Scene of a vast fireworks display over the annual Songkran festival, Wat Suan Tan, meaning the ‘Monastery of the Sugar Palm Grove’, is one of Nan town’s finest temples.

The temple is a major tourist sight owing to its ancient chedi and large bronze Buddha image. The Buddha image of Phra Chao Thong Thip was cast in the mid-1400s by order of a Chiang Mai king and remains inside the lofty Sukhothai-style viharn to this day. The Buddha image is in the seated pose and represents both Lanna and Sukhothai styles.

The large chedi features a series of niches on the lower level, within which are various works of art, plus there are also a series of murals behind the bronze Buddha in the viharn and at the main entrance.

The viharn is a much later structure and is beautifully decorated with standard multi-tier roofing and gold leaf on the façade above the entrance. There are also murals within the viharn, while outside are substantial, peaceful grounds that fill up during various festivals.

The yearly Songkran festival at Thai New Year is an especially fun time to be at Wat Suan Tan, with the various colorful rituals as well as a huge fireworks display.

Buses ply Pakwang Road all day, while songthaews and tuk-tuks are also on hand. You can also walk if you’re staying in the north or center of Nan.

  • What is it? One of Nan’s finest temples, with a Sukhothai-style viharn that contains a large and ancient bronze Buddha image
  • Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
  • Entrance fee: free
  • Address: Pakwang Road
  • Where: about a kilometer north of downtown Nan