Wat Phra That Chae Hang , about 2 kilometres from town on Highway No. 1168, is an ancient religious site of the province. Once the cent re of the old town, it was moved to its present location in about 1368. It features a 55 m etre - high golden C hedi containing a Holy Relic from Sukhothai. Over the Vihan's doorframes and on parts of the roof, are plaster designs in the shape of Naga, the great serpent, which represent the artistic best in local architecture.

The building of the Nan National Museum was actually constructed in 1903 and was once the residence of a ruler of Nan. It displays exhibitions concerning the town's history and major structures, evolution of arts in different ages, and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent of which is the Black Ivory. It also provides anthropological information on the northern indigenous people including the several minorities residing in Nan. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon.

A uniquely designed, and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin , which has a 4- portico, single building housing both the Ubos ot and Vihan. Four Buddha statue s with their backs against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors were delicately carved in splendid designs by local Lanna craftsmen.

Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867, after it was built some 127 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable a n d depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.

Hom Chom   is a natural geological occurrence located about 10 k ilometres from Na Noi district on Highway No. 1083. The site is characteri s ed by a large earthen mould eroded by the elements through the ages, leaving only hard eastern columns, whose exotic shapes and forms can be interpreted as differently as the imagination goes.

Pha Chu, or Pha Cheot Chu , is a cliff located within the Si Nan National Park, which covers extensive forested and mountainous areas. The cliff can be reached by taking the Nan-Wiang Sa - Na Noi route for 135 k ilometres, then taking a turn onto Highway No. 1083 and proceeding on for another 22 k ilometres. The cliff-stop offers an excellent viewing point to enjoy a panoramic vista of the mountains. A national flag-pole has a lanyard running all the way down to the foot of the hill, the longest in the country. There are camping areas for visitors in the park.

Wat Nong Bua in Nong Bua village of Tha Wang Pha district, was built by Thai Lu craftsmen who had earlier migrated from southern China. Apart from the Vihan, which is adorned with elaborate carvings, the r e are also wall murals painted by Thai Lu artists some one hundred years ago. Their artistic value and degree of perfection equal those at Wat Phumin.

The Thai Lu Village-Ban Nong Bua is about 40 k ilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 k ilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lu people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted for producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. They have improved the designs, but still retain the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among tourist.

To the north of Nan, along Highway No. 1080 in Nong Bua district and with a further distance of 25 k ilometres on the route to Bo Klu e a district, lies the Doi Phu Kha National Park. The terrain is mainly forested lands on limestone mountain ranges, the source of several streams which merge into the Nan River. The elevation is about 1, 900 met re s above sea level. Here are found several rare and near - extinct flora, particularly the Chomphu Phu K ha (bretschneidera ninesis hemsl.), whose pink flowers a re in full bloom during February. In the morning, a sea of mist can be seen drifting across the valley. The r e are also several scenic waterfalls. Permits to camp can be applied for. Alternatively, tourists may choose to utili s e the accommodation services in the park.