NAN

Living Crafts and Folk art for Sustainability
Nan is an old city that has been prospering for over 741 years. The city is surrounded by mountains and the Nan river, the longest one that feeds the Chao Phraya. Nan is rich in history and culture, and its natural resources are profuse. Its rock salt has made Nan well-known to neighboring countries.

Nan is the city with great diversity in terms of ethnicity, language, culture, tradition and way of life. Its 11 ethnic groups have lived a simple life deeply attached to the surrounding environment. They have learned to craft objects from materials found in nature such as clothes, tools necessary for their daily livelihood, or objects used in rituals according to beliefs and faith of each community passed down for generations. Such unique craft products reflecting Nan’s strong tradition include carved Buddhist iconography; mural painting; Naga-headed racing boats; woven fabric with “flowing water” design typical of Nan, etc. These products are the heritage that is still in production and used in daily life. They serve as an inspiration for new generations of Nan artisans, confirming the name “Nan Living Old City”.

Nan’s craft products catches on and become more creative and modern, responding to the needs of global market. They bring more income to the people and improve their life quality. Many of Nan’s artisans are recognized by SACIT as supreme masters in multiple fields of craft and art. Nan’s silversmith and musician are national artists honored by the Ministry of Culture. These supreme master artisans open their homes as ateliers that help incubate youths and pass Nan’s craft knowledge on to adults as a means to preserving its craft and art cultural heritage.

Events in February 2026

  • No events this month.
"Nan Green Craft" festival


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blog

Nan Identity Hall reopened after a major renovation with an updated exhibition of historic boat prows not as artifacts,but rather master-level

IFrom Granary to Glass Bottle .nside a compact distillery in Lai Nan Subdistrict, Wiang Sa, Nan, Pod doesnt see himself as someone who makes liquor.

The Real Equipment The village health volunteersBo Suak Herb does not run on expensive machines.

Nans folk music begins softly. A group of young girls moves with measured grace, letting the rhythm guide their hands and shoulders.

As a maker, Master Arunsin is not just someone who builds instruments. His process doesnt start with glue or nails. As it starts,

Most people his age do. But he stayed, returning to the loom hes been around since he was six, choosing a different future

Close your eyes in Ban Tam Village and the first noise you hear isnt traffic; its bamboo. A blade whispers through a stalk.

When we talk about the 'Red Cross Fair' the grandest annual event involving every agency in Nan it is undoubtedly the heart of the city.

Bright-green rice fields reaching up into the mountains. On the day I visited, the sky was cloudy in the most beautiful way: quiet, soft, Nan-style.

The smiles on Ban Khom Khams courtyard come complete with a simple welcome dance unpretentious but so sincere you can feel it almost instantly

How everything in front feels like someone has lifted Nans boat-racing arena and then placed it on land. This is Nan Skate Boat Racing,

Hmong Studio works with and on various communities, now operating throughout Northern Thailand, including the Iu Mien and also the Karen (Pgaknyau).

Powered by MakeWebEasy.com
This website uses cookies for best user experience, to find out more you can go to our Privacy Policy  and  Cookies Policy