Named after Queen Sirikit and set amid splendid scenery, this reservoir and dam were created in the mid-1970s on the Nan River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya. Built to control flooding, the dam also provides electricity and water to farmers in the area.

With its distinctive charm and identity, Phrae is appealing yet surprisingly seldom visited. The town was built beside the Yom River in the 12th century and remained an independent city state until it came under Ayutthayan control. In the 18th century, the town was taken by Myanmar (Burma) and later became a base for Myanmar […]

One of the most beautiful temples in northern Thailand, Wat Phumin was founded in 1596 by the ruler of Nan. The wat was renovated in the mid-19th century and again in 1991 and is notable for its cross-shaped design, elaborate coffered ceiling, and carved doors and pillars. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly its murals. These […]

Nan developed as an isolated kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries. It fell under the influence of the Sukothai and Lanna kingdoms, then surrendered to Burmese control in 1558. In 1788 the town became a vassal state of Bangkok, though it kept its autonomy and independent rulers until it officially became part of Thailand […]

Ranged around the 6,550-ft (2,000-m) peak of Doi Phu Kha, this is one of the youngest national parks in Thailand. For years, the area was widely considered a hotbed of Communist infiltration. Some of the hilltribe villagers here were suspected of sympathizing with the Communists and were kept isolated from visitors. Tourism in the park […]

This picturesque town, situated on a flat, fertile plain beside the Nan River, is characterized by traditional teak houses on stilts and neat vegetable gardens. It is one of a number of towns in Nan province inhabited by the Thai Lue, an ethnic minority related to the Tai people of Southern China, who began to […]

As well as playing a very important practical role in Thai history, elephants have traditionally been of great spiritual significance. They were first mentioned centuries ago in Hindu and Buddhist texts and since then have enjoyed a higher status in Thailand than any other animal. However, although wild elephants have been protected by law since […]

Like many towns in Northern Thailand, Ngao’s historical association with the teak trade is evident in its buildings. The suspension bridge over the Yom River offers wonderful views of the town, with its teak houses on stilts backing onto the fertile river valley. Ngao’s principal temple is Wat Dok Ban, on the east side of […]

This quiet provincial capital, spectacularly sited beside a large lake, was possibly first settled in the Bronze Age. Later abandoned, it was resettled in the 12th century, when it became an independent city state. Today, Phayao is divided into two parts. The older district is confined to the promontory jutting into the lake. With its […]

This important market town is picturesquely located in a long, thin valley surrounded by mountains. The town is composed mainly of twostory teak buildings, typical of Northern Thailand, and has quiet back streets shaded by teak trees. Many hill-tribe villagers who live in the area, especially Lisu and Akha, come to trade at its market. […]