North of Thailand - NAN

General Information

A quiet and tranquil province, Nan nestles in a verdant valley in northern Thailand. About 668 kilometres from Bangkok, it covers an area of 11,472 square kilometres and is made up of the following districts: Mueang, Wiang Sa, Na Noi, Pua, Chiang Klang, Tha Wang Pha, Thung Chang, Mae Charim, Ban Luang, Na Mun, Santi Suk, Bo Kluea, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Song Khwae, and Phu Phiang.

The people of Nan descend from the Lan Changs (Laotians). Their forebears moved to settle around present-day Pua district which is rich in rock salt deposits, about 700 years ago at the time when Sukhothai was becoming the kingdom of the Thais. They subsequently moved south to the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive.

Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai which played an important role in both political and religious terms before Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today Nan is still the home of numerous Thai Lue and other hilltribes who retain highly interesting customs and traditions.

How to get there

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan and use Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok, Highway No. 11 to Amphoe Den Chai, then take Highway No. 101 to Nan via Phrae, a total distance of 668 kilometres.

By Bus

Transport Co. Ltd. operates bus services from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Nan every day. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Other private companies are such as Phrae Tour Tel: 0 2245 2369 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0 2245 2369 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Sombat Tour Tel: 0 2936 2495-6 and Choetchai Tour Tel: 0 5471 0362 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0 5471 0362 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (Nan Office).

By Air

PB Air flies from Bangkok to Nan. Visit www.pbair.com for more information.

Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts

Ban Luang Chiang Klang Thung Chang Na Muen Mae Charim Song Khwae Tha Wang Pha Na Noi Bo Kluea Pua Wiang Sa Santi Suk

76 kilometres 86 kilometres 80 kilometres 45 kilometres 38 kilometres 75 kilometres 43 kilometres 60 kilometres 133 kilometres 60 kilometres 25 kilometres 32 kilometres

Published At : www.tourismthailand.org
Permanent Link :http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/nan-55-5162-1.html

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SEA of Mist : Amazing Wonders in Thailand

If traveling to discover nature is like taking a journey to fulfill your life, then to witness a natural phenomenon such as the sea of mist would not be different from a reward for the travelers, who only wish to savor its spectacular sight. Seeing the sea of mist is considered a sort of luck, as the weather is unpredictable, there is no guarantee as to what you will get.

Waiting to see the sea of mist in the morning is like waiting for the stage curtain to unveil. As the pale sunlight reveals the vast mass of vapor over the forest, the sun appears over the horizon, then comes the moment you witness the sea of mist in its full splendor.

The sea of mist is extraordinarily beautiful in winter, especially in the North. However, it is also possible to see it in some parts of the North East and Central Thailand as well.

There are many places you can go to see the sea of mist.

The North

Popular spots to see the sea of mist in the North are:

• Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai
  There is no need for trekking to see the sea of mist here. From December to February, you will also get to see blooming Sakura as a bonus.
  
• Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai
  This is the number one classic spot for sea of mist in Thailand. From the cliff, you can see the breathtaking view of the sea of mist spreading over Laos. In addition, Doi Pha, which is only 20 km. away is another well-known spot to see the sea of mist.
  
• Mae Noei National Park, Tak
  It is the perfect spot from October to February. Nearby tourist attractions are Mae Usu Cave and natural hot springs.
  
• Mokoju Peak, Mae Wong National Park, Kamphaeng Phet
  With some effort, you will get through a long and difficult trekking to see the picture perfect sea of mist. Peak season is from November to February.
  
• Khao Kho, Phetchabun
  The viewpoint is conveniently located in the resort among the mountains.
  
• Doi Hua Mot, Amphoe Umphang, Tak
  Namtok Thi Lo Cho (Falling Rain Waterfall) and rafting activities are also a must.
  
• Phu Thap Boek, Phetchabun
  Here, you can put up your tents and wait for the sea of mist in the morning and the “stars on earth” at night.
  Other viewpoints in the North are:
  
• Doi ,Si Nan National Park, Nan
  
• Khun Chae National Park, Chiang Rai
  
• Chae Son National Park, Lampang
  
• Chiang Dao National Park, Chiang Mai
  
• Doi Khun Than National, Lamphun
  
• Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan
  
• Doi Luang National Park, Phayao
  
• Taksin Maharat National Park, Tak

The North East

• Pha Nok Aen Cliff, Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei. From October to January.
  See pine woods, waterfalls, and maple leaves changing colors.
  
• Phu Reua National Park, Loei. From December to January.
  A natural rock garden and morning dew awaits you.
  
• Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchatani. From November to December.
  The place where the sun rises before anywhere else in Thailand.

Also:

• Na Heao National Park, Loei. From November to December.
  
• Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, Nam Phong National Park, Khon Kaen. From October to December.
  
• Phu Phan National Park, Sakon Nakorn. From November to February.

Central Thailand

• Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi. All year round.
  
• Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi. From November to January.
  
• Srinagarindra Dam, Kanchanaburi. From September to February.
  
• Pang Sida National Park, Sa Kaeo. From October to December.
  
• Phu Toei National Park, Suphan Buri. From September to November.
  
• Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan. From October to February.

For more information on the sea of mist at the above national parks,
please visit www.dnp.go.th

Article Source : www.tourismthailand.org

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