Extending over an area of 11,472 square kilometres, and with its provincial capital located 668 kilometres north of Bangkok, Nan is a remote province, yet one that is richly rewarding in both its cultural and scenic attractions. The town of Nan nestles in the verdant valley of the river of the same name, surrounded by densely forested hills. Even though Nan is a small town, its history goes back to the 13th century. Nan was initially influenced culturally and politically by Sukhothai, before coming under the influence of first the Lanna Kingdom, centred in Chiang Mai, and later the Burmese. With the expulsion of the Burmese in the 18th century, Nan continued to enjoy a semblance of independence until coming under the full control of Bangkok in the early 1900s. Evidence of such a rich past is still present in a number of historic temples, while the scenic attractions of the surrounding countryside, home to numerous Thai Lue and other hill-tribe peoples, add another dimension to touring the region.
