Hi all. I'm thinking of a road trip by car in Northern Thailand ln November. I should be travelling from Udon Thani through Loei province and on to Chiang Khong/ Chiang Saen via Nan province. I love to drive my car but know very little about Nan. Would anybody care to advise me on good places to visit for scenery/must do places to visit, and good hotels in the 1500 to 2000 baht price bracket. Daily driving up to 7 hours is ok for me between overnight stays. Regards, thoengthaied.

FYI, here in Chiang Khong they've got the Mekong riverside pathway all torn up as they do major riverwalk redesign and restoration work. The main road through town is open but the view from the local restaurants that overlooking the Mekong aren't yet the best. Haven't seen any estimate of when the work will be completed.

 

The ride and views from Chiang Khong through Chiang Saen and beyond are still lovely.

I've been to Nan a few times.  Really like the town.  Now always stay in Pukha Nanfa Hotel which is very centrally located.  It's an all wood building and has plenty of character.  From the design I suspect it was originally a brothel, but haven't found anything to confirm that.  There are also some reportedly good resort places outside town, though I haven't tried them.

 

In town there are some "must see" temples, particularly Wat Phumin.  The National Museum, however, is a complete bore.  Wat Phra That Khao Noi, outside town, isn't very interesting in its own right, but has a great view over the town and surrounding countryside.

 

Dining options are limited.  Poom 3 is probably the best restaurant in town, but service is poor.