This trip to Nan Province is part of "The Amazing Journey Blogger Contest" Project to introduce 12 must visit cities in Thailand.

Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai were assigned to experience the charm of Nan Province, to feel the way of people' lives there, and to enjoy beautiful nature of this lively ancient city.

Nan... We have never been there yet!!!

We are afraid that the information might not be sufficient, so we plan to travel there 7 days, to slowly enjoy this city.

Many friends, once they knew that I'm going to take my family to tour Nan for 7 days, everyone of them asked me curiously, " does Nan have such many great attractions worth to travel for a week????"

So then my answer is, simply planing this and that already takes up 6 days. People said that when we travel to Nan, we have to do it slowly......so then I add one more day and this makes up a total of 7 days.

If you are curious as of where Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai have traveled to, please come and follow us........

Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai hope this information will serve as a guideline for you all to have more fun time traveling to Nan.

For those who have Facebook account, please give some encouragement to us by "voting" for us at...

http://www.thethailandbloggernetwork.com/teams/detail/T07

The Amazing Journey Blogging Contest

This journey is under "The Amazing Journey Blogger Contest" Project and "12 Must-Visit Cities in Thailand" Project.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has given a mission to Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai and OATTA team to start a journey and explore Nan Province.

And then share this experiences to you all, especially to the travelers who are interested in learning more about Nan in order to start their own journey to Nan later on.

Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai hope this information will serve as a guideline for you all to have more fun time traveling to Nan.

For those who have Facebook account, please give some encouragement to us by "voting" for us at...

http://www.thethailandbloggernetwork.com/teams/detail/T07

We start our journey by flying with Nok Air. There are 4 flights service daily on Nan route and we board the flight at Don Mueang International Airport.

This trip, we travel with DD8824. We leave Don Mueang International Airport at 12.10 p.m. and arrive Nan Airport at 13.45 p.m.

It takes approximately a little more than an hour. I haven't yet taking a nap and we already safely arrive at the destination.

Passengers can choose their seat by "Manage Your Booking" at http://www.nokair.com/

Snack on board is free for every passengers. It comes in "Nok Snack" bag. Inside the bag contains a piece of snack and a cup of water. With short distance of only a little more than one hour flight, a piece of snack and a cup of water is enough for us to enjoy on board. Very soon, we arrive at Nan Province, our destination.

The advantage of flying with Nok Air is that we can enjoy a maximum 15 k.g. of free baggage allowance and a carry on of not exceeding 7 k.g. in weight and 56 x 36 x 23 c.m. in size.

This trip, Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai also support Nok Air bag straps for 70 THB. This product is a part of Nok Gives Life Project.

This project is to help children who is suffering from heart disease. All of the income is not to deduct any expenses and will be all given to the Foundation of Children Heart Disease under the patronage of Her Royal Highness the Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Princess of Naradhiwas. This bag strap is available on flights and at various stations of Nok Air from May 15, 2015 onwards.

Nan.... Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai are arriving now.

How to travel from the airport - > Hotels in the city and the travel attractions outside the city?

Uncle Deng has already contacted to book a rental car in advance. There's several shops offering to delivery the car directly from the airport.

Khum Muang Min is the hotel that Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai has chosen because it is located in downtown area and it is also close to Wat Phumin (Phumin Temple).

Khum Muang Min is a Lanna (it refers to Northern part of Thailand) colonial style of boutique hotel. Inside the hotel is decorated in vintage style. It looks simple but looking good and quite a style.

The hotel offers free rental bicycle for sightseeing the city as the hotel is close to many attractions and several delicious local restaurants. We can easily cycling around.

Getting off the plane-> Taking rental car -> Checking in at the hotel -> Tourist Information Center

Tourist Information Center is opposite to Wat Phumin. The staff is there to introduce us various tourist attractions.

Documents, maps, and many promotions can be found here including the ticket of sightseeing city bus.

Travel to Nan during this time, we must not forget PASSPORT Krasibrak Samordaw ( literally means whispering love like stars).

It is the activity organized for tourists, and gifts will be provided for everyone as well.

We just need to have the shops or the hotels who is participating in the project stamp on the PASSPORT and then we will have a chance to win some gifts at the Tourist Center.

... Before leaving Nan, on the last day, Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai and the children will come to see if we have any luck for the award.

Map and the tourist is always meant to be together.

The staff at the Tourist Information Center is very friendly, I'm very impressed. I can feel their warm welcome towards tourists coming from other provinces.

After hearing some advice from the staff, we learn that......

The hotel we are staying provide free rental bicycle service and we could cycling to see the city within 1.5 k.m. distance.

And that would cover almost all famous temples in town and the must not miss restaurants are also located within this area.

Mission of today... Cycling and Nan city sightseeing is officially began.

Khum Muang Min Boutique Hotel-> Wat Phumin -> Khao Soi Ton Num Restaurant ->Wat Ming Muang -> Wat Sri Panton -> Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop-> Walking Street in front of Wat Phumin

... All the temples that I've mentioned above, we are just going to cycling by.

Because our destination is Khao Soi Ton Num Restaurant, Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop, and Walking Street in front of Wat Phumin.

I also don't know why, every time after getting off from the plane, regardless of how short or long the flight is, even before on board I've already eaten something and on board is also eating,

After getting off the plane, I immediately feel hungry, haha.

Khao Soi Ton Num Restaurant

Location : 38/1-2 Suriyaphong Road, Nai Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province

Open Hours : 8.00-16.00 daily

GPS : 18°46'30.8"N 100°46'10.6"E

Khao Soi Ton Num Restaurant has been growing alongside with Nan Province for more than 30 years. It is situated near Wat Ming Muang (Nan City Pillar Shrine). It is the two floor wooden ancient house. In side, there's 6 tables and can accommodate 25 customers at one time. The restaurant is decorated in home style but give us a good feeling, very casual but warm-hearted just like the way villagers in provinces off Bangkok usually touch us. And this is the example of the charm of Nan city which we can feel all the time during our Nan trip.

Observation point of the location, it is located in the middle between 7-ELEVEN and Wat Ming Muang (Nan City Pillar Shrine).

When Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai ask about the origin of the restaurant name "Khao Soi Ton Num", it is said that "Ton Num" refers to Nan River. In the past, this river was everything for Nan, it was the main river in the north and flowing to get together with Ping river before eventually formed Chao Phraya River. Wow, they named the restaurant in a very deep in thought and it is very meaningful!!!

The name of the restaurant is already suggested that the highlighted dish here is Khao Soi (a spicy coconut milk noodle soup). Chicken Khao Soi is 35 THB, Beef Khao Soi is 50 THB or you can also get the mixed Chicken and Beef Khao Soi for 60 THB per dish. And Khao Soi will be served with side dish like pickle cabbage, red onion and lime. A recipe of this restaurant will have the curry rather clear, not so much of coconut milk. The taste is mellow in a not too strong nor too mild.

In addition to Khao Soi, Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai would like to recommend Khanom Jeen Nam Ngeow (a hot rice noodle soup). It is 30 THB per dish and equally delicious. If we were to come here, we need to have at least one dish each in order to have a full taste of this restaurant.

Hot Bread is a fresh coffee shop. They offer tea, coffee, cake, and toasted bread. It is a next door cafe, we can order it to Khao Soi Ton Num. The highlighted product of this cafe is tea, coffee, and cocoa as the shop use 100% fresh milk without any cream in making them. The hot drink is 15 THB, iced drink is 20 THB and frappe is 25 THB per glass only.

Riding a bicycle in Nan city is very safe since Nan people value the cycling.

Besides, the road is quite empty, not so many cars. It is a peaceful and beautiful city.

From Khao Soi Ton Num restaurant, we only need to cycling for about 5 minutes (riding very slowly) and we will arrive at Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop which is located at the intersection of Wat Sri Panton.

Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop

Location : 92/5, intersection of Wat Sri Panton, Nai Wiang Sub-district, Muang Nan District, Nan Province 55000

Opening Hours: 11.00 a.m. - 10.30 p.m. close on Wednesdays

Tel. : 085 036 6108

GPS : 118°46'32.5"N 100°45'56.3"E

Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop is a wooden Thai Lanna style house. It is situated at Sri Panton intersection. It opens the deliciousness from 11 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

If you were here for Bua Loy Kai wan (Thai Sweetened Rice Balls and Eggs Dessert), you will have to come after 6 p.m.

There are two types of desserts in this shop, the hot ones and the cold ones. Hot desserts include Bua Loy (Rice Balls) with Young Coconut (25 THB), Bua Loy Kai Wan (Eggs) with Young Coconut (30 THB), Tao Soan (Mung Bean Pudding) (25 THB), Job's Tears with Young Coconut (25 THB), Black Sticky Rice with Young Coconut (25 THB).

Bua Loy Kai Wan with Young Coconut is outstanding for its sweet smell from the coconut milk and the good soft of the rice balls, and not so sweet. Other desserts are considered to have standard taste.

What interesting here is that we can mix hot and cold desserts together, for example, Coconut Milk Ice-Cream mixed with Black Sticky Rice with Young Coconut or Coconut Milk Ice-Cream mixed with Bua Loy or Coconut Milk Ice-Cream mixed with Salim (sweet-noodles in coconut milk syrup) and Thapthim Krop (known as "crispy pomegranate seeds", it made of cubes of water chestnuts in syrup coated with red food coloring) or Coconut Milk Ice-Cream with Crispy Bread. Even for the strange menu, you name it and the shop can also provide it. The price will be in accordance with that special created menu. The water is self-service as well as the order, you will need to order by yourself at the counter.

Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop is delicious......but the price is quite high, it may be even more expensive than the dessert shops in Bangkok.

After having tasted Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop, our last destination for today is the Walking Street in front of Wat Phumin.

Walking Street is organized every Saturdays and Sundays, it starts from 17.00-20.00 p.m.

There are shops selling beautiful printed shirts, screening about Nan Province. They come in several different designs, colors and sizes. the price is also handy, start from 1XX THB only.

Handmade souvenir is also here for you to choose, as well as food, sweets, and snacks. The starting price is 10, 20, or 30 THB, but not exceeding 50 THB.

Enjoying the food in front of Wat Phumin like this really gives us the feeling of Lanna atmosphere.

A small Walking Street of Nan City is really super charming. Every shop sellers is extremely lovely, smiley, and friendly.

After getting some souvenir, then we bough some snacks to enjoy at the cement yard in front of Wat Phumin.

There's no tables nor chairs but we will put our food on 'Tok' (a northern kind of small table for placing food). Then we will sit in circle on the mat and enjoy our food happily while watching the performance and local live folk music of Lanna.

Walking Street is open from 17.00-20.00 p.m.

At around 19.00 p.m, Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai start to see the beauty of the temple during night time

Because almost all of temples in town will turn on the lights to Ubosot (Buddhist holiest prayer room) and Vihara (Buddhist Monastery) to shine brightly and sparkling at night time.

So the tourists like us can walk around and appreciate this beauty.

The first day journey is now ended. We are heading towards our hotel, which is not so far from Wat Phumin. It takes only 2 minutes of cycling.

The room can accommodate 3 person and it is only 1,300 THB per night.

If we were to stay 4 people, the hotel would need to add a mattress and bedding, blankets, towels and breakfast. It is 200 THB additional fee per person.

In summary....it is 1,500 THB per night for 4 people including breakfast.

The hotel is new, the room is clean and spacious. Breakfast is also delicious, it is so worth the price.

For more details, please visit http://goo.gl/3WBD8k

The hotel breakfast is in buffet style.

Yesterday, we only got to cycling by the temple, but today we will go into deeper details.

Let's start with Wat Phumin. This temple was formally called 'Wat Prommin'. It was named after Chao Jetbuthr Prommin, a Nan ruler. He built this temple in 1596, 6 years after he governed the city. Later on, this name was distorted and became Wat Phumin as we know today.

The highlight of this temple is "Phra Ubosot Chaturamuk" (sanctuary with four gable ends). It has a unique and outstanding architecture. This sanctuary combines Ubostot, Vihara, and Chedi (Buddhist stupa) into the same building in the fashion of universe simulation that is based on Buddhism beliefs. It enshrined 4 large Buddha statutes in the attitude of subduing Mara facing out to the doors of four directions. In addition, a large Naga is parading carrying the sanctuary mound in the middle of the its body which symbolizes that Buddhism will long be cherished and continuing on.

It is said that if you wish to respectfully request blessings and make a wish from Phra Chaturatit (4 large Buddha statues facing 4 different directions), you have to try to observe and find one Buddha statue that is more smiley than the other 3. After that, you shall pray and ask for the blessings. It is believed that your wish then will be granted as you wished for.

"Hub Tam" The Wall Mural Arts of Wat Phumin

Wat Phumin was undergone a major restoration in 1867 under the reign of Phra Chao Ananta Worarithidet (during the end of King Rama V and the beginning of King Rama IV). The Nan ruler was highly believed and had a strong faith in Buddhism. So he was pleased to have royal artists and technicians to make a big restoration for temples which included 22 temple. Wat Phumin was the ninth temple to get restored and it took about 8 years for the whole process (1867 - 1875). The Fine Arts Department assumed that this major renovation was the origin of the mural painting arts inside the Vihara of Wat Phumin.

The exceptionally outstanding wall mural of Wat Phumin is "Krasib Bunleloak" (world's famous love whispering) painting or "Pu Man Ya Man" painting.

These are the words used to call Tai Lue men and women in the ancient time for their whispering a conversation to each other posture.

The Northern dialect poem written for this painting reads:

"Gum huk nong gu pee juk aow wai nai nam gor gua now,

Juk aow wai poen arkat klang hao,

Kor kua mok mei son dao long ma khalum,

Juk aow pai sai nai wang kuang kum,

Gor gua jao pa sai laew lu ao pai,

Gor lei aow wai nai oak nai jai tua jai pee nee,

Juk hue man wai ahi ahee,

Yam pee non saduk tuen wewa."

The meaning is " my love for you, young woman, if I were to keep it inside the water, I'm afraid that it would be cold. If I were to keep it with the sky, I would be afraid that the cloud would cover all of my love. If I were to place it at the palace or the ruler's house, when the ruler found it, he would take my love away. So I would keep it in my heart, letting it always cries out for you both in my sleeping and awaking time".

This painting was named....... Mona Lisa of Nan.

A Noble Lady Sitting on an European Louis Chair Painting

Ajarn Winai Prabripoo,a native Nan artist expresses his opinion that the artist who drew this painting at Wat Phumin is the same artist who drew the painting at Wat Nong Bua at Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province. This artist is a Tai Lue painter named "Nan Buapan" or Tid Buapan. This is due to the murals at Wat Phumin and Wat Nong Bua consisted the same primary color of red, blue and yellow. Besides, the murals reflected more than 40 similar spots such as faces, costumes, animals like the Bantam, birds, monkeys, deer, even the way the lines were bushed was also similar, like those of bushes and pineapple trees. More importantly, the sketch with ink on folding Sa papers (Lanna people called it Pup-Sa) was also found and identified as belonged to "Nan Buapan". He would sketch on this paper before actually paining on the wall. There were several of them, for instance, the erotic female and male monkeys that was found as a sketch on Pup-Sa at Wat Nong Bua, the actual painting was appeared on Wat Phumin's wall.

From Wat Phumin, when we look over to the intersection, it would be Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Woraw Viharn..

Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Woraviharn was formerly called "Wat Luang" (a royal temple) or "Wat Luang Klang Wiang" (a downtown royal temple). It is situated opposite to Nan National Museum (Ho Kham). This temple was built to be a royal temple in Nan city during the reign of Chaopu Khaeng in 1406. It was meant to be a place for conducting Buddhist ceremonies and the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony in the old days. According to the 74th stone of inscription discovered inside the temple, it mentioned that Phaya Phonlathep Ruechai, a Nan ruler, renovated the main Viharn (Buddhist chapel) in 1548.

The architectural characteristics of the temple reflect the influence of Sukhothai arts such as the Phrathat in the Lankan style (in a bell shape). The base is surrounded by sculptures of the front half of elephants, five at each side and one each at four corners. It looks as though they use their back to support (or "Kham" in Thai word) the Phrathat, similar to Wat Chang Lom in Sukhothai Province. Inside the Viharn also enshrines the standing Pang Pratan Apai Buddha image, which was here since approximately 14th century or during the late Sukhothai period. This Pang Pratan Apai Buddha image is similar to the one in Wat Ratchathani, Sukhothai Province.

The main Buddha statue is elegantly beautiful and representing Chiang Saen style of arts as well as skills of Nan craftsmanship. The main Viharn of Wat Phrathat Chang Kham Woraviharn is a huge Buddhist chapel according to the Northern architectural characteristic. There are two Lions standing at the stairs leading to the Viharn, one at each side. There are 3 entrances altogether, the main gate is at the middle while the right and the left is having a small gate leading to the Viharn. Opposite to the main Buddha image to the west and the east,the roof was constructed in two layers, lowering it at the front and the back, a tympanum was built with sheets of board and every pillars was decorated in Lanna architectural style. Inside the Viharn is very spacious. The circle concrete pillars will need two people to embrace and is beautifully crafted in high relief and bas relief sculpture. 1.50 meters above the ground of the Viharn is hanging Kanok chandeliers similar to pillars inside the Viharn of Wat Phumin. In addition, the main Viharn also enshrines the 145-centimeters bronze statue with 65% pure gold Buddha image in the posture of forgiveness called "Phra Phuttha Nanthaburi Si Sakkayamuni."

Opposite to Wat Phrathat Chang Kham is Nan National Museum (temporarily closed for renovation), it is such a pity!

However... the ancient Wat Noy, which is enshrined under the Bodhi Tree in front of Nan National Museum, is considered to be the smallest temple in Thailand.

The ancient historic site of Wat Noy (small temple) is a small temple that is situated under the Bodhi Tree. If we were not carefully looking, we might have missed it.

....The legend has it that the reason for constructing this temple is....

In 1873, Phra Chao Suriyapong Pharitdech, a Nan ruler, got an opportunity to have an audience with King Chulalongkorn, Rama V and reported that there were 500 temples in Nan. Once he returned to Nan, he ordered to recount the number of temples in Nan again, and then it was found that Nan only had 499 temples, one was less then reported. So he was pleased to have the technician constructed this Wat Noy under the Bodhi Tree in front of his palace (presently in front of Nan National Museum). He named this temple "Wat Noy". This is as to have 500 temples as reported to the king.

The shape of Wat Noy is a Viharn built by bricks and mortar, 1.98 meters wide, 2.34 meters long and 3.35 meters in height in Lanna style by Nan artist. Inside enshrines Buddha and wooden votive tablets. It is believed to be the smallest temple in Thailand.

Truthful to words. This means to be truthful to one's words, whether it is delivering by speaking, writing or expressing to others in a promised fashion. Once we have delivered it out, we have to try to keep it. And this is said to be the value that Nan people have always been adhered to.

In addition to Wat Noy, Nan National Museum is also decorated with plumeria flower trees lined up in a long line spreading branches like a tunnel tree.

So do not forget to stop by for some photography, I can assure you that you will definitely bring much impression home with you.

Yesterday, we went to enjoy Khao Soi Ton Num, a restaurant situated next to Wat Ming Muang.

One more important fact... Wat Ming Muang is also housing the Lak Muang, the Nan City Pillar.

Wat Ming Muang is located on Suriyaphong Road. The history of Wat Ming Muang started when the temple was once an abandoned temple where the city pillar, made of the huge trunks that needed two people to embrace, was found in the ruins of its viharn. Chao Anantaworaritthidej, a Nan ruler, established the temple around 1857 and named it 'Wat Ming Muang'. It was named after the name of the city pillar 'Sao Ming Muang' (Sao means pillar). Later on in 1984, Phra Kru Sirithammaphani (or Sanae Tansiri), the abbot of Wat Ming Muang, pulled down the old Ubosot due to it was very deteriorated and the new one was then constructed in the style of contemporary Lanna architecture. The building itself was designed by local Nan artist while the relieves and sculptures ware crafted by Chiang Saen artist named Mr. Saokaew Laodee who was the main artist to design and carve all the relief.

Inside the new Ubosot are mural paintings by Khun Suradech Kalasen (a local gifted Nan artist). He depicted the history of Nan city in ancient conservative arts started from Phaya Phukha, the first ruler of Nan who settled the town at Muang Yang (currently at Pua District area), until Chao Mahaphrom Surathada, the last Nan ruler.

Wat Ming Muang is also enshrined Sao Phra Lak Muang Nan (Nan City Pillar). Nan people in the ancient time called it "Sao Ming Muang" or "Sao Ming". Somdej Chaofa Attawaorapanyo, the 57th Nan ruler, was pleased to have the city pillar buried at this place in 1788. This was due to he got an opportunity to have an audience with King Rama I at Bangkok and got to join the Bangkok Royal City Pillar Burying Ceremony in 1586. Accordingly, he got the idea to also practice this ceremony at Nan.

Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai do believe that traveling to Nan, we need to come and worship the city pillar.

For receiving blessings and spiritual protection and making our journey this time successful and safe throughout our entire trip.

Wat Sri Panton...close to Auntie Nim's Dessert Shop....

This temple was built by Phaya Panton, a Nan ruler of Phu Kha royal family (he ruled Nan from 1417-1426). The temple was named after its builder, Phaya Panton. Sometimes, it was also called Wat Sali Panton (Sali refers to Bodhi Tree) as there was giant Bodhi Trees on the north and the south of the temple. Currently, those trees were cut down in order to build road. Wat Sri Panton was granted Wisungkham Sima status in 1962 (Royal granting of the land to a particular temple by announcing in royal decree). Inside the temple situated an outstanding golden beautiful viharn. Wat Sri Panton is another temple in Nan that hosts beautiful mural paintings, relieves and sculptures, especially a seven-headed Phaya Naga (serpent) guarding at the stairs leading towards vihara. It looks goldenly astonishing, exceptionally beautiful, and tenderly lively. It was carved by Nan artist named Anurak Somsak or "Sala Rong". Inside the viharn also draws the history of Buddha and origins of Nan by Nan artists. It is the painting with natural colors. It is extremely beautiful and valuable.

Time for lunch... Tiew Rai Tiem Tan

Tiew Rai Tiem Tan (unbeatable noodle soup)

Location : 28/6, Kha Luang Road, opposite to Bandon Sri Serm School, Nan Province

Opening Hours : 10.00 a.m. - 21.00 p.m. (daily)

Tel. : 082-182933

GPS : 18°46'43.3"N 100°46'36.6"E

Pork Bones Noodle Soup Rai Tiem Tan, the first shop in Nan Province

The restaurant ranks first in Nan for using pork bones stewing noodle broth. They use more than 1,000 kilograms or 1 tan of pork bones per month in making soup.

Tiew Rai Tiem Tan is truly another popular restaurant in Nan. The highlight of this restaurant is the meaty gigantic size of pork bone. Despite only one piece being served, it is fully occupied the bowl. The meat that comes with the bone is the most delicious part that some one call it "Dragon Spine". This pork born is stewed in the soup to its utmost soft, we could use chopstick to get the meat off the bone or simply use our hands (I find that using hands proof to get us the most delicious taste).

A must not miss menu for this restaurant is Bamee Duk Yum (Tom Yum Pork Bone Noodle). It is 50 THB per dish. The soup is really tasty and strong (just think about it now, I want it so badly already). They use all good materials such as ground chili, fried dried garlic, peanuts in which the restaurant prepared all this ingredients by themselves.

Nan city also provides city tour bus service in order to feel the nature and way of lives of the community.

This service is managed by Nan municipality to promote tourism. It is one of the programs that must not miss!

The entire trip takes about 45-60 minutes. There will be 2 stops which is Wat Suan Tan and either Wat Maha Pho or Wat Don Kaew. And this is subject to change as see suitable.

The fee for general public both Thai and foreign tourists is 30 THB per person.

Children (under 14 years old) and seniors (60 and above) is 15 THB per person.

Weekdays: 9.00 a.m. and 15.00 p.m.

Saturdays & Sundays and public holidays: 9.00 a.m. / 10.30 a.m./ 13.30 p.m. / 15.00 p.m.

The time is subject to change, please contact or make an advance booking at 054-751-169.

Throughout the trip, there will be a tour guide explaining the city in Northern dialect which is not, at all, difficult to understand.

After the city tour, we will go for a cake at "I sugar Bakery Café".

Location: 91/1-2, Mahawong Road, Muang Nan District, Nan Province

Opening Hours : 9.00 a.m. - 20.00 p.m. (daily)

Tel. : 054-710-236, 087-787-9887

GPS : 18°46'40.9"N 100°46'26.6"E

Let's enjoy the coffee time in "Slow life" fashion for a while in Nan city at I sugar Bakery Café. It is a small coffee shop separating from 'The Best Bakery' shop which has provided delicious cake and bread to Nan city for more than a decade. The customers can also buy some home.

I sugar Bakery Café is lovely and beautifully decorated in English vintage style. It is decorated with souvenir dolls from all around the world. Space inside the shop is very nicely designed. There's a corner for ordering beverages, for enjoying tea and coffee, for cake tasting, and for reading book. And for the customers who wish to enjoy cake, there's also a secret door leading you to The Best Bakery. You can simply order the cake there and it will be served on your table here.

The popular cake here includes Chocolate Fudge, White Chocolate, Green Tea, Blueberry Cheese Pie, Crepe Cake and Young Coconut Cake. This menu will be switching around from day to day.

Coffee here also tastes good with good smell and concentrated. I would recommend a goat coffee which is directly imported from Chiang Mai, or Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha. They all are available in cold, hot and frappe. The price starts at 30-55 THB only. Other beverages include Hot Tea, Cocoa, or Fresh Milk White Chocolate.

Dinner for today we will start pretty early. We want to sleep early and wake up early tomorrow as we will be driving out of town.

Huean Hom

Location : 11/12, Suiyaphong Road, Nai Wiang Sub-district, Muang Nan District, Nan Province

Opening Hours : 9.00 a.m. - 21.00 p.m. (daily)

Tel. : 054751122 , 0819617711

GPS : 18°46'35.4"N 100°46'11.2"E

Huean Hom is famous for its local food but what Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai fall in love with is Crispy Omelet. This restaurant is an authentic Northern food located opposite to 7-Eleven. It is situated at the center of Nan city, close to Wat Ming Muang (Nan City Pillar). It is a wooden pavilion restaurant. It also offers Kantok style dinning at the very inside corner and the menu is in a big variety both in local food or central food. The highlight menu here should be a big set of Kanom Jeen (rice noodle) that comes with a side dish and several curry soup like Nam Ngeow (Northern pork, diced curdled (chicken) blood cake, and tomatoes soup), Nam Kati (heavy coconut milk and chilies soup), and Nam Prik (a spicy shrimp and coconut milk soup).

This trip, Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai stay at Nan for 7 days, and we have also tried many local food restaurants. Once we glance to see Crispy Omelet menu (100 THB), we ask the welcoming guest staff about it and we learn that it is the highlight menu here and then we also request for two additional Nan local highlight menu. The first menu is Kaeng Som Muang Pla Kang (a spicy and sour Asian redtail catfish with vegetables soup)(100 THB) and the second menu is a rare dish, Deep-fried Pork and Salted Fish (100 THB). And these 3 dishes are the menu that the restaurant is very proud to present to us.

The third day, we start the day very early... Our destination is Khun Satan National Park and Sao Din Na Noi.

From downtown Nan to Khun Satan National Park and Sao Din Na Noi, according to Google Map, it is said that we will need about 1 hour and 49 minutes.

In fact, it takes much longer time than that, due to:

1. We want to drive slowly to appreciate the view along the way as it is so so beautiful.

2. There're a lot of curves along the way, so we can't drive fast.

Scenery View along the Way

We are almost there, hold on a little longer, just a few more minutes and we will reach there.

Announcement: The entrance fee to all National Park is 50% discount on weekdays.

This is a good news for all Thai tourists that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced to reduce the entrance fee to all National Park in Thailand for 50% starting from July 1st - December 31st 2015. This is only applicable to weekdays, Monday-Friday except public holidays. This campaign is to encourage tourists to experience the beautiful nature and also to promote a year of Thai way tourism.

Sometimes, the road is very steep, if it rains, we must be much more careful as the wheels can be slippery and might not be able to drive up.

And it really rains but not so heavy so I'm able to manage the driving......

Khun Satan National Park

The atmosphere is so refreshing..... We can breath in this fresh air into our lung happily.

According to the plan,Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai and 2 sons are supposed to spend a nigh here.

We have asked for information before hand.....but... it is fully occupied (I'm very sad)........

So then we have to move to Si Nan National Park.

(And we won't return to Si Nan ever again, haha, I will tell you why in a minute!!!)

This is a proof that our family has came to Khun Sathan National Park, haha.

Nong Suk Jai also comes to Khun Sathan National Park.

And then we leave Khun Sathan National park to find something to eat for our lunch and we end up here at this Na Noi restaurant.

Look at the logo of the restaurant.....oh..oh..it is quite erotic, may be 18+ only, haha.

Our next destination is Sao Din Na Noi.

Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom is situated in Si Nan National park. It has the area of larger than 50 rai (hectares). It has large soil pillars like those of "Phae Muang Phee Canyan" in Phrae Province. From the geological assumption, Sao Din Na Noi caused by large amount of soil being silted and deposited and once the lithosphere was shifting, partial of this soil collapsed, causing erosion and unusual shapes of soil . As time passed, several million years later, after being eroded by nature like water, rain and wind, the soil of different shapes were formed. Some are in rounded shape, some are in sharp pillar shape and some are looking like large rampart, scattering around the area.

Location : Moo 9, Srisaket Sub-district, Na Noi District, Nan Province 55150

GPS : Sao Din: N18 18 13.53, E100 45 12.28

Kok Sua: N18 17 49.24, E100 45 7.36

There is also a story passed on from elders and ancient people who has called this place in a different name. For example, "Den Poo Kiew" (notable grandfather green) or "Den E Bod" "notable E Bod". The origin of the two names came from that a man named "Grandpa Green" or "E Bod" was sitting in this area during the land being eroded by water and collapse. He then was dead by landslides.Villagers thus called these two names for a long time. Later, when the soil continued to get eroded by water and formed different shape of soil pillars, the name of Den Poo Kiew or Den E Bod was also gradually got forgotten. Villagers then popularly called it "Sao Din" (soil pillars) instead accordingly to its geographical appearance until present.

Tonight we will be spending the night at Si Nan National Park.

Due to currently few tourists are traveling here, the restaurants in the park are closed. We need to prepare simple supplies for our dinner.

We will sleep over one night here and set out tomorrow morning.

Great views over the scenic spot at Si Nan National Park.

This is our first experience in life staying over at the housing in Si Nan National Park.

Outside is looking quite great.....but the more we look, the more we feel not so right, a bit creepy.

The housing condition is quite old (in fact, very old). Doors, windows, and window screens are having space for insects, big and small ones, to come in.

There are three bedrooms in this house, but we are all here on the same bed.

The most severe problem is that we sleep by turning off the light at bedroom so that insects won't come playing with the light in the bedroom.

But.....at living room and bathroom, we leave the light on the whole night (well, we are kind of scared of the dark.)

The ceiling of the bathroom also has a big hole. In the morning, hundreds of insects are in the bathroom, both big and small ones, some of them we have seen before but some of them are totally foreign to us .

The living room is also not any less than that, the big ones are also found there.

So after waking up, we cannot wait...washing our faces and brushing our teeth (let's leave alone showering for now). Immediately, we then check out and heading towards Boklua View Resort right away (a luxurious one), haha.

There're also two big lizards hidden behind the curtain on our bed, but no one sees except Uncle Deng.

If the other three were to see it, it would have been a chaotic night, haha.

When I return my room key, I see someone is sleeping in the tent. But last night was raining and so does this morning.

Sleeping in tent wouldn't be so convenient...It is also because the bathroom is really far away.

The air up here at Si Nan National Park is so clean, so cool, and very refreshing.

After saying farewell to guardian spirit of the forest and mountains, we then continue our journey to Dao Samer Dao which is not too far away, only 20 minutes drive.

However with rains, some pat of the road is still soil road that it can be very slippery so we need to dive slowly.

We drive ALTIS as we are 4 people with our luggage at the trunk and sometimes it is also difficult to accelerate up to the hill.

Dao Samer Dao...The rain is getting heavy now and the fog is quite thick, we can't see anything.

So let's depart towards north to Bo Kluea (salt plantation) as from here to Bo Kluea would require 4-5 hours drive.

It takes about 4-5 hours from here to Bo Kluea because it's raining so for safety reason, we have to drive slowly.

We use Google Map as our directional assistance.

Breakfast along the way, "Poom Pui, Vietnamese Pork Rice Noodle"

This restaurant is located next to Dynasty Tile Top, Nan branch.

Location: 215, Moo 2, Doo Tai Sub-district, Muang Nan District, Nan Province 55000

GPS : 18°43'58.5"N 100°45'15.8"E

Oh wow... It is much more delicious than we have expected.

Both sides scenery of a route towards Bo Kluea is exceptionally beautiful.

There're several spots that I wish to stop over and get down for photography but it could be dangerous.

Until I see this spot where there's a side walk for parking, so here I can show you some of this natural beauty.

GPS : 18°58'22.3"N 100°58'24.3"E

The same spot with above photo but on the opposite side of the road.

This area is a corn field, and they are still young.

Now we are getting closer, ....not too long and we should arrive at Bo Kluea.

Yay, we now arrive at Boklua View Resort.

It is said that this place has a beautiful room, great atmosphere, and delicious food, hmm hmm....

How to get there: From downtown Bo Kluea of Nan Province heading towards Ban Bo Luang, we will find Boklua View Resort located near Khun Nan National Park and it is about 200 meter away from the District Office.

Boklua View Resort

Location : 209, Moo 1, Ban Bo Luang, Bo Kluea Dai Sub-district, Bo Kluea District, Nan Province

Hours : 10.00 a.m. - 21.00 p.m. (daily)

Tel. : 054-778-140 / 081-809-6392

GPS : 19°09'10.4"N 101°09'13.9"E

Welcome Drink is a lemonade...

The room price starts at 1,XXX THB only at http://goo.gl/uJEvZT

Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai choose to stay at the best room here and the price starts at 3,XXX THB (breakfast is included for 4 people).

For more details about room price, please visit http://goo.gl/uJEvZT

Atmosphere in Boklua View Resort

Boklua View Resort is housing a delicious restaurant named "Pong Sa".

Pong Sa is a dialect of tribal Lua, it means "eating rice (dining)". This tribe has long been living in Bo Kluea District. They have their own dialect and living at the mountains. They also have their own unique dress where women will tie their hair in bun like the murals at Wat Phumin and Wat Nong Bua.

Pong Sa is the restaurant in Boklua View Resort, Nan Province. This restaurant focuses on getting materials that can be found locally like local chicken, vegetable fern, Ma Kuean (Sichuan Pepper), pumpkin, purple rice/black sticky rice and organic vegetables grown by local community.

Deep-fried Chicken with Ma Kuean, a delicious dish of Nan has its origin here.

It all started by Dr.Tuan Uupajak, the owner of Boklua View Resort. He tried to cook Salted Deep-fried Chicken menu by using Sin Thao salt or rock salt from Bo Kluea District.

Later.... Ma Kuean is a vegetable that is widely grown in Bo Kluea District. So there's idea to promote Ma Kuen to be known in wider area.

Ma Kuean then is taken to be the main ingredient for Salted Deep-fried Chicken dish.

And thus born Deep-fried Chicken with Ma Kuean, a well known dish of Nan like today.

In addition to Deep-fried Breast Chicken with Ma Kuean (259 THB), there's also several famous menu that we should not miss, for instance, Pork Knuckle Muang Bo (299, 329, or 349 THB), Green Curry with Crispy Catfish (139 THB) Pumpkin baked with Butter (99 THB) Deep-fried Nile Tilapia with Garlic (259 THB).

The price may be a little bit high ... But Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai can guarantee its taste, every dish is very delicious!

Pong Sa serves "Khao Si Nin" (blue-black colored rice). This blue-black colored rice is the product of cooking purple rice mixed with jasmine ice. This rice smells really good and not so tough like typical brown rice. Purple Rice or Black Sticky Rice is a local crop popularly planted by tribal Lua. In order to support this career and to add another sale channel for this product, this restaurant is only serving "Khao Si Nin" for their customers.

To truly travel to Bo kluea, we must try Bo View Salted Crape Cake (89 THB), Banana banoffee (99 THB), Cream Caramel (89 THB). In order to not miss any of this, I highly recommend you to make a reservation call in advance,as there's only a limited good stuff. The day Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai visited, there's only Crape Cake and Crape Cake Bo Kluea left.

How to get there: From downtown Bo Kluea of Nan Province heading towards Ban Bo Luang, we will find Boklua View Resort located near Khun Nan National Park and it is about 200 meter away from the District Office.

Full...and Delicious!

This afternoon, we will be traveling to "Phufa Development Center".

“Phufa Development Center developed after the royal idea of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn" was established with the objective of improving the quality of people's lives on high land and meant to be used as a model project for further development. The aim is also to promote the appropriate job for citizens living on mountain and to create a center for collecting and developing products to meet market's needs, for eco-tourism, for nature education, for local culture, and for researching and transferring knowledge of natural resources development and sustainable management which has the ultimate goal of having "mankind living with the forest." peacefully.

Phufa Development Center... Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai travel here during rainy season which is a low season time, few tourists are coming to visit. But during winter season, this place is welcoming approximately 1,000 tourists per day. The staff said it's good that we come here this time as the place is very peaceful, we can take time to enjoy the garden. At the viewpoint of Phufa, in front of us to the far end is the green mountains, below us is the sample farming beds that the Phufa Center allocating to the local people to come farming. By this, both parties would study and transfer natural resources management technology to each other.

14 years later...on February 11, 1995, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited the people and saw the Bo Kluea Sin Thao at Ban Bo Luang, Bo Kluea District, Nan Province. H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn saw that the citizens here were still lacking advantages, economically and socially, so she was pleased to have the Office of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Projects to help develop Bo Kluea District. Elementary school was the first to get developed and then it extended to the Tribal Thai Community Education Center "Mae Fah Luang" in the area of Bo Kluea District and Chaloem Phra Kiat District. Meanwhile, development in other areas also take place in order to further help the children and the families. Therefore, all projects undertaking in both districts are combined under the name of "Phufa Development Center developed after the royal idea of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn".

Later, Princess Sirindhorn came to visit the people in the area of Phufa Sub-district, Bo Kluea District and recognized the critical need to conserve and restore forests systematically and as a learning center for children and young people to learn about the environment and natural resources from the real place. So she was pleased to establish " Phufa Technology Transfer and Natural Resources and Environment Management Center " or "Phufa Development Center" on November 30th, 1999. There, Royal Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment offered the land for Phufa Development Center, the land which was the National Forest of Pa Doi Phu Kha and Pa Pha Deng for 1,812 rai 3 ngan and 78 square wa (1 rai = 4 ngan, 1 ngan=100 square wa; 1 rai=1,600 square meter.) on May 1st, 2007 for the purpose of study or academic research until April 30th, 2037,a period of 30 years.

In the same area, there's also a local products retail shop. They are many interesting products in an affordable price. It is recommended to buy some home as souvenir as all the earning will return back to the community.

Before leaving the place, we stop by to take some photo with Oolong Tea Plantation in Phufa Project.

Tonight we will be staying at Boklua Vew Resort. We meant to sleep early and wake up late, like living a slow life.

We want to travel and take a rest at the same time. No hurry, so that we also won't get tired.

Breakfast at Bokluea View Resort, I really like this toaster oven.

Other places are using toaster machine but here, they are using stove with soft fire and bamboo tongs.

I can't say how lovely this is. Yam, butter, and honey are also placing inside the shoulder's carrier hanging on the wall..... totally get all my heart .

There's moderate choices for buffet.

Today I eat several breads because I want to toast it on the stove, haha.

Fruits, cakes, all are here.

Then, we check out and heading towards Bo Kluea Sintoun Mountain, the only rock salt mountain in the world (this is what they said).

It is situated not so far from Boklua View Resort.

" Bo Kluea Sin Thao Boran" (the ancient rock salt pits well) is the ancient salt well of Ban Bo Luang, Bo Kluea District which is not too far from Boklua View Resort. It was formerly called "Muang Bo " (city of wells) since this city had 7 of rock salt pits well in the past which were Bo Luang, Bo Yuak, Bo Wen, Bo Nan, Bo Gin, Bo Ke, and Bo Chao. However, currently, only 2 wells were left, and they are called Bo Kluea Nue (northern salt well) and Bo Kluea Dai (southern salt well).

This Bo Kluea is quite close to Boklua View Resort, only less than 5 minutes drive and we are already here. After parking, we see an uncle is boiling the salt so Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai go to him for some inquiry.

Uncle Deng: "Why does Nan have the salt well when it is 5-6 hundred kilometers away from the sea?

An uncle: "I'm also not sure too....They said that this area used to be......the sea."

Uncle Deng: "Nan used to be the sea in the past????" I was confused for a moment....

An uncle:" I will let you taste the salt....Is it salty? haha, this area also has shell tombs too..."

On the way back to downtown Nan, there's a really a sign directing to shell tombs.....is this for real???

According to geological assumption, it is assumed that the ancient Bo Kluea Ban Bo Luang area used to have sea water silt during Permian Period (280 million years ago) and followed by Triassic Period (230 million years ago). I think this is the same era with Jurassic dinosaurs. As a result, there's a salt layer underneath the soil in this area, when they were digging for a well, they might have found it by accident. And that originated the salt production from this sea water well.

The salt production at Ban Bo Luang has been in place since a long long time ago. The name was first appeared when "Bo Mang" was cited after Phra Chao Tilokarat of Chiang Mai had successfully taking his troops and defeated Nan in 1450. Other archaeological evidence included ceramics, stone inscriptions, and the Buddha images which had help confirmed that salt production at Ban Bo Luang has been prosperous. The first phase of production was assumed to be around 15th-16th century. Later on, there was no clear archaeological evidence suggested whether this production has been passing on due to the Lanna region at that time was in turmoil under the rule of Myanmar. Besides, no clear archaeological evidence was found. However, from the ethnic history and oral history , it is assumed that the second phrase of the community occurred around 18th century and this community is the ancestors of the current Bo Luang people. These people were assumed to be Tai Lue who migrated from Bo Hae city, south of Xishuangbanna, a city that has largely produced Sin Thao salt which has similar character and manufacturing method.

An uncle also goes on telling us how to make salt. He said, firstly, the water from the well will be transported through bamboo pipe into the resting well so that it can get silted. And then they will take it to boil in the pan for about 4-5 hours until the water evaporated and dried. After that, a wooden tong will be used to take the salt into the hanging basket so that the water can flow down to the pan. They will just keep repeating this process until all the water in the pan is dry and then start the process all over again. For the salt, they will need to add iodine first before selling in front of their houses to the consumers as Nan salt has no iodine like those salt from the sea.

During high season, an uncle said he was so busy boiling and making the salt that it's almost not enough for the demand. But during summer and rainy season, the tourists are very few. Before leaving, please do not forget to buy some salt from this uncle.

From Bo Kluea going back to downtown Nan, we will also go pass Doi Phu Kha National Park.

However, there'll be no pink Phu Kha Flower now. But since it's on our way, we might as well just go in and get a few photos.

That we are getting two photos now, let's continue our journey....

Homestay Tanong is where we will be having our homestay dining.

Location: 96, Moo 4, Ban Don Sathan, Sathan Sub-district, Pua District, Nan Province

Our friends recommended this place, they said that Homestay Tanong is about 450-700 THB per night. Not only is this place very clean and beautiful, it is also situated in the middle of the rice field.

It can be said that this place is a three digit room price but a four digit scenery.

But today we stop here only for our lunch and order in advance is required if we want to dine here.

The price goes by headcount, ranging from 200 or 300 THB per person.

For the raw materials used in each dish, it is the organic vegetables grown around the house.

It serves the local food but you can also order special menu if you wish.

For instance, Uncle Deng also have local food but the children are not able to eat much so we request Minced Pork Omelet.

It is the additional menu, the chef asked someone to buy minced pork at the market and fried it to us immediately without additional cost.

For more information, please visit http://www.homestay-tanong.com/

Now we arrive at downtown Nan and tonight we will be staying at Phu Hansa.

This is another new boutique hotel of Nan Province. It is situated not so far from Nan Airport.

Each room can accommodate 2 guests and since we are 4 people so we need 2 rooms. The hotel does not provide additional bed.

The room price starts at 1,400 THB including breakfast.

Please check for more information at http://www.phuhunsa.com/

There's not many choices for breakfast at the hotel but it is certainly sufficient.

Today is our sixth day of the journey. We plan to visit Nan Riverside Art Gallery and Wat Phra That Khao Noi in the evening.

For our seventh day, we will be visiting Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and Phuttha Sathan Mon Saeng Dao (it is just newly open, not yet completed and tourists are yet known about this place).

After that, we will be traveling back to Bangkok.

Nan Riverside Art Gallery (Rimnan Gallery)

Nan Riverside Art Gallery is an art exhibition hall. It was found and run by Nan artist, Winai Prabripoo, on the 13 rai of land near Nan River.

It is located on Nan-Tung Chang road, 20 kilometers away from downtown Nan. It is the arts and culture collection center of Nan Province.

This gallery has a collection of contemporary art exhibits and it is rotating throughout the year

The entrance fee to visit this Art Gallery is only 20 THB per person.

The Art Gallery has two buildings. The first one is a large two-storey building. At ground-floor, it is a large exhibition hall, accommodating no less than 80-100 pictures display. Therefore, this floor usually showcases national exhibition or the artists must have many art works, enough to make an exhibition here. On the second floor, it shows the art works of Ajarn Winai. It is also his residential area. For the second building, it used to be the former art studio of Ajarn Winai. It is located near Nan River and surrounded by tropical plants and trees. But now it is the gallery that allows people who have never gotten to display their art works to have a space to make a display, including students and no-name artists as a way to encourage them. However, the art displayed here must have a prominent and attractive feature in itself, include painting, sculpture, and mixed media in which all are contemporary arts. This art exhibit mostly just want to give the viewers greater access to the arts or to meet a new friend named 'arts'. Furthermore, Nan Riverside Art Gallery is also regarded as a place for Nan power. Whenever there's any activity or exhibition opening, several organizations of the province will be participating in like Coordination Center. It is like the art gallery and other organizations of the Nan Province has worked together for the society, meanwhile, people come for supporting the art gallery. In this way of cooperation, both parties are mutually benefited.

Ajarn Winai explains the origin of these two royal paintings as…..

On January 19, 2011, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn came to visit Nan prison and drew this painting of "Krasib" (whispering).

It is a 50x70 cm size painting and was given to a temporary prison of Khao Noi, Nan Province.

On the afternoon, H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn visited to the Nan Riverside Art Gallery and saw this painting of "Krasib" in a version of two foreigners whispering drew by Ajarn Winai.

H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn said "Oh, so this is a new version of this painting, Nan is full of "Krasib" painting, this morning I also drew it already." Ajarn Winai said that the art gallery has prepared the canvas and color magic. H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn then was pleased to draw a picture of a man with Mohawk hairstyle and a woman wearing sarong and putting her hand on the ears acting to listen and wrote "Shout".

H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn's companions took photograph of it and H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn explained that…

"Now they need to shout since they cannot hear by whispering any longer as they are getting older."

Later on, H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn's also pointed to a woman's sarong and said "a watermark of Nan" and also said "Mahawk" when pointing to a man's hair.

This passage is from http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1333342940

For the afternoon, we come to visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi, the most beautiful viewpoint of East Lanna scenery.

It is located at Doo Tai Sub-district, Muang Nan District, on the Khao Noi hill and approximately 250 meters height from the sea level. The front of the temple is a 303 steps Naga stairs (there's a road for driving up if you are too tired to walk up). When we are up here on the top, we will clearly see the whole view of Nan city. It was built by consort of Phaya Phu Keng, a Nan ruler. It has been constantly restored, especially the Buddha image and the biggest restoration was carried out during the reign of Phra Chao Suriyapongparitdej by Burmese artist named Mong Ying. The Fine Arts Department has registered this place as historic site in 1980.

This temple is located on a high hill and the beautiful viewpoint is at the concrete yard. The big Walking Buddha statue called Phra Phuttha Maha Utom Mongkol Nanthaburi Si Muang Nan was built in 1999. This place is considered the only place to overlooking Nan Province from high angle. This place also illustrates the characteristics of the cities of the North which usually locates on the plains and valleys. Wat Phra That Khao Noi is yet another sacred and oldest place of Nan Province. It is assumed that this temple is in the same generation as the Phra That Chae Haeng.

The legend said that….The Buddha has come to stay at this hill, under Makab Thong Tree owned by an old couple who was farming on the neighboring hill. While the grandpa (Ananta) was going out for farming, he was shocked and feared when seeing the Buddha sitting there. He then rushed home to tell the grandma (Auean) that, a giant has come to sit in their farm under the Makab Thong tree. So he asked grandma to take some pumpkins and vegetables to the Buddha while he will be walking behind grandma with a spear in hand. If a giant were to attack the grandma, he would go out and use this spear as a weapon.

The Buddha knew this this place is going to be the center of Buddhism so he gave his 2 hairs to Phra Arnon. He also told grandma to hand over him those vegetables. Phra Arnon prayed to have Buddha's 2 hairs going to stay inside that pumpkins and return them to the old couple. After that, grandpa and grandma buried these vegetables underneath the Makab Thong tree that the Buddha once sat on. They both then returned home and never revisited that farm ever again.

Later on, the Buddha returned to this farm and made his forecast that…

"When I come to this city and sit on that hill, the couple thought that I'm a giant. A man brought a spear and walked behind his wife in case if his wife were to get eaten then he could use a spear to stab that giant. After they both died, they would go to the heaven. Once the religion was gone, a man would reborn to this city as Phraya (a ruler) who was brave, loved all the weapons and elephants and horses while a woman would be reborn as a consort and would build Phra That using my hair and it would be named Phra That Khao Noi, it would be like this….."

Then the Buddha turned his face to the east which is the location of current Nan Province and said,

"In the future, this place will be the location of a city named "Nanthaburi". Buddhism will come and flourish in this territory and it will be able to maintain the Buddhism for five thousand years ... ".

In the evening, we want to change our dining atmosphere to Chinese food as we have been enjoying local food the entire trip.

There's one delicious Chinese food restaurant called "Hua Loet Rot" the new branch (close to Nan Provincial Public Works and Town and Country Planning Office).

This is a famous Khao Tom (rice porridge with side dish) restaurant in Nan. The taste has been keeping constantly standardly delicious in an affordable price so the tables are fully occupied every day. This restaurant is managed by Khun Decha Sirinaraset, the owner who prioritizes cleanliness and freshness of the raw materials.

Hua Loet Rot, the new branch

Location: 123, Moo 2, Fai Kaew Sub-district, Phu Piang District, Nan Province

Opening Hours: 17.00-21.00 p.m. (daily)

Tel. : 089-999-9141089-999-9124

GPS : 18°46'03.0"N 100°46'50.7"E

Traveling to Nan with children, dining is also important. Most of the restaurants in Nan offers local food. Since we stay here for several days, the children could be bored having the same food every day. Hua Loet Rot is a made by order Chinese food that has more than 100 entries available (it's really a lot). The taste is good but may be not to the best. Each dish has a standard delicious taste. More importantly, a starting price is 50 THB only.

The dishes that Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai order for this meal and the children love it are Deep-fried Salted Chicken (60 THB), Deep-fried Pork with Garlic (60 THB), Fried Mushroom and Pork in Oyster Sauce (70 THB), Enoki Mushroom Salad (80 THB), Nile Tilapia with Fish Sauce (170 THB), and Salted Duck Eggs Salad (50 THB). Other menus also have similar prices.

Now comes our final temple for this trip.

After Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and Phuttha Sathan Mon Saeng Dao, we will beautifully complete our Nan trip.

Wat Phra That Chae Haeng (it represents the Year of the Rabbit in Lunar Year) is the most important temple and stay side by side as a symbol of Nan Province. This temple used to be Wat Ras (the temple built by the people). Phra That enshrines the hair and the left hand relics of the Buddha. It is situated on a small golden hill that can be seen from afar. It was built as a love and relationship monument between Nan and Sukhothai in the ancient time. A shape of Chedi (pagoda) is assumed to have been influenced by the mixture between Chedi of Pratat Hariphunchai and Burmese arts. Brass sheets were lining around the base before gilding. The Phra That (where Buddha relics were enshrined) is situated on a hill paved by brick about 20 meters in wide and two staircases were on both sides.

Viharn Luang (the grand hall) is on the south side of Phra That, facing to the west. The viharn is in rectangular with four entrances. At the front entrance sit two large Singh (lions) as in Burmese arts. Above the front and back gate carved eight interwoven Naga (serpent) relief. The roof were in three tiers stacked layer like Lanna arts. What interesting is that at the center of the roof carved the tail of two Naga interwoven into three tiers. This art was influenced by Lan Chang, it is so astonishingly beautiful and rare today.

When Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai were worshiping Phra That Chae Haeng, a staff recommended Phuttha Sathan Mon Saeng Dao and asked if we have yet been there.

The staff then told us to look at a sign that reads "A large Buddha statue" (Mon Saeng Dao).

Mon Saeng Dao Meditation Center is located in Muang Chang Sub-district, it enshrines the biggest Buddha statue in Nan Province.

It is a newly open religious tourist destination that has yet been well known. The middle Buddha statue is the biggest one with 10 meters high and 17 meters in width.

The staff gave us a clear direction of how to get there. It will take less than 30 minutes to drive there from Phra That Chae Haeng.

The staff also said that we won't get lost as we will see a prominent and big Buddha statue there.

GPS : 18°53'17.6"N 100°50'06.0"E

Well, someone already gave a recommendation like this…. So we can't miss out! This place is not in our plan at all.

This evening we will be flying back to Bangkok. Usually what has been out of the plan, we will deny.

But for this place, I don't know why too… but we decided to go.

A large Buddha statue (Mon Saeng Dao) at Mon Saeng Dao Meditation Center, according to the map, it is 30 minutes from Wat Phra That Chae Haeng.

Let's go!

On the way, we see many children riding bicycle holding young plants and plating equipment in their hands.

So Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai are consulting that we are going to help them plating trees as well.

And then the kids stop at a big spacious yard, getting off their bikes and starting to plant trees.Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai also stop the car and get down to help them plant trees with a lot of fun.

After planting about 3 young plants, I look up and see the sign that reads…..

"Phuttha Sathan Mon Saeng Dao, Wat Had Ket Lang, Muang Chang Sub-district, Phu Piang District, Nan Province".

Even if this is difficult to believe, but I have to believe. It seems like someone wants us to help plating trees at this temple. I'm feeling incredibly good!

Someone has invited us to visit Phuttha Sathan Mon Saeng Dao, Wat Had Ket Lang, Muang Chang Sub-district, Phu Piang District, Nan Province.

I also would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to visit Phuttha Sathan Mon Saeng Dao as well if you ever come to Nan Province.

After that, we go back to the hotel, taking shower, and checking out. Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai has a mission to try out two more delicious restaurants.

Huean Ying-Jai, coconut bowl noodle with ancient recipe

Location: Sumontevaraj Road, Muang District, Nan Province

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 17.00 - 21.00 p.m.

Sat-Sun and Public Holidays: 11.00 - 20.00 p.m.

Tel: 086-9104622

GPS : 18°47'08.9"N 100°46'52.1"E

Pee (sister) Maliwan, the owner of the shop has offered this deliciousness since 2013. It is a small shop with a good atmosphere. You can choose to sit indoor or outdoor close to the fence like you pleased.

The highlight menu that we should not miss is Pork Tom Yum Noodle (30 THB). It is served hot in a large dark color coconut shell which makes it looks more delicious. The taste is great, you can also smell the sprinkled roasted peanuts. In coupled with Fried Dumpling, it is just super delicious.

Huean Ying-Jai also has Stewed Pork Noodle (30 THB), Dark Broth Noodle (30 THB), Sukiyai Noodle dried/soup (35 THB), Yentafo Pork Tom Yom (30 THB) which are also equally delicious.

Delicious beyond Expectations Menu ...

Sagu Sai Moo (Steamed Sagu Balls with Pork Filling) (20 THB), each ball is big and a lot of filling. The ball is soft, so delicious, just love it!

Moo Sadung (Spicy Pork Stir) (50 THB), the marinated pork is boiled, topping with spicy and sour sauce and eating with fresh kale. The meat is so tender.

Kanom Tuai Kati Baitoey (Pandan Coconut Cup Cake) (20 THB), it is so a soft flavor, its meat is harder than any other shops that I had eaten.

Naem Suni, a local restaurant, offers Kanom Jeen Nam Ngeow and Khao Soi, and the highlight is Jin Som Mo (fermented ground pork) which considers one of the famous souvenir from Nan Province as it is super delicious and goes beyond any expectations. Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai used to think that delicious Naem can be found in either Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or provinces in northeast region of Thailand only, we've never expected Nan to also have this delicious Naem. The chef sees that we are the tourists so she said "Fried Rice with Naem is very delicious, everyone who tries this dish will buy Naem home!!!"

We got such a big invitation from the chef, how could we deny it? Kanom Jeen Nam Ngeow (30 THB), Khao Soi with Chicken (30 THB), Kanom Jeeb Moo (Pork Dumpling) (30 THB), and Fried Rice with Naem (30 THB), let's try it out and see if we will get Naem home as our souvenir or not???

Khao Soi with Chicken of this restaurant is an ancient recipe from Chiang Saen city in Chiang Rai Province. It has a heavy spices flavor and condensed coconut milk. Children can eat as it is not so spicy. For the adults, we will need to add pickled lettuce, chili, and lime. The taste of this dish is quite different from other restaurants. To what extent does it differ, you will have to try it yourself.

Fried Rice with Naem, a dish challenged to try by the chef. She uses one piece of Jin Som Mo (fermented ground pork) and cut it into small pieces then fried it till it cooked in vegetable oil, after that, putting in eggs and rice and seasoning it. It looks so appetizing. After tasting Fried Rice with Naem…..we indeed buy home 12 pieces of them (100 THB) for our fried rice and omelet menu back in Bangkok. The chef totally got us for this, haha.

Kanom Jeen Nam Ngeow, this restaurants offers several types of noodle to go with the soup, such as rice noodle, regular noodle, or thin noodle.

Kanom Jeeb Moo, a retro delicious noodle roll, it takes us back in time and really reminds us of a good old time at school.

There's 4 types of Naem Suni which are Small Naem, Big Naem, Whole Naem, and Rib Naem. The highlight of Naem here is that it is meaty, chewy, and fresh in mouth. It is not wet when cooking. It can also be stored up to 1 month upon the purchase.

It's time to go home now.

For friends who can read until this line… You are awesome!

Because this is a really long review. I spent many days in choosing photos and wrote it from early morning until 1 a.m. in the morning.

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Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai really hope that, this information will serve as a guideline for you to enjoy more of Nan Province.

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Let's go travel to Nan via this music.

Uncle Deng & Auntie Kai will take you to tour temples in Nan by cycling.

Song: Muang Nan Muanng Chakayan (Nan City, Bicycle City)

Lyrics and Music by Chai Chuekan