Attractions

Doi Phu Kha National Park was declared the 94th national park on June 17, 1999[1]. It covers an area of ​​approximately 1,065,000 rai and is located in the area of ​​8 districts of Nan Province: Pua District, Tha Wang Pha District, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Thung Chang District, Chiang Klang District, Santisuk District, Mae Chrim District, and Bo Kluea District. It covers the Doi Phu Kha mountain range, with the highest point being Doi Phu Kha Peak, which is 1,980 meters above sea level. It also has the rare Phu Kha pink flower, which is found only in this place in Thailand, the giant Nan cycad tree, ancient forests, Ton Tong Waterfall, Phu Pha Waterfall, Wang Pian Waterfall, Tat Luang Waterfall, the summit of Doi Phu Wa, and the Yod Wiman Cave and Pha Khong Cave.

Highway No. 3, or Curve Number 3, is located on Highway No. 1081, the Santisuk-Bo Kluea route in Nan Province. It's a popular check-in point featuring a unique curve shaped like the number 3, nestled amidst beautiful mountains and forests. Historically, this route was pioneered during the communist insurgency to connect transportation and ensure stability in the area.

Airport

Santisuk Hospital 054-716-106

054-718-311

7 eleven

Tat Luang Waterfalls

There is a parking lot on Fridays and Saturdays, and it can accommodate several cars. The market is not very big, but there are a variety of products and plenty of food. It is suitable for walking around.

Sila Phet Waterfall is one of the well-known waterfalls in Nan Province, located in Pua District, about 71 kilometers from Nan city. Although not very large, this waterfall is beautifully managed and offers a peaceful natural retreat.

Its unique charm lies in the clear streams cascading over natural rock formations, surrounded by big trees and greenery. Visitors can swim, relax by the stream, or enjoy the cool and tranquil environment.

Each season reveals a different beauty: during the rainy season, the water flows strongly, creating a refreshing scene, while in the cool season, the atmosphere is pleasantly chilly with light mist adding to the romance and serenity.

Besides its natural charm, the area also reflects the local lifestyle, with small eateries and friendly villagers nearby. It’s a perfect destination for families, photographers, and nature lovers.

Wang Sila Laeng, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of Pua," is located in Ban Hua Nam, Sila Laeng Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province. This "Unseen" natural attraction was formed by the Kun River eroding through rock cliffs along the Pua Fault line.

The erosion has created stunning gorges and seven distinct whirlpool basins stretching over 400 meters. The best time to visit is during the dry season (November – May) to admire the unique cylindrical rock formations and enjoy swimming in the clear water.

àang gèp náam niw-see-laen nâan

If you visit the Nan Riverside Art Gallery every month, you’ll notice that the rotating exhibitions are constantly changing. This is the intentional vision of Winai Prabripoo, who wants the gallery to serve as a creative hub and a platform for artists to showcase their work.

For instance, the gallery is currently hosting the "Attasippa" exhibition by artists from Lopburi (Lavo), alongside the "Chitra Pratima Dhamma" exhibition by the Silpa Dhamma group.

A Philosophy of Opportunity

Winai explains his approach to supporting artists as follows:

"We focus on providing opportunities. By 'opportunity,' I mean providing a stage. Artists want to take that stage; they produce the work, and our job is to draw in the audience—to encourage people to come and see the artists express their identity. We don't use strict professional standards as a filter. If we did, part-time artists who want to exhibit with friends would lose their chance.

We only ask that they work as a collective. For non-professionals, exhibiting solo is risky; the work might come across as weak. When they work as a group, they pull each other up, and we are more than happy to support them."

Art for All Ages

Inside the gallery, one particular art set captures the imagination of younger visitors. Upon closer inspection, these works feature Doodle Art—playful, spontaneous black line drawings. Children can be seen gathered around, excitedly guessing what shapes the artist intended, turning the art viewing into a fun, interactive game.

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Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan is located directly opposite the Nan National Museum. Originally known as Wat Luang Klang Wiang, it was built in 1406 by Phaya Phu Kheng, the ruler of Nan.

The Grand Vihara (Main Chapel)

The Great Vihara is a large structure reflecting northern Thai (Lanna) architectural style.

• Exterior: The entrance is guarded by a pair of majestic lions (Singha). It features three front entrances—a large central door flanked by two smaller ones—and additional side entrances opposite the main Buddha image. The roof is double-tiered with front and rear porches.

• Interior: The interior is spacious, featuring massive circular pillars (large enough for two people to wrap their arms around). These pillars are decorated with high-relief stucco patterns of cascading "Kanok" motifs, similar to those found at the famous Wat Phumin.

Historical Treasures

• The Chang Kham Pagoda: This Sukhothai-style chedi dates back to the 15th century (20th Buddhist Century). Its base is uniquely adorned with stucco sculptures of the front half of elephants, appearing as if they are supporting the structure.

• The Golden Buddha: The temple houses Phra Phutthananthaburi Sri Sakyamuni, a walking Buddha image made of 65% gold, standing 145 cm tall.

  • It was commissioned in 1426 by Chao Ngua Larphasum, the 14th ruler of the Phuka Dynasty.

  • In 1899, a topknot (Ushnisha) weighing approximately 1 kilogram (69 Baht weight) was added.

• Tripitaka Hall: This sacred image is enshrined within the temple's Tripitaka Hall (Library), which is recognized as the largest of its kind in Thailand.

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