Nong Bua Temple

Located in Nong Bua village, Tha Wang Pha district is Nong Bue Temple, built by Thai Lue craftsmen who had earlier migrated from Xishuangbanna (Sipsongpanna) in the south of China. Inside the Vihara is mural painting by Thai Lue artists who lived some 100 years ago. The mural๛ artistic value and degree of perfection equals to that of Phumin Temple.

Nanthaburi National Park

covers an area of Mueang district and Ban Luang district, as well as, a compound of the Nam Yao- Nam Suak and Tham Phu Toei National Forest Reserves. It comprises mixed deciduous forests, dried evergreen forest, and hill evergreen forest with various kinds of plants such as teaks, Pradu - Burma Padauk, Tabaek - Lagerstroemia, etc. The na- tional park is also a habitation area of the Mlabri or Tong Lueang Tribe. Interesting Attractions in the National Park are as follows:

Doi Pha Chi

From Nantake Highway No. 1091 for 40 kilometres until reaching Ban Luang district. Take Highway No. 1172 to Ban Phi Nuea to Doi Pha Chi for 30 kilometres. Doi Pha Chi can be accessed by walking from the Nanthaburi National Park at the connection point between Nan and Phayao provinces. Doi Pha Chi is a beautiful mountain with abundant waterfalls and various kinds of plants. Doi Pha Chi was once a stronghold of the Pho Ko Kho - communist insurgents. At present, equipment such as the electricity generator and water pipes still remain in the area. Moreover, nearby are villages of the Hmong and Mien hill-tribes.

Doi Wao

is under the supervision of the Nam Khang Water- shed Development Unit. It is a nice viewpoint spot to admire the sea of fog and the sunset. The area was once a very declined forest. However, at present, it has been revived by the Watershed Development Unit by growing the original plants such as wild apples, maples, and Pinus kesiya. Prior to Doi Wao, visitors will pass Doi Tio which is a very well-known tourist attraction of Nan, Nanthaburi National Park, and the Hmong villages at Ban Doi Tio and Ban Sop Khun. Doi Wao is 4 kilometres from the office of the national park. It is acces- sible by car to the Watershed Development Unit. Continue by walking to the mountain summit. Along the way is an abundant forest, and a habitat of highland birds such as - grey-cheeked fulvetta, long-tailed sibia, yellow-cheeked tit, white-browed shrike- babbler, red-billed scimitar-babbler, etc. During winter, these birds usually migrate into the area. Other interesting attractions are the Santi Suk Waterfall, Song Khwae Waterfall, Huai Phrik Waterfall, Tat Fa Rong Waterfall, Doi Mok Waterfall, and hot springs.

How to get there: From Tha Wang Pha district, take Highway No. 1082, Tha Wang Pha - Sop Khun for approximately 27 kilometres. Turn right at a crossroad and go further for 500 metres to the Office of the National Park. Otherwise, take Highway No. 1080 from Mueang district to Tha Wang Pha district. Then, take Highway No. 1148, the Tha Wang Pha - Song Khwae Route for 1.5 kilometres. Turn into Yai Nun - Sop Khun Road to Km. 27 and turn right further for 500 metres. </p><p>Nunthaburi National Park P.O. Box 3 Tha Wang Pha districtNan.Thailand 55140 Tel. 08 1706 8506, 08 1042 8893

Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua

This village is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 kilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lue people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. It has also been improved in the designs but still retaining the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among tourist.

Ban Don Moon

Located about 8 kilometres. away from the district office is another Thai Lue village famed for its handwoven cloth. This village also provides homestay for people who are interested in Thai Lue.s culture and their traditional way of life. For more information contact Tel. 0 5479 8449