Nan, Thailand
Encyclopedia
Nan is a town in Northern Thailand
. It is located some 668 km north of Bangkok
. Its population exceeds 24.000. It is situated in the centre of the province
which bears its name, and of which it is the administrative capital. It covers the whole tambon Nai Wiang of Mueang Nan district
, an area of 5.40 km². As of 2005 it had a population of 20,413. It is subdivided into 26 chumchon. It is spread out along the Nan river
's right bank. Nan is a small city, primarily devoted to commercial, administrative, educational and hospital activities. The old heart of the city, where Wat Phumin
, the National Museum and other tourist attractions are located, is being restored. The city's industrial and tourist development remains limited until now, but should be improved by the complete opening of the border towards Laos
and beyond towards China
, an opening that has been postponed so far but should occur in a short time.
. For centuries it was a separate, autonomous kingdom
with few relationships with the outside world.
There is much evidence of prehistoric habitation, but it wasn't until several small mueang united to form Nanthaburi on the Nan river
in the mid-14th century - contemporary with the creation of Luang Prabang
and the Lan Xang
(Million Elephants) kingdom in Laos
- that the city became a power to be taken into account. Associated with the mighty Sukhothai
kingdom, the mueang took the title Wara Nakhon and played a significant part in the development of early Thai nationalism.
By the end of the -14th century Nan was one of the nine northern Thai-Lao principalities that comprised Lan Na Thai (now Lanna
) and the city state flourished throughout the 15th century under the name Chiang Klang (Middle City), a reference to its position roughly midway between Chiang Mai
(New City) and Chiang Thong (Golden City, which is today's Luang Prabang
).
The Burmese
took control of the kingdom in 1558 and deported many of the inhabitants to Burma as slaves; the city was completely deserted until western Thailand was retaken from the Burmese in 1786. The local dynasty then regained local sovereignty and it remained semi-autonomous until 1931 when Nan finally accepted full Bangkok
dominion.
Parts of the old city wall and several early wat
s dating from the Lanna
period can be seen in contemporary Nan. The city of Nan's wats are distinctive: some temple structures show Lanna
influence, while others belong to the Thai Lue legacy brought from Xishuangbanna in China
, where the Thai Lue people came from.
The Nan National Museum is located in the original palace
of the last two feudal lords of Nan. The building was originally constructed in 1903 by Phra Chao Suriyapnong Phalidet, the last but one lord
of Nan to replace his former wooden residence. After the death of the Chao Maha Brahma Surathada, the last lord of Nan, his heirs donated this palace to the government in 1931 in order to be used as the provincial hall. The museum (Pha Kong road; admission 30B; 9am-4pm Mon-Sat) was inaugurated in 1973 after the new provincial hall building had been erected. Thanks to relatively recent renovations, it is one of Thailand's most up-to-date provincial museums and, unlike many others, it also has English labels for many items on display.
The ground level is divided into six exhibition rooms with ethnological exhibits dealing with the various ethnic groups round in the province, including the northern Thais, Thai Lue, Htin, Khamu
, Mabri, Hmong
and Mien
. Silverwork, textiles, folk utensils and tribal costumes can be found on display. Exhibits on Nan history, archaeology, local architecture, royal regalia, weapons, ceramics and religious art are shown on the second floor, divided into two sections. The first is the main hall which used to be the throne hall of the feudal lord. The second consists of the rooms in the north and south wings.
The museum exhibits a wide collection of Buddha
images which include some rare Lanna
styles as well as the floppy-eared local styles. Usually made from wood, these standing images are in the calling for rain' posture (with hands at the sides, pointing down) and they show an obvious Luang Prabang influence.
Also on display on the 2nd floor is a rare black (in fact reddish-brown) elephant tusk
said to have been offered to a Nan king over 300 years ago by the Khün lord of Chiang Tung (Kengtung). Held aloft by a wooden Garuda
(mythical bird) sculpture, the tusk measures 97 cm long and 47 cm in circumference.
Books on Thai art and archaeology are sold in a building adjacent to the museum.
This is a large, rambling teak house in classic Northern Thai style set in a beautiful garden. Chao Fongkham was a descendant of Chao Anantaworarithidej, the 62nd Lord of Nan and the father of the last two Lords. The oldest parts of the house show planks formed by axe and knife, before large saws were available in Nan. At the time it was built, about 150 years ago, such large teak houses were reserved for the nobility. It is probably the best preserved such noble house in the whole province. Originally erected in the area of Nan now occupied by the military camp, it was moved to its current site, on a quiet soi behind Wat Pragert, by Chao Fongkham's parents, about 100 years ago. It is now occupied by Chao Fongkham's children. To visit, please call 054 710 537.
Wat Phumin
The city of Nan's most famous wat
is renowned for its cruciform ubosoth
(or bot) which was constructed in 1596 and restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det (1867-1875). It is the only temple which was built as if it were on the back of two immense snakes (or Nagas).
Each of the four entrances is preceded by a small corridor topped by a finely decorated point shaped structure (underlining the royal origin of the temple) and is equipped with smoothly carved doors; with Chinese demon guards in the East, flowers in the North and forest life motives in the Lanna
style in the West and South.
The wat
's interior is impressive. It is also a good example of Thai Lue architecture.
Well preserved murals of great value illustrating the Khattana Kumara Jataka
on the Northern wall and the Nimi Jatakas on the Western wall as well as scenes of the local life of the time when they were painted by Thai Lue artists during the restoration of the temple at the end of the 19th century. Europeans can even be noticed: a reference to the arrival of the French
to whom the East of the Nan valley area was yielded in 1893.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
Two kilometers past the bridge that spans the Nan river, heading southeast out of town, this temple dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang. It is the most sacred wat in Nan Province. It is set in a square, walled enclosure on top of a hill with a view of Nan and the valley. The Thai Lue influenced bot features a triple-tiered roof with carved wooden eaves and dragon
reliefs over the doors. A gilded Lanna
-style chedi
sits on a large square base next to the bot, its sides 22.5m long; the entire stupa is 55.5m high.
Wat Phra That Chang Kham
After Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, this wat (Pha Kong road) is the second-most important temple in the city. The main wihan
, constructed in 1458, has a huge seated Buddha image and faint murals. Also in the wihan, is a set of Lanna
-period scrolls inscribed (in Lanna script) not only with the usual Buddhist scriptures
but also with the history, law and astrology of the time. A thammdat (a dhamma seat used by monks when teaching) sits to one side.
The magnificent chedi
behind the wihan dates to the 14th century, probably around the same time the temple was founded. It features 24 elephant supports similar to those seen in Sukhothai
and Si Satchanalai
.
Next to the stupa is a small, insignificant bot from the same era. Wat Phra That Chang Kham is also eminent by having the largest hàw trai (Tripitaka
library) in Thailand
but it is now empty.
Wat Hua Khuang
This small wat diagonally opposite Wat Phra That Chang Kham is composed of a distinctive Lanna/Lan Xang
-style chedi with four Buddha niches, a wooden hàw trai - now used as a kùti (monk cell) - and a noteworthy bot with a Luang Prabang
-style carved wooden veranda.
A carved wooden ceiling and a huge Naga altar can be found inside. Stylistic cues suggest this may be one of the city's oldest wats though the temple's founding date is unknown.
Wat Suan Tan
Supposedly established in 1456, the Wat Suan Tan (Palm Grove Monastery; Suan Tan road) is composed of an interesting chedi of the 15th century (40 m high) which combines Hindu/Khmer style
motives (chedi in the form of a prang
) and, surmounting it, an obviously Sukhothai style motive in the shape of a lotus bud, modified in its current form in 1914. The heavily restored wihan contains the Phra Chao Thong Thipun, out of early Sukhothai-style bronze, seated Buddha in the pose of Bhūmisparsa mudrā. It measures 4.10 meters and could have been ordered by the Chiangmai sovereign Tilokaraj following his conquest of Nan in 1449.
For centuries, longboat racing has been held annually in provinces with a major waterway running through them. Long-boat racing is one of the traditional rites which commemorates the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat
. It takes place mainly in the 10th and/or 11th lunar months
(around September/October) when the water level is at its peak. At present, long-boat racing is considered a national sport. Its history can be traced back to the Ayutthaya
period, some 600 years ago. In that time, boat racing was only a way to keep boat teams fit for national defense.
Racing boats are usually made from dugout tree trunks and can accommodate up to 60 oarsmen (commonly dressed in the same colour) in a double row. The festival event attracts hundreds of spectators. Trophies and prizes are given to the winning teams at the end. The races on the Nan river are colourful and unequalled because the racing boats are brightly adorned with imaginatively designed prows. The cheering squads on the river bank are usually rumbustious and joyful.
Happy Air
and Solar Air
offer flights between Nan Airport
and Bangkok
. SGA Airlines
connects Chiang Mai
to Nan. By road, it takes from 10 to 13 hours, according to the type of bus, to travel from Nan to Bangkok. Regular buses also run from Nan to Chiang Mai
, Chiang Rai
and Phrae.
The local means of transport include songthaew
, motorbike-taxis and trishaws.
Northern Thailand
Thailand's northern region is geographically characterised by multiple mountain ranges which continue from the Shan Hills in bordering Myanmar and Laos, and the river valleys which cut through them...
. It is located some 668 km north of Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
. Its population exceeds 24.000. It is situated in the centre of the province
Nan Province
Nan is one of the northern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Uttaradit, Phrae and Phayao. To the north and east it borders Sainyabuli of Laos.-Geography:...
which bears its name, and of which it is the administrative capital. It covers the whole tambon Nai Wiang of Mueang Nan district
Amphoe Mueang Nan
Mueang Nan is the capital district of Nan Province, northern Thailand.-History:The district was Khwaeng Nakhon Nan, set up in 1899 by the Ministry of Interior. It was renamed to Mueang Nan district in 1917...
, an area of 5.40 km². As of 2005 it had a population of 20,413. It is subdivided into 26 chumchon. It is spread out along the Nan river
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
's right bank. Nan is a small city, primarily devoted to commercial, administrative, educational and hospital activities. The old heart of the city, where Wat Phumin
Wat Phumin
The city of Nan's most famous wat is renowned for its cruciform ubosoth which was constructed in 1596 and restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det .-Exterior:...
, the National Museum and other tourist attractions are located, is being restored. The city's industrial and tourist development remains limited until now, but should be improved by the complete opening of the border towards Laos
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
and beyond towards China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, an opening that has been postponed so far but should occur in a short time.
History
Little-known Nan goes back to the depths of the history of ThailandThailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. For centuries it was a separate, autonomous kingdom
Monarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
with few relationships with the outside world.
There is much evidence of prehistoric habitation, but it wasn't until several small mueang united to form Nanthaburi on the Nan river
Nan River
The Nan River is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River.-Geography:The Nan River originates in Nan Province. The provinces along the river after Nan Province are Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phichit. The Yom River joins the Nan River at Chum Saeng...
in the mid-14th century - contemporary with the creation of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang , is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River about north of Vientiane. It is the capital of Luang Prabang Province...
and the Lan Xang
Lan Xang
The Lao kingdom of Lan Xang Hom Kao was established in 1354 by Fa Ngum.Exiled as an infant to Cambodia, Prince Fa Ngum of Xieng Dong Xieng Thong married a daughter of the Khmer king. In 1349 he set out from Angkor at the head of a 10,000-man army to establish his own country...
(Million Elephants) kingdom in Laos
Laos
Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...
- that the city became a power to be taken into account. Associated with the mighty Sukhothai
Sukhothai kingdom
The Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
kingdom, the mueang took the title Wara Nakhon and played a significant part in the development of early Thai nationalism.
By the end of the -14th century Nan was one of the nine northern Thai-Lao principalities that comprised Lan Na Thai (now Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
) and the city state flourished throughout the 15th century under the name Chiang Klang (Middle City), a reference to its position roughly midway between Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province , a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 until 1939. It is...
(New City) and Chiang Thong (Golden City, which is today's Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang , is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River about north of Vientiane. It is the capital of Luang Prabang Province...
).
The Burmese
Bamar
The Bamar are the dominant ethnic group of Burma , constituting approximately two-thirds of the population. The Bamar live primarily in the Irrawaddy basin, and speak the Burmese language, which is also the official language of Burma. Bamar customs and identity are closely intertwined with general...
took control of the kingdom in 1558 and deported many of the inhabitants to Burma as slaves; the city was completely deserted until western Thailand was retaken from the Burmese in 1786. The local dynasty then regained local sovereignty and it remained semi-autonomous until 1931 when Nan finally accepted full Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
dominion.
Parts of the old city wall and several early wat
Wat
A wat is a monastery temple in Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. The word "wat" means "school".- Introduction :...
s dating from the Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
period can be seen in contemporary Nan. The city of Nan's wats are distinctive: some temple structures show Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
influence, while others belong to the Thai Lue legacy brought from Xishuangbanna in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, where the Thai Lue people came from.
Nan National Museum
Palace
A palace is a grand residence, especially a royal residence or the home of a head of state or some other high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop. The word itself is derived from the Latin name Palātium, for Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills in Rome. In many parts of Europe, the...
of the last two feudal lords of Nan. The building was originally constructed in 1903 by Phra Chao Suriyapnong Phalidet, the last but one lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
of Nan to replace his former wooden residence. After the death of the Chao Maha Brahma Surathada, the last lord of Nan, his heirs donated this palace to the government in 1931 in order to be used as the provincial hall. The museum (Pha Kong road; admission 30B; 9am-4pm Mon-Sat) was inaugurated in 1973 after the new provincial hall building had been erected. Thanks to relatively recent renovations, it is one of Thailand's most up-to-date provincial museums and, unlike many others, it also has English labels for many items on display.
The ground level is divided into six exhibition rooms with ethnological exhibits dealing with the various ethnic groups round in the province, including the northern Thais, Thai Lue, Htin, Khamu
Khmu people
The Khmu is one of the largest ethnic groups based in northern Laos. They can also be found in Burma, southwest China , Thailand, and Vietnam, where they are an officially recognized ethnic group...
, Mabri, Hmong
Hmong people
The Hmong , are an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Hmong are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China...
and Mien
Yao people
The Yao nationality is a government classification for various minorities in China. They form one of the 55 ethnic minority groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China, where they reside in the mountainous terrain of the southwest and south...
. Silverwork, textiles, folk utensils and tribal costumes can be found on display. Exhibits on Nan history, archaeology, local architecture, royal regalia, weapons, ceramics and religious art are shown on the second floor, divided into two sections. The first is the main hall which used to be the throne hall of the feudal lord. The second consists of the rooms in the north and south wings.
The museum exhibits a wide collection of Buddha
Buddha
In Buddhism, buddhahood is the state of perfect enlightenment attained by a buddha .In Buddhism, the term buddha usually refers to one who has become enlightened...
images which include some rare Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
styles as well as the floppy-eared local styles. Usually made from wood, these standing images are in the calling for rain' posture (with hands at the sides, pointing down) and they show an obvious Luang Prabang influence.
Also on display on the 2nd floor is a rare black (in fact reddish-brown) elephant tusk
Tusk
Tusks are elongated, continuously growing front teeth, usually but not always in pairs, that protrude well beyond the mouth of certain mammal species. They are most commonly canines, as with warthogs, wild boar, and walruses, or, in the case of elephants and narwhals, elongated incisors...
said to have been offered to a Nan king over 300 years ago by the Khün lord of Chiang Tung (Kengtung). Held aloft by a wooden Garuda
Garuda
The Garuda is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology.From an Indian perspective, Garuda is the Hindu name for the constellation Aquila and...
(mythical bird) sculpture, the tusk measures 97 cm long and 47 cm in circumference.
Books on Thai art and archaeology are sold in a building adjacent to the museum.
King of Nan's Teak House
Built in 1866 with golden teak and reconstructed in 1941, this large house (Mahaprom road, opposite the rear entrance of the Wat Phra That Chang Kham) is now the residence of Chao Sompradhana Na Nan. It exhibits heritage antiques such as ancient weapons, war elephant ivory and photographs by King Rama V. Contact the owner for visiting (Tel. 0 5471 0605).The House of Chao Fongkham
The Old Wall
Constructed in 1885 by Chao Anantavorarittidet, Nan's ruler, the wall was built in place of an old log wall destroyed by flood in 1817. Remnants of the wall - around 400 m out of the original 3 600 m - can be seen at the junction of Mahawong road and Rob Muang road, at the South-Western end of the town.Religious Sites
The city of Nan's most famous wat
Wat
A wat is a monastery temple in Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. The word "wat" means "school".- Introduction :...
is renowned for its cruciform ubosoth
Ubosoth
A phra ubosot is a building in a Buddhist Wat. It is the holiest prayer room, also called the "ordination hall" as it is where ordinations take place....
(or bot) which was constructed in 1596 and restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det (1867-1875). It is the only temple which was built as if it were on the back of two immense snakes (or Nagas).
Each of the four entrances is preceded by a small corridor topped by a finely decorated point shaped structure (underlining the royal origin of the temple) and is equipped with smoothly carved doors; with Chinese demon guards in the East, flowers in the North and forest life motives in the Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
style in the West and South.
The wat
Wat
A wat is a monastery temple in Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. The word "wat" means "school".- Introduction :...
's interior is impressive. It is also a good example of Thai Lue architecture.
Well preserved murals of great value illustrating the Khattana Kumara Jataka
Jataka
The Jātakas refer to a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of the Buddha....
on the Northern wall and the Nimi Jatakas on the Western wall as well as scenes of the local life of the time when they were painted by Thai Lue artists during the restoration of the temple at the end of the 19th century. Europeans can even be noticed: a reference to the arrival of the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
to whom the East of the Nan valley area was yielded in 1893.
Two kilometers past the bridge that spans the Nan river, heading southeast out of town, this temple dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang. It is the most sacred wat in Nan Province. It is set in a square, walled enclosure on top of a hill with a view of Nan and the valley. The Thai Lue influenced bot features a triple-tiered roof with carved wooden eaves and dragon
Dragon
A dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
reliefs over the doors. A gilded Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
-style chedi
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
sits on a large square base next to the bot, its sides 22.5m long; the entire stupa is 55.5m high.
Wat Phra That Chang Kham
After Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, this wat (Pha Kong road) is the second-most important temple in the city. The main wihan
Vihara
Vihara is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a Buddhist monastery. It originally meant "a secluded place in which to walk", and referred to "dwellings" or "refuges" used by wandering monks during the rainy season....
, constructed in 1458, has a huge seated Buddha image and faint murals. Also in the wihan, is a set of Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
-period scrolls inscribed (in Lanna script) not only with the usual Buddhist scriptures
Buddhist texts
Buddhist texts can be categorized in a number of ways. The Western terms "scripture" and "canonical" are applied to Buddhism in inconsistent ways by Western scholars: for example, one authority refers to "scriptures and other canonical texts", while another says that scriptures can be categorized...
but also with the history, law and astrology of the time. A thammdat (a dhamma seat used by monks when teaching) sits to one side.
The magnificent chedi
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
behind the wihan dates to the 14th century, probably around the same time the temple was founded. It features 24 elephant supports similar to those seen in Sukhothai
Sukhothai historical park
The Sukhothai Historical Park ) covers the ruins of Sukhothai, capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name....
and Si Satchanalai
Si Satchanalai historical park
The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is a historical park in Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai Province, northern Thailand.The protection of the area was first announced in Volume 92, Part 112 of the Royal Gazette on August 2, 1961. In 1976 the restoration project was approved, and in July 1988 the...
.
Next to the stupa is a small, insignificant bot from the same era. Wat Phra That Chang Kham is also eminent by having the largest hàw trai (Tripitaka
Tripiṭaka
' is a traditional term used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various canons of scriptures. As the name suggests, a traditionally contains three "baskets" of teachings: a , a and an .-The three categories:Tripitaka is the three main categories of texts that make up the...
library) in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
but it is now empty.
This small wat diagonally opposite Wat Phra That Chang Kham is composed of a distinctive Lanna/Lan Xang
Lan Xang
The Lao kingdom of Lan Xang Hom Kao was established in 1354 by Fa Ngum.Exiled as an infant to Cambodia, Prince Fa Ngum of Xieng Dong Xieng Thong married a daughter of the Khmer king. In 1349 he set out from Angkor at the head of a 10,000-man army to establish his own country...
-style chedi with four Buddha niches, a wooden hàw trai - now used as a kùti (monk cell) - and a noteworthy bot with a Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang , is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River about north of Vientiane. It is the capital of Luang Prabang Province...
-style carved wooden veranda.
A carved wooden ceiling and a huge Naga altar can be found inside. Stylistic cues suggest this may be one of the city's oldest wats though the temple's founding date is unknown.
Supposedly established in 1456, the Wat Suan Tan (Palm Grove Monastery; Suan Tan road) is composed of an interesting chedi of the 15th century (40 m high) which combines Hindu/Khmer style
Architecture of Cambodia
The period of Angkor is the period from approximately the latter half of the 8th century AD to the first half of the 15th century. If precise dates are required, the beginning may be set in 802 AD, when the founder of the Khmer Empire , Jayavarman II pronounced himself universal monarch and...
motives (chedi in the form of a prang
Prang (architecture)
A prang is a tall finger-like spire, usually richly carved. This was a common feature of Khmer religious architecture and was later adopted by Thai builders, typically in the Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods. In Thailand it appears only with the most important religious buildings.The first Prangs in...
) and, surmounting it, an obviously Sukhothai style motive in the shape of a lotus bud, modified in its current form in 1914. The heavily restored wihan contains the Phra Chao Thong Thipun, out of early Sukhothai-style bronze, seated Buddha in the pose of Bhūmisparsa mudrā. It measures 4.10 meters and could have been ordered by the Chiangmai sovereign Tilokaraj following his conquest of Nan in 1449.
Boat racing
Vassa
Vassa , also called Rains Retreat, or Buddhist Lent, is the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada practitioners...
. It takes place mainly in the 10th and/or 11th lunar months
Lunar calendar
A lunar calendar is a calendar that is based on cycles of the lunar phase. A common purely lunar calendar is the Islamic calendar or Hijri calendar. A feature of the Islamic calendar is that a year is always 12 months, so the months are not linked with the seasons and drift each solar year by 11 to...
(around September/October) when the water level is at its peak. At present, long-boat racing is considered a national sport. Its history can be traced back to the Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
period, some 600 years ago. In that time, boat racing was only a way to keep boat teams fit for national defense.
Racing boats are usually made from dugout tree trunks and can accommodate up to 60 oarsmen (commonly dressed in the same colour) in a double row. The festival event attracts hundreds of spectators. Trophies and prizes are given to the winning teams at the end. The races on the Nan river are colourful and unequalled because the racing boats are brightly adorned with imaginatively designed prows. The cheering squads on the river bank are usually rumbustious and joyful.
Transportation
Nan is connected by plane and by bus to the rest of the country.Happy Air
Happy Air
Happy Air is an airline based in Thailand, offering scheduled domestic passenger flights out of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket International Airport, as well as charter services...
and Solar Air
Solar Air
Solar Air is a low-cost airline with its head office in Bangkok, Thailand. Its base is in Don Mueang International Airport.-Destinations:This is a list of destinations that Solar Air flies to:*Thailand...
offer flights between Nan Airport
Nan Airport
Nan Airport is an airport serving Nan, the capital city of Nan Province, Thailand.-Airlines and destinations:...
and Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
. SGA Airlines
SGA Airlines
Nok Mini, d/b/a Nok Mini,is a regional airline in Thailand offering regularly scheduled and chartered domestic passenger and freight services. It has its hub at Don Mueang International Airport.-History:...
connects Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province , a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 until 1939. It is...
to Nan. By road, it takes from 10 to 13 hours, according to the type of bus, to travel from Nan to Bangkok. Regular buses also run from Nan to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province , a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 until 1939. It is...
, Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai
-Demographics:Official Population count: According to the Thailand National Statistical Office, as of September 2010, Chiang Rai municipal district has a population of 199,699...
and Phrae.
The local means of transport include songthaew
Songthaew
A songthaew , also known in English as a baht bus, is a passenger vehicle in Malaysia, Thailand and Laos adapted from a pick-up or a larger truck and used as a share taxi....
, motorbike-taxis and trishaws.