaimed from the Burmese in 1786. The local dynasty then regained sovereignty, and it remained semi-autonomous until 1931 when Nan finally accepted full dominion from Bangkok. Today, Nan showcases parts of its old city wall and several ancient temples dating back to the Lanna period. The city's temples have a distinctive style, some influenced by Lanna architecture, while others reflect the Tai L language brought from Xishuangbanna in China, where the Tai L people originated.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing