The ins and outs of Nan

Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Location
Nan,Thailand
Greetings RideAsia.net members,
Tony here from http://www.tonysplacenanthailand.com/ i have been asked to write piece about hotel, food and entertainment choices in Nan by KTMphil.I will endevor to do this without upsetting any of the other local buisiness owners here in Nan town.First i will start with food outlets which i probally am most clued up about so to speak.

There is quite a choice of western/Thai food outlets here in Nan which i feel all differ in styles and tastes to suit any traveller,on a tight budget or not.I will list the outlets i know but not in any order of preference>
Tonys place http://www.tonysplacenanthailand.com/ Extensive western menu and Thai menu,also serving cold beers and soft drinks Also offers a free campsite with hot water facilities,roast Sunday lunch the first sunday of each month,specials menu that changes every day and also a large garden area which is child friendly with no other access other than the main restaurant enterance.Free internet Also dog friendly so you can fetch your dog as long as it isnt nasty and its on a leash.

Nan steak house http://nansteakhouse.food.officelive.com/default.aspx Also an extensive western menu with an extensive variety of steaks available,only western food here also serving cold beers and soft drinks [i do not know what other alcoholic drinks are served here].Also shows live football events.
Nan steakhouse is situated right on the Nan river front just before the hospital across from Watt Planate temple,chec out the website for directions.

Just jazz. http://justjazznan.com/ Also offers an extensive Western/Thai menu, situated in the town,see the website for directions.

Dardarios. Serves up traditional Italian food including pizzas,pastas and various other western dishes.They have opened another outlet across from the computer shop after Watt Sawantan temple on the way to nan sports stadium.I personally dont know if they serve alcoholic drinks or if they have a website.

Runway restaurant.Serves up Classic Northern Thai style dishes with a limited Western menu if any from my experiences of going there,serve also beers and wines also various coffees and soft drinks.Situated across from the main airport enterance.

Alexandos Greek restaurant. new in town situated in the KadNan shopping area seves up traditional Greek dishes and some other western style dishes,cold beers and other beverages including various coffees.

Poomsam restaurant. Probally the most established Thai restaurant in Nan town.Has a massive Thai menu which has also been translated into in English,only thai fare being served here.very popular with the Thai locals and tourists alike.Serves alcoholic drinks,soft drinks and whiskies.

Thats about all the decent restaurants i know of personally here in Nan town apart from the small street outlets in and around the town which serve great cheap Thai dishes,theres also a vegan outlet serving up cheap vegan food near the Chinese temple on the main drag through town but i think it is only open certain days of the week.
There also seems to be loads of these little coffee shops opening all around the town,serving classic coffees and light snacks,bakeries.I find they dont serve the coffees hot enough but thats only my personal view.
There is a big night time food street with many different vendors serving all types of different foods and Thai desserts and fruits,you can find this if you follow the road around the sharp bend after Watt suwantan temple.

Accomidation in Nan.
Well depending on you wallet there are many hotels and guest houses.I always recommend Amazing guesthouse http://home.arcor.de/amazing_guesthouse_nan/. Thats about 250THB short term stay or they will allways do you a good deal if you plan to stay long term meaning more than a month.
PK guesthouse http://www.tourismthailand.org/where-to ... tion/6035/ i have never stayed there but a friend of mine has been living there for about a year and he seems well happy and its resonabally cheap with internet connections.
Snow white hotel.
S and P guesthouse.
Nan boutique hotel.
Nan guest house.
Djehavadi hotel.
Grand mansion.
Sasidara hotel and resort . http://www.sasidararesort.com
Nan valley resort.
These are only the places i know of in Nan but i can not vouch for any of them apart fron Amazing guesthouse.
Pubs and bars.
Well to be honest i dont frequent any of them apart from the Startup bar near the night time food outlet area which i mentioned earlier and there s another bar next door to this i use occassionally.The main reason i dont frequent the Nan bars and pubs is basically because they usually play trash music full blast so you cant hear yourself think let alone have a decent conversation with a friend or group.I forgot, theres quite a good bar on the bus station road with a pool table,live football and also the music is not blasting also reasonabally priced.I prefer to spend my time having some good food and a couple of beers with friends in the local restaurants.
Niteclubs.
Not my thing to be honest but i know of two and they are Channel x and The Fifth,i cant give a review i have never been to either.
Things to do.
Well theres not a great deal to do in sleepy Nan apart from eat and look at temples if thats your thing.There are loads of motorbike trip routes and some very interesting little villages dotted around the town and province.The Nan valley art gallery is well worth a visit,myself not being an arty type of guy but i really enjoyed it for a morning visit.Located on Nan River, about 20 km out of the town on the road headed to Tha Wang Pha (Road No. 1080). It has many exhibition hall with temporary exhibition and souvenir shop. It can be accessed by local sawngthaew (one that goes to Tha Wang Pha). But the most comfortable way is to drive there yourself.
We have a golf driving range also here in nan near the gas station across from the airport and also a nine hole golf course which you can find if you drive through the main airport front gate.
Tube rafting from Tonys place is a great way to spend your late afternoons,cruising down the river on a cool breeze and seeing all the riverbank sites and villages along the way(depends on the time of year to be able to raft,its to dangerous when the river is high or flooding,but ideal from october on till the rainy season.Great activity for kids and adults alike and cheap also.We supply the raftrings at Tonys place.
We also have a gym here in Nan located next to the firestation.
Well folks i think i have covered all i really know about where and what to do here in Sleepy Nan,its not everyones "cup of tea" here but i wouldnt change it for the world it suits me just fine after spending almost fifteen years in Bangkok!!!
If anyone needs any advice on accomidation long or short term,visa issues,travelling around the north,finding a house to rent,hiring/buying motorbikes/bicycles rafting,ringrafting,hiking,camping or any other things i can help tourists or new teachers to Nan town then please drop by Tonys place or contact me through my website http://www.tonysplacenanthailand.com/,
well time now to jump into the hammock and snooze for an hour in the lovely breeze,i look forward to meeting you RideAsia members in the very near future at Tonys place,kind regards and happy biking Tony.http://www.tonysplacenanthailand.com/
 

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Really useful for my trip. Will be in Nan sometime third week of April. Many thanks for the post.
 
Great Post Tony - you beat me to it! Many thanks for the generous link to Just Jazz http://www.justjazznan.com

Two other hotels and one guest house that RideAsia Members could consider are:

Fah Place Hotel in the centre of town. This is a family run hotel with immaculately clean rooms with Satellite TV, Fridge, AC and private bathrooms starting at baht 400. Free wireless internet. http://www.fahplace.com

Sukkasam Hotel in the centre of town. This is a brand new family run hotel where immaculately clean rooms with Satellite TV, Fridge, AC and private bathrooms start at baht 500. Free wireless internet. http://www.sukkasam.com

Nan Guest House in the centre of town in close proximity to the bus station. A recent change of ownership together with a thorough refurbishment and beautiful redecoration makes the rooms in Nan Guest House an absolute bargain at a starting price of just baht 250. Free wireless internet. http://www.nanguesthouse.net/
 
Good Morning Tony

im the "Buss" rider and i been in Nan many times and stay in Grand Mansion because i need good parking area,,now you wondering "buss" rider..
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but i would be intrested your mentioned Amazing Guest house,, and i try to look pictures from Rooms and Parking area, they web page do not have any, im sure you do,,

And i eat so far all the time in River and then StakeHouse as it's Owned by "Sweska Balle" say that to him when you go there next time,, as It's just simple word for Swedish man,,,he knows me as i eat there and they have now extend from they house to Riverside and nice tables and very quiet place to eat, not like normal thai area where TV and music blows ears off when one wanna eat. :lol:

Will be touring after my "job" activities in Tourist Police getting quiet as i need to use bike for VIP Escorting and i'm always front and tell the Cars to get out of the road,, "We are coming"

and we are doing WHOLE Sell Pharmaceutical business as well and ship the items ordered, we doing it for Oil& Gas business vessels and Rigs as well and we sell only ORIGINAL medicines not China or India face med's what are on sell tons in many Pharmacies around Thailand as that pharmacy seller makes way more profit that way.

My NEXT trip i will be in your place as I LOVE BREAKY PICTURE AND as always when off from home i eat Western food :mrgreen:



also you can see my business what we doing in my area http://rideasia.net/forum/buss-rider-from-near-by-ubon-t136.html
 
As a person who has nothing to gain from any of the vendors I thought I would give my opinion about the European restaurants within Nan. First I would say they are all friendly, though at one of the restaurants the owner declined to meet me on my first visit. I have still not had that pleasure having eaten there a few times. Which was a bit rude I thought. Especially as at that time it had not been open that long, and being honest about it they would all like foreign visitors to eat at their establishment.

So here goes:-

Tony's place
Tony has a nice restaurant which has just had a new lick of paint to the front of the restaurant, with the name of the establishment sign written on the wall. SO you can't miss it. It is located near the main hospital and army base here in Nan. The European food is wholesome, and varies in style. Based on English cuisine, but also some continental European dishes are available at times. Even vindaloo curry for those that miss a good old English curry! Sometimes the menu is influenced by the customers that visit the restaurant.

The pricing is fair, and possibly the cheapest of the European restaurants in Nan. The Thai food is also good, the clientèle are a mix of European and Thai people, and as they say if the locals eat there it must be good. They serve a range of beers soft drinks, and if you fancy something a little stronger I'm sure Tony would be willing to sort that out for you, i.e alcoholic drinks other than beers.

If there is a fault it is, That I personally would like to see Tony do something about the floor in the restaurant. Though being fair the restaurant is open air but covered so you won't get wet if it's raining.

Alexandro's
This is a relatively new establishment in Nan. The restaurant is situated in the new Kad Nan shopping district. As the name suggests Alexandro's is Greek, and so is the faire offered at this restaurant, the menu is Mediterranean in style. The food is well presented and the location has a nice ambiance. Alexandro is a friendly guy who will always come along and ask if the food is to your liking. This restaurant is a little more pricey, But some of the ingredients are brought in from Chiang Mai so the feta cheese really is feta cheese. Though if you fancy a Burger that is available as well. They serve a wide range of beverages from beer to wine, soft drinks etc and the cappuccino is excellent. Over all a very nice place for a quiet lunch or evening meal.

Alexandro's do not serve Thai food, but even so Thai people do eat here as well, A new experience for them possibly as Nan is not that European orientated as major resorts like Pattaya etc.

If there is a fault it is that sometimes the ingredients run out and you aren't told this when ordering. so the Greek salad didn't have feta cheese for example, So check that you will get what you order when ordering. I will say though that this could apply to all the European restaurants in Nan except for Da Dario's. As again, some if not most of the ingredients do come from Chiang Mai as you may know it is not easy getting some of the western ingredients in Nan.

On Jazz
On Jazz is more centrally located than the other restaurants in Nan. Situated near one of the covered markets in Nan close the crossroads of what we call noodle street, and one of the commercial roads, up from the Siam commercial and Krung Sri banks. Again a relatively new restaurant in Nan, having been open now for over six months.
The Restaurant's menu caters for both European and Thai tastes. The European menu is continental in style So not specifically English cuisine, said as I believe the owner Ian is from Bristol UK. The restaurant is clean and tidy. about six tables in the main area with a couple tables on the street at night times.
A range of beers and soft drinks are available as well. Price wise I would say that it compares with Alexandro's Restaurant. Quieter than the other restaurants in Nan, But still worth a visit.

If there is a fault it is that the ambience could be warmer, I think it is better during the day time so at least you can watch Nan life pass by. Also the portions could be bigger for the cost.

Da Dario's
Da Dario's Restaurant is run by the Thai wife of an Italian man who is no longer with us. But none the less a restaurant is worthy of a visit. The portions are full on, and as authentic as possible to Italian cuisine for Nan province. English is spoken here and is one of the restaurants where visiting Europeans go to eat as well, I even saw a bunch of Italian guys turn up for a meal when I was last there myself. As do Thai people. Thai food is also served here.The usual range of beverages are served here, including Italian wines.
The cost is fair when you see the size of the portions, so if your really hungry This is the place. The service is good and the staff friendly.
They are moving shortly to a new location so to help you find their new place you could phone them on 083-6259641 or 087 1845436 This is the only reason I give the phone numbers.They do not have a website, unlike the others which can be googled or have been mentioned by the vendor.

If there is a fault it is that unfortunately they are moving to a new location, So I will have to findout where that is. lol

Hot Bread

Hot Bread is located near the Nan Museum and the temples, It is a good place for breakfast and do a nice selection of Pancakes. Try the banana and chocolate pancake yummy. The Restaurant is split into two, while they cater for European style snacks and sandwiches, they have a Thai vegetarian section next door, So if you are a veggie, you could give them a try.

For the owners of the above Restaurants:-

Before you start posting in response to my reviews of your establishments, I recognise that what has been said about your restaurant could be said about the others, or vis-versa, however I have eaten in your restaurants on a number of occasions and I give my honest view of each as a customer without any axe to grind. So live with it or step up and prove me wrong not in words but in deeds. That is if you think I have been unfair!

To prospective customers

I have tried to be fair and honest with my reviews. As I said no one is paying me to sing the praises of any one restaurant, So I'm not getting a free meal from any of them. I will review other restaurants in Nan, but for now Have stuck with the European Restaurants. Just to remind you that some ingredients do have to come from Chiang Mai, and depends on whether or when they get re stocked. So Please check with the restaurateur that you will get what you ordered. It will avoid any disappointments.

ENJOY.
 
Da Dario's

Do they still operate in those 2 different location as i was there last time,, other is just opposite of Gran Mansion hotel and other is that i think original place where they been long time near by Shell gas station.

Hot Bread

that is nice place she has, i always eat there for breakfast and for me normal good breaky cost there around 350thb usually as i get tons of coffee and huge breaky,,,can give very good recommendations for these as been those many times.

BUT as mentioned, NEW places need to check for dinner and breakfast next time.
 
Marco, I think you mean the PTT garage Not the Shell Garage. That restaurant closes on the 15th of this month then they will have only the one Restaurant near the Grand Mansion.
 
Yes i ment Some gas station,, could not remember the right one but thought it's Shell,, ok they closed and re-locate,,, thang for that and i was in that almost opposite for grand mansion,, it's abt 100met on other side of the road,,

So ones you get new opening for Dario,, good to know,, thanx for keeping us notified for it.

Nanfarang said:
Marco, I think you mean the PTT garage Not the Shell Garage. That restaurant closes on the 15th of this month then they will have only the one Restaurant near the Grand Mansion.
 
Good evening all. You can find the new Da Dario in the blue circle - on the road going up to the sports stadium.
Best wishes from Just Jazz Restaurant in Nan.
[center:qask5cjn]Location of Da Dario II.jpg[/center:qask5cjn]
 
Looks like ill do a trip to Nan next week as there's lots of new stuff to try there. Nanfarrang, that was immensely useful and I think you'll see lots of us coming curiously to these places in Nan now.

We'll get some basecamp screenshots up of locations and of the restaurants and their food .... great stuff

- Thanks
 
@KTMPhil

My pleasure, just trying to help people have a great time in not such a sleepy corner of Thailand, If you know where to look! I would also like to make a small correction.

It appears that the restaurant "ON JAZZ" has had a slight name change to "JUST JAZZ" Just in case anyone tries looking for 2 restaurants with similar names!
 
Swimming pools and exercise places in Nan

Greetings rideasia.net members,Tony here again from Tony's Place in Nanjust a quick update to my previous post; the ins and outs in Nan,keep fit,swimming pools,parks and jogging routes.

Well there are of what i know three swimming pools in Nan,the first being in the City park hotel,about 2km down the road from Tesco Lotus.This for me is the best place to go for a swim.A big open air pool, kind of resort style,surrounded by palm trees, always quiet.it lets itself down sometimes on the up keep ad cleaning of the pool and changing rooms but this seems rare these days.The furniture around the pool doesn't have a lot to be said for it but usually make do either just sitting on the floor or if i am lucky enough to find a decent not broken or rotten old deck bed.During the three years i have been using it i have only once not been able to take a dip due to the fact that the pool was dirty or in the process of being cleaned or waiting to be cleaned.
It costs 60THB for as long as you like,there are soft drinks available in the lobby area and the staff always seem very friendly.

The second pool i know of is in Nan Sports stadium,which you can find if you take the first left after passing Watt Suwan tan on your left hand side,not the road works turning,carry on going up past the new Dardarios on your left and about 150m turn right into the stadium.Here also is an excellent place for early morning or late afternoon jogging and keepfit.The stadium has lovely green surroundings,loads of grass areas.

If your into football you can almost always get a game here early evening on the purpose built football field plus they have an indoor five aside court.There are also basketball courts,tennis courts ,Thai baitong alleys and exercise routes or apparatus all free of charge apart from the pool which is if i remember 40THB.The only thing that puts me off from swimming here is it is usually full of children creating havoc in the pool hence you cant really do any serious lap training or lengths,it has always seemed to be clean to me.Opens at around 9am till 7pm i think or maybe 8pm.The jogging route is real nice it covers the whole circumference of the stadium grounds with no traffic (cars or motorbikes ) apart from the odd cyclist.I did also see a paintball area there but i have never seen anyone using it.Clean toilet facilities are dotted all around the stadium also.This place is also ideal for a family picnic under the trees in the shade.

You can also get to the stadium from the front of the airport exit,if you are standing with the front airport gates behind you just cross the road and follow that soi down and take the second right and then the second left, keep going straight and take the next left and you should see the back gate to the stadium.

The Nan airport is a popular jogging route also and its also really good if you are learning to ride a motorbike or car.

The Djehavadi hotel also has a swimming pool,i think it is on the roof ,i personally have never used it.
This time of the year i usually take my daily dip in the river just down from my restaurant,its about waist depth and doesn't flow to fast but i wouldn't recommend swimming in the river during the rainy season or whenever the river is flooding.

One last thing i would like to mention is that we have an excellent nine hole golf course here in Nan which you can find if you head for nan airport,the front exit,turn left as soon as you enter the airport and keep on till you find it on your left hand side.There is also a driving range up that way also but i have never used it.

Any questions folks please do not hesitate to contact me through my website or through rideasia.net website.All the best for now and be safe,kind regards Tony.
 
Re: Swimming pools and exercise places in Nan

This Nan info is great Tony, we often here "there's nothing to do there", so hopefully this will wake everyone up.
 
I want recommend some thai restaurants in Nan.
First three updates:

Alexandro's (named by the owners son) is closed a long time already. It was only a short business.

The Just Jazz restaurant is closed now, too. I don't know that the owners stopped their business or only changed the location.

The Poomsam restaurant (tony wrote about it) serves Thailands best masaman curry. But for this you have to pay also a high(er) price (then usually).


Near the Amazing Guesthouse (http://home.arcor.de/amazing_guesthouse_nan/) is the BB 49 Steakhouse which served classic thai food as well as thai-style Steaks (crocodile and shark also availible) and Spaghetti. I ate only spaghetti there so I don't know how deliciouse the different kind of steaks. English menu.

Ruean Gaew is a nice thai cuisine restaurant with a beautiful river view and serves delicious food. But the menu is only in thai.

Baan Kao Soi is a quiet good basic thai restaurant. You will get there Kao Soi (yellow curry noodles soup) and Nam Niaw as well as thai classic dishes like kao pat (stier-fried rice) and khai thiaw moosap (thai omlett with pork mince). The friendly owner speaks a little bit english and she will give you an english menu, if you ask. It's diagonally opposite of Wat Suan Tan.

Wandaa is a quiet good and cheap northern thai food restaurant in the south part of the city. No english menu, but you can look inside the kettles and show what you want to eat.

Enjoy your meal.
 
What an excellent guide for visitors to Nan. Ill be planning to go to Nan on a road trip in June sometime, this will come in handy. Thanks for posting the info. :DD
 
The Nan Art Gallery is well worth a visit if your in the area which about 20km north of Nan on R 1080, it's very tastefully done.



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Map of the location:


nan art gallery.jpg




Nan Art Gallery GPS co-ords:


Nan art Gallery co-ords.jpg
 
The Kad Nam bar area about 500 meters north of the Grand Mansion GH is a hopping area from 9pm-1am, great place for some live music and a few beers


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kad nam bar area Nan.jpg
 
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