Wat Nong Bua, Tha Wang Pha

Nice wall painting, live music, great for touring. Lots of smiles

Wat Nong Bua in the small village of Nong Bua is a small local temple packed with beautiful murals painted by Thai Lue artists about 150 years ago. It is, in my opinion, just as great as Wat Phumin but often overlooked. Make sure to look for the foreign soldiers and the steamboat in the murals. In addition, there is a Thai Lue house just behind the temple (still part of the complex) which you can visit to learn the about life of the Thai Lue people who came from southern China. Don't miss this!

This beautiful temple is located in Tha Wang Pha District, just an one-hour drive from the town of Nan. With serene ambience, the place is well maintained and managed by the locals. The main temple (viharn) is beautifully decorated with Thai-Lu style carvings. Wall murals here are also a famous attraction. It is believed that they were painted by the same group of Thai Lu artists who painted the murals at Wat Phumin. There are local people who are happy to show you around and explain the history of the place. No entrance fees required.  There are several attractions near by. One I would highly recommend is Thai Lu Village- Ban Nong Bua which is just a short walk from the temple. This local museum elaborates the life of Thai Lu people living at Ban Nong Bua. They are renowned for producing traditional tribal fabric, ผ้าทอไทลื้อ. They always consider it an art and a gift being handed down from generation to generation. 

One of the three temples with paintings by the renowned artist. Highly recommended.

A charming northern temple known for murals similar in style to those of Wat Phumin. Ethnic Thai Lue weaving can be seen behind the temple and there is usually a group of musicians playing traditional music at the main entrance. The temple is a fairly pleasant 1-hour motorbike ride from Nan.