Third day in Nan, it was my final day of the trip. I woke up at 8.30AM to get sober and refresh as well as had easy breakfast what I prepared since yesterday. As I stayed at HOP INN – NAN, it is just budget hotel with no breakfast and meal service. At 9.30AM, I checked out from the hotel. I had time until 3.30PM (about 6 hours) to spent my day in Nan city center before return the rented scooter at the airport and catch flight back to Bangkok at 5PM. The first place of the day was Wat Suan Tarn (Thai : วัดสวนตาล) which is just 600 m from the hotel.
Wat Suan Tarn was constructed by Phranang Pathumwadi in 1227 (almost 800 years ago). It has the beautiful pagoda (Chedi) what has arched gates at 4 directions at the lower floor of the construction. In the chapel, it is enshrined a significant Buddha image, Phrachao Thongthip which is a grand bronze Buddha image in Subduing Mara posture. The width at its lap is 120 inches, with a height of 172 inches. Wat Suan Tarn is open daily during 6AM – 6PM with free admission.
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I spect time at Wat Suan Tarn about 45 minutes to admire the chapel and pagoda as well as playing with cat in the temple. 😸😻 Then, I hopped on my scooter to the next temple, Wat Hua Khuang (Thai : วัดหัวข่วง) which is just. opposite Nan National Museum what I just visited yesterday.
About 10.30AM, I arrived at Wat Hua Khuang. It is unknown when this temple was built, but it just has the evidence that this temple was restored in 1882 by Phrachao Anantaworaritthidet, the last ruler of Nan. The ordination hall and pagoda are characterized by local Lanna art (local Thai northern style art). In 1990, it was declared as a national historic site. Wat Hua Khuang is daily from 7AM – 5PM with no entrance fee.
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After strolling at Wat Hua Khuang to see the truly Lanna architectural temple, I did bike around the city to fine local food for lunch. I found one food stall just near to Wat Suan Tarn. It had very yummy Stir fried roasted duck with rice and fried egg with only 70 THB (about 2 USD). Then, after I full of energy, I continued my city exploration by riding the scooter back to nearby area to Wat Hua Kiang again. Indeed, Nan has very small city center, biking from end-to-end spend only 10 – 15 minutes. 😛
Just only 550 m from Wat Hua Khuang, it has one of the most sacred place of this city, Wat Ming Mueang (Thai : วัดมิ่งเมือง)
Wat Ming Muang is enshrines the 3 metres high City Pillar of Nan province, it is in the tetrahedron pavilion in front of the chapel. This temple was an abandoned temple, which was estimated to have been built in 1857. Later, Phrachao Anantaworaritthidet, the ruler of Nan, established a new temple and gave the name Wat Ming Mueang, as the name suggests, the city pillar or “Sao Ming Mueang”. In 1984, the new chapel was constructed in the contemporary Lanna style of the present. The visitor could see the quaintness of this temple which is different than another temple in Nan as it has all white buildings. Wat Ming Mueang is open daily, 7AM – 5PM with free admission.
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About 1.30PM, I waived the farewell from the whiteness of Wat Ming Mueang to another “Golden temple” which is only 400 m away, Wat Sri Pun Ton (Thai : วัดศรีพันต้น).
Wat Sri Pun Ton is a golden Buddhist temple what was built in 1410s by Phaya Panton (Count Pan Ton), one of the province’s 64 rulers. Interesting items inside the Temple include the Gold Chapel which stands out as majestic and beautiful. Furthermore, the temple is known for its unique features, including a seven-headed serpent statue, paintings depicting Nan legends, Buddhist stories, and the Buddha’s history. Wat Sri Pun Ton is open daily, 7AM – 5PM. Visitor can get in the temple with free of charge.
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At 3PM, I was in the hard-time as I have to say “Goodbye” to Nan city and head back to the airport. My flight was 5PM and I had to return the scooter to the rental shop at the airport. THey had the service to pick-up the scooter from the airport which is very convenient.
In overall, despite it was only short trip (3 days – 2 nights) in Nan. But I could feel that I am fulfilled with the peaceful and tranquil as well as recharging my life energy. Nan is the small city, but it is the hidden gem in the northern of Thailand where the visitor who is seeking for the place to escape from the chaotic life cannot disregard.
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Written by : Shipy Siwarit Tiasuwattiseth
Shipy-Ship 