Nan’s best-known temple, Wat Phumin, is famed for its lively murals that portray incidents in the life of Buddha as well as scenes depicting local life over a century ago.

The temple was built in 1596 and has since undergone many facelifts, including a major one in 1867. In early 2012 the roof was completely replaced.

Wat Phumin is unusual in that the main temple building is a bot (ordination hall) in the form of a crucifix rather than a viharn (assembly hall). It can sometimes get crowded with tour groups when it’s difficult to appreciate the murals quietly; an early-morning or late afternoon visit should avoid this problem.

The interior walls of the bot are the main highlight, with their vibrant murals depicting all manner of ‘life and times’ such as the arrival of Westerners in Thailand and typical lifestyles in the province. The main Buddha images are four back-to-back Sukhothai style images set in the center of the bot, and the grounds around the temple are also beautifully kept.

Nan is fairly compact and you can easily get to the temple on foot or by bicycle, while songthaew and tuk-tuk are also on hand. Buses from Chiang Mai arrive in Nan in about 5 hours.

  • What is it? A Thai Lu-style temple featuring beautiful murals.
  • Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily.
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Address: Suriyaphong Road
  • Where: in the center of town, opposite the museum.