Doi Phu Ka
Nan villagers claim that to visit Nan without seeing Doi Phu Ka Basin is to miss entirely the heart of this magical province. Indeed, Doi Phu Ka National Park is a rich natural resource with steep mountains and a remarkable variety of forests, including evergreen, humid, dry, Siamese sal, and palm, among several others. This sheer variety has made Doi Phu Ka National Park attractive to Thai botanists, who have discovered many rare and unique tree species, such as the birishneider which grows multicoloured petals and is so rare it is believed that no less than six bloom annually. Doi Phu Ka Basin also offers Phu Fah Waterfall, Pa Chee Nok Waterfall, Ton Tong Waterfall, Pa Khong Cave, Luang Cave, and Pa Daeng Cave, all of which have attracted a large number of travellers over the years.
How to get there
From the city, follow Highway 1080 for about 60 kilometres, turning onto Bua-Bo Klua Road. Continue along this road for about 25 kilometres to the National Park Office.
Where to stay - What to eat
Both bungalows and campsites are available in the, park. For more information, please contact Nan Forest Department, tel.(054) 710-136 and 710-815, or Doi Phu Ka National Park Office, tel. 01 -9 10-9467. There are also a range of hotels to choose from in town, from the more luxurious on Yan Kosol Road, Sumon Thewaraj Road, and NanWang Pha Road, to comfortable mid-range options on Mahayod Road and Nan-Thung Chang Road. Fresh fish straight from the Nan River will tempt even the fussiest traveller, especially local delicacies such as Tom Yum Pla Kod (spicy catfish soup), Pla Nuea Aon Tod Kratiem (local fish stir fried with garlic), and Yum Pla Siw Tod Krob (crispy fried fish with very spicy sauce). These dishes are all served aboard Nan's many floating restaurants, including S. Chalerm Rungrueng Restaurant, Bua Wilai Restaurant, Tae Restaurant, Song Bua Restaurant, and Wachirachol Restaurant. For 50 baht per person, these restaurants will provide stargazers a mattress and pillow, so they can relax after their evening meal.
Souvenirs
An ancient anci coiourtui weaving pattern canea Pa Laai Nam Lai is available in village markets throughout the province. Locally grown fruit includes som sithong (juicy oranges), ma fai chean (Chinese star apple), and lychees. Mak Tao fruit, a sweet palm, is often carved into ornate miniature boats.
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