Exploring the Hidden Charms of Nan, Thailand with Friends

A Breath of Fresh Air in Nan's Highlands

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the natural beauty that Nan has to offer. After a week of temple visits and cultural explorations, it felt fantastic to trade the city bustle for the serene landscapes of Khun Sathan National Park and Si Nan National Park. The crisp mountain air and stunning vistas were exactly what my soul needed.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at We' Loft. It's always a pleasure to start the day with a good meal, and We' Loft didn't disappoint. Fully energized, we set off towards Khun Sathan National Park. The drive itself was an experience, winding through lush green hills and offering glimpses of rural Thai life. I couldn't help but think of Mere and Sailosi back home, wishing they could experience this with me. I made a mental note to bring them back here someday. The thought of sharing this beauty with my family made the experience even more special.


Discover the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Khun Sathan National Park in Thailand's Nan province, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers.
Khun Sathan National Park is a gem. The park covers a vast area with diverse forest types, and wildlife. As we hiked, we were surrounded by mixed deciduous forest, and hill evergreen forest. The air was fresh, and the views were breathtaking. At about 1,424 meters above sea level, the climate was cool and refreshing. I could see why it's known for its stunning scenic views and year-round cool climate.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.

We spent a good part of the morning exploring the park, taking in the panoramic views from various viewpoints. I tried to capture as much as I could with my camera, but photos simply can't do justice to the feeling of standing amidst such natural grandeur. The park is home to Doi Mae Chok, a viewpoint that offers a sea of mist in the morning. I made a mental note to come back early one morning to witness that spectacle.

After Khun Sathan, we drove to Si Nan National Park.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Si Nan National Park, a hidden gem for nature lovers in Thailand.
Si Nan is another mountainous park with steep cliffs and the Nan River flowing through it. Established in 2007, it's a relatively new park, but it boasts an impressive area of over 1,024 square kilometers. We didn't have as much time to explore Si Nan as we did Khun Sathan, but we did manage to visit a couple of viewpoints that offered stunning vistas of the park's terrain. Pha Chu and Doi Samer Dao are known for their scenic views. The park features mixed deciduous and dry evergreen forests, and is home to diverse wildlife.

By lunchtime, we were famished. We headed to Wanda Curry and Rice for a taste of authentic Thai cuisine.
Discover the flavors of Thailand at Wanda Curry and Rice - where fast food meets authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Nan.
This unassuming canteen is known for its classic Thai dishes, and it didn't disappoint. I opted for the Kao Soi, a Northern Thai specialty, while some of my friends tried the papaya salad with crab. The Kao Soi had deep, smoky flavors, and the chicken was incredibly tender. The dish came with a generous side of roasted chilies, mustard greens, onion, and lime, allowing me to adjust the spiciness to my liking. It was the best Kao Soi I’ve had in a while. For all the food for two people, we paid less than 220 Baht – what a steal !

In the late afternoon, with our appetites satisfied, we made our way back to Nan town. Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to stop by Nan Artisan Pizza for dinner.
Discover the best wood-fired pizzas in Nan at Nan Artisan Pizza - where traditional flavors meet local ingredients.
After days of Thai food, a pizza sounded like a welcome change. The pizza was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. I had the Caprese Salad and the Coppa Ham & Salad pizza. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and adventure.

As the evening approached, some of us decided to check out Bacon Bar, a local spot known for its craft beers and lively atmosphere.
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Bacon Bar, where craft beer, homemade pasta, and a lively atmosphere meet in the heart of Nan.
I am not a huge drinker myself, but Bacon Bar was a great spot to wind down. It was a cozy place with a good selection of beers and a relaxed vibe. Some of my friends tried the homemade pasta, which they raved about. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.

Reflecting on the day, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Nan. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Rim Nam Nan Palace and the Nan Riverside Art Gallery. I'm looking forward to another day of exploration and discovery, delving deeper into the cultural heart of Nan. I am excited to see Rim Nan Nan Palace and Nan Riverside Art Gallery [the itinerary of tomorrow]. I am also thinking of visiting Goods Wear Studio [the itinerary of tomorrow].
I am looking forward to telling Mere all about it when I get back to Vancouver. Maybe I will even try to recreate some of the dishes I have tried here.