Nan

Nan is one of northern Thailand's best-kept secrets — a remote valley province with Lanna temples, mountain scenery, and almost no foreign tourists. Wat Phumin in the old town is famous for its 19th-century murals, including the iconic "Whispering Lovers" image that's become a symbol of the province. The Nan National Museum, housed in a former palace, covers the kingdom of Nan's centuries of semi-independence from Bangkok.

The countryside is where Nan really shines. Doi Phu Kha National Park protects high-altitude forest with the rare Chomphu Phu Kha tree that blooms pink in February. Bo Kluea, a mountain village famous for its ancient salt wells, is a scenic ride through forested valleys and a starting point for treks to Hmong and Lua hill tribe communities. The Nan River is excellent for multi-day kayaking trips through gorges and past rice terraces. Pua district north of town has emerging coffee plantations and artisan craft villages. The whole province rewards slow travel — rent a motorbike, pick a direction, and explore.