Nan is said to be the twin city of Luang Prabang because both cities are similar in customs and culture, and they both have a peaceful and simple way-of-life. Nan is a very cultural city, thus many temples exist. However, your first stop in Nan should be at Wat Ming Mueang. Inside this temple is the city shrine.

The temple is 149 years old. It used to be abandoned until people found a pillar made of teak wood almost a meter wide and 3 meters tall. In BE 2400, the ruler of Nan at the time, renovated it and named it Wat Ming Mueang after the name of the pillar. In BE 2527, a new temple hall was built in Lanna style.

The first thing you will see as you enter the temple compound is a magnificent pavilion with entrances from all sides. The pavilion is sparkling white with a 4-faced crown on the top. In the center is the city pillar, shining in gold due to visitors who paste gold leaf on the pillar after praying.

If you would like to pray, Lanna belief says that you should pray facing all directions beginning with north first, then east, south, and finally west. Each direction has a symbolic meaning. However, there is nothing wrong with praying in one direction only.
 

• North:
  Mercy
  Protected by Wetsuwan
  Brings power, charisma, stability, courage, respect.
• East:
  Graciousness
  Protected by Tatarata
  Brings charm and popularity, is desirable, loved by all.
• South:
  Kindliness
  Protected by Virulahaka
  Brings wealth, fertility, fame and fortune, family honor.
• West:
  Neutrality
  Protected by Virupuk
  Brings peacefulness, happiness, friendship, trust and respect.
  
  Now that you’ve taken a walk around the pavilion, its time to see the white temple hall designed in contemporary Lanna style. Inside the hall, murals painted by local artists depict the history and construction of Nan.

If you visit the temple on Saturdays or Sundays, guides are available. The guides are lovely school children who will be glad to tell you everything they know for nothing more than your attention.

Address : Suriyapong Rd., Nai Wiang sub-district, Nan Town, Nan

GPS : N18 46 30.17, E100 46 9.31

Operating Hours : 06.00-18.00 Hrs.

Contact no. :
Nan Tourism Coordination Centre Tel: 054-750247  Fax: 054-751169
Nan Tourist Police Station Tel: 054-710216

Best time : Anytime of the year

Highlight : Architecture and craftsmanship of Lanna design. Each façade of the cruciform pavilion has a symbolic meaning.

Activities : Sightseeing/ Praying

From the front of Wat Phumin, drive up the road to Suriyapong-Pakong intersection and turn left. Continue down the road, the temple is to your left.