Visit Wat Phumin (Nan)

Wat Phumin is the most famous temple in Nan. Its murals and especially the one called The Whisperer made its reputation. This painting of a man whispering in the ear of his wife is now the symbol of Nan city. You find it on my art pieces and souvenirs.
Built in 1596 and restored in 19th century, Wat Phumin entrance stands between two white Singha followed by a staircase with two nagas. If the exterior of the building is quite simple, the inside of the temple really worth a visit. In Thai Lue architectural style with its roof supported by twelve teak pillars decorated with gold and a beautifully wooden ceiling decorated in red, black and gold, the temple houses at its center a big pillar with a Sukhothai style Buddha statue on each side in the pose of Bhumisparsa mudra (Buddha Invoking Mother-Earth). All interior walls of the temple are covered with beautiful paintings depicting everyday life scenes of Thai Lue people painted by Tit Buaphan a Thai Lue artist during the restoration of the temple in the late 19th century. They are the true treasure of Wat Phumin.

No admission fee
Open from 6 am to 6 pm
A very friendly night market is held every weekend from 5 pm in the street on the side of the temple. For the occasion, mats and bamboo tables are set on the esplanade in front of the entrance of Wat Phumin. A nice way to spend the evening in Nan.
On the other side of the street, is the tourist information center where you can get city maps.

Wat Phumin is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke