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NAN
The provincial capital is 668 kilometers north of Bangkok. This
former city-state dates from the Sukhothai period (1238-1350), and
was probably established in 1282 when Khun Fang, brother of the
founder of the Laotian capital Vientiane, set up a court some 70
kilometers north of the present provincial capital. Nan came under
the influence of Chiang Mai and later the Burmese before being
reintegrated into northern Thailand and fully coming under Bangkok's
control during the early 1900s. The provincial capital contains
several Buddhist temples. The oldest, Phrathat Chae Haeng, is
believed to be more than 600 years old and is dominated by a
graceful golden pagoda. Wat Chang Kham Wora Wihan was constructed
during the early 1400s. Elephantine buttresses support the
square-based pagoda. Wat Phumin, constructed during the late 1500s,
and extensively restored during the 1800s, is a repository of local
art. Exquisitely carved doors and a Naga balustrade enclose a main
chapel which houses a unique Buddha image, essentially four images
forming a square and each facing the cardinal directions. The
interiors walls are decorated with fine Lanna Thai murals, which
depict regional history, and caricatures of local characters and
stereotypes. Nan is accessible by air and by road from Bangkok.
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