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Region: Northern Thailand> Province: Nan>Location: Nan to Ban Huay Kon

Nan To Ban Huay Kon sights and attractions

The Heroes of Pho To Thung Chang Monument - A monument to those fallen

Between Thung Chang and Chiang Klang

Description
This monument dating from 1976 took three years to complete and was opened by Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Dedicated to those who died fighting against the communist insurgency, the landmark lists the names of the fallen by whether they were soldiers, police or civilians.


How to get there: The memorial is on the western side of the road between Chiang Klang and Thung Chang. It is well sign-posted.

Weaving collectives - Interesting and cheap

Description
Along Route 1080 there are a scattering of weaving collectives where you can observe craftspeople at work and purchase their work. They are well signposted from the main road and generally consist of a few looms under someone's house.

The quality and selection of material vary from village to village but prices are very competitive.


How to get there: You really need to have your own transport for this. Although generally not at all far from the main road, the scarcity of regular public transport would make this a very time-consuming undertaking.

Ban Sataeng - Another border market

Description
This small village is a border crossing to Laos for Thais and Laotians and is also home to a small Thai-Lao market on the 15th and 30th of every month.

The village is about 7km off Route 1080 and the market is around 1km past the border checkpoint.


How to get there: You need your own transport to reach this village. It is well sign-posted from Route 1080.

Tham Pua Tuub Complex - A confusing collection of caves

10km north of Nan

Description
Located in a small forestry park around 10km north of Nan, this rambling area is more a pleasant walk in the woods than a real cave exploration.

Although lot of caves are dotted throughout the park, they are badly signposted and the trails are very poorly kept.

Walking over the track that goes over the hill straight up from the office you'll reach an area that is packed with birds and butterflies.


How to get there: The caves are located 10 km north of town, so head north on Route 1080 past the kilometre-10 marker and the turn-off to the caves is sign-posted.

Wat Nong Bua - One of Nan's most stunning wats

Around 40km north of Nan

Description
Famous for its intricate murals, this wat represents classic Thai Lue architecture and the murals are indeed exquisite. Painted by direct commision from the local authorities, it is thought that the murals here predate those in Wat Phumin in Nan, which could mean the Phumin murals were inspired by these ones. Though worn away in some places, they are still very interesting and breathtakingly detailed.

Aside from the murals there is a small petanque area out front and the local players welcome all international challenges.

Behind the wat to the right there is a small weaving centre and shop selling local fabrics at very competitive prices.


How to get there: Wat Nong Bua is well signposted off Route 1080 at around the 40km mark from Nan. From the main road it is around 3km to the temple. Follow the signs and when you reach a T-intersection with the sign Welcome to Nong Bua turn left and the temple is on your right.

Nan Riverside Art Gallery - Great contemporary art gallery

km 20 Route 1080

Description
Just about the last thing you'd expect to see in upcountry Nan, this gallery was originally constructed as a residence for the famed Thai artist Winai Prabripoo. It was enlarged to play host to a large collection of work by bothe Winai and other Thai contemporary artists and is aimed to inspire young students in the area.

It's a shame Bangkok can't get its act together to put together a gallery as well presented as this.

A minor gripe is the lack of information in English but much of the art speaks for itself.

Recommended if you have you're own transport, and you can stop for drinks by the river that meanders past the gallery.

Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 10:00-17:00

How to get there: The centre is well sign-posted and is by the 20km marker on Route 1080.