More about hotels in Nan
About Nan accommodation
Tucked away in Thailand's far north near the border with Laos, Nan is a quiet, mountain-ringed town that moves at its own pace. The Nan River winds through the centre of town, and the surrounding hills roll out in every direction, making it a favourite for travellers keen to swap busy tourist trails for winding mountain roads and misty morning views.
Staying here means easy access to centuries-old temple architecture, national park viewpoints and some of the best scenic driving routes in the country, all without the crowds you'll find in bigger northern hubs. Accommodation in Nan leans toward small guesthouses and boutique hotels, so it pays to book ahead if you're visiting during the cooler months when the mountain scenery is at its best.
Where to stay in Nan
- Nan town: The riverside old town is the obvious base, with Wat Phumin, the Nan National Museum and most guesthouses and boutique hotels within easy walking distance of the Nan River and the morning market.
How much is Nan accommodation?
- Budget: AU$20-45, simple guesthouse rooms with fan or air-con, shared or basic private bathrooms, usually family-run and close to the old town.
- Mid-range: AU$45-100, boutique hotels and renovated teak houses with air-con, en-suite bathrooms and breakfast included, some with a pool or garden courtyard.
What Nan is known for
- Wat Phumin: A striking cruciform temple dating to the late 16th century, with four carved entrance doors, teak pillars and naga serpents appearing to support the roof. Its walls are covered in famous 19th-century murals illustrating everyday scenes of local dress, trade and daily life, considered some of the best-preserved historic murals in northern Thailand.
- Doi Samer Dao: A grassy hilltop viewpoint inside a national park south of town, known for camping beside its two iconic trees. Mornings often bring a sea of mist below the ridge, while clear nights make it a popular spot for stargazing.
- Winding mountain roads: Nan province is criss-crossed by some of Thailand's most scenic drives, including the switchback route through Doi Phu Kha National Park, where the road climbs past forested ridgelines and misty lookout points.
Top-rated hotels in Nan
- Pukha Nanfa Hotel: An 80-year-old teak building in the old town converted into a boutique stay, known for its historic architecture and central, walkable location near Wat Phumin.
- Nantrungjai Boutique Hotel: A mid-range option with an on-site pool and restaurant, handy for travellers who want a few extra comforts within reach of the old town.
- NanNakara Boutique Hotel: A boutique property close to Wat Phumin, popular with travellers who want easy access to Nan's historic core.
Travel tips for Nan
- Hire a car or motorbike if you plan to explore the mountain roads and viewpoints around Nan, as public transport outside town is limited.
- Visit between November and February for cooler weather, clearer mountain views and the best conditions for camping at spots like Doi Samer Dao.
- Base yourself in the compact, walkable old town near the Nan River so most sights are within easy reach without needing transport.
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