Thailand

Pua, one of the main districts of Nan, is a typical mountain town in northern Thailand. Let's delve into the highlights of this destination.

With its strong road network, Pua serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the Nan region. Situated around a lush valley, flanked to the east by the limestone cliffs of Doi Phuka, bordered to the west by Phayao, and to the south by the provincial capital, the town thrives amidst the wild area of Tham Pha Tup. It's an old agricultural land, where jungle meets settlements, rice fields stretch across the horizon, and bird songs complement the deafening noise of waterfalls.

More of a transit route than a tourist hub, this destination remains relatively undiscovered by foreigners. What a pity! Walking through the rice fields and yellowing corn, picnicking in the Doi Phuka forest park, experiencing the intense moments of planting or harvesting—the town has much to offer hikers alongside its quality hotels and restaurants.

Historical notes

Old manuscripts are scarce on details regarding the city's origins. However, the district's antiquity - Pua - compared to the provincial capital - Nan - is established. Pua's foundation dates back several centuries, with the Tai Lue people being the first settlers; their homes and plantations were concentrated in the northern part of the city, behind the main avenue. No traces remain of this historical colony, but travelers may find evidence if they delve into old road maps.

The economic growth of the Pua district relies on agricultural products. Rice is mainly cultivated for household consumption, while coffee and corn are cash crops. The mountainous rice fields stretch endlessly and are sown and transplanted at the beginning of the rainy season. The lively atmosphere during harvest also attracts visitors. Unfortunately, deforestation and bushfires pose persistent problems, threatening the integrity of the landscape. The development of responsible tourism is expected to alleviate poverty, sustainably improve income, and preserve the local natural heritage.

Present day

Thanks to its position as a crossroads, Pua is a must-stop for road trip enthusiasts wishing to explore Nan's points of interest. Three highways intersect here: Route 1081 connects the valley center to the impressive Santisuk waterfalls; Route 101 traverses the province from north to south, starting from Thung Chang and ending in Nan; and Route 1256, with its panoramic landscapes, runs from the valley to remote heights.

Located in the north-central part of Nan, Pua itself isn't a highly touristic spot, but the region's best hotel accommodations are concentrated here. Cafes, convenience stores, and shopping centers line the main avenue. Additionally, the town hosts a popular forest park.

Things to see and do

Strolling through the rice fields, participating in rice planting or threshing, tasting local flavors, observing traditional life scenes… These are the pleasures offered during a day trip to Pua. Here are the must-visit sacred and natural sites:.

Religious heritage

• Wat Phuket: Perched atop a hill, Wat Phuket is a typical Buddhist sanctuary. Highlights include the Ubosot and a larger-than-life Buddha statue, peacefully seated at the foot of a tree. On clear days, enjoy a panoramic view of the rice fields and thatched-roof houses.
• Wat Sri Mongkhon: This temple shares the same architectural style as the former, but with more refined finishes. Admire the whisperer statues, sculptural reproductions of the exceptional frescoes of Wat Phumin in Nan.
• Doi Phuka National Park: Covering a total area of 1,704 km2, Doi Phuka National Park is undoubtedly the largest and most popular wildlife park in the province. It can be reached by an eight-minute drive from downtown. Walking through the determined dipterocarp forests, hikers encounter astonishing sights. For example, the Caryota gigas, a tree fern species that grows on slopes, thrives only here. Similarly, Bretschneidera sinensis deserves a special mention: once seen in Vietnam, southern China, and Laos, it now survives only in this remote part of Thailand. A true symbol and pride of Nan.
• Sila Phet Waterfall: Frankly, the waterfall doesn't compare to Thailand's majestic tiered cascades. But it has two strong points: the swimming spot is permanent regardless of the season, and the banks are covered with trees and moss, adding a pleasant bucolic setting for walkers and picnickers. Plus, it's just 15 km from the town. Good news: forest rangers don't charge any entrance fee, even though the waterfall is within Doi Phuka Park.
• Tad Leuang Waterfall: From Sila Phet, head to Tad Leuang waterfall, about ten kilometers away. Quieter and rarely frequented, it's known for its abundance of freshwater fish. Take the opportunity to learn fishing from the villagers.

When to go?

Despite heavy rains, tourists are advised to visit during the rice-growing season, between June and October. Flora flourishes in the hills, and Thais from all over the country come to Pua to see the chomphu tree in bloom. If you plan to climb Doi Phuka, consider going during the cool season, between December and February.

How to get there?

There's no shortage of transportation options. From Nan, buses and songthaews (shared taxis) can take you to Pua. Generally, a songthaew departs every hour. Buses take longer to depart, but it's worth the wait if your luggage is heavy enough.