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Museums #6 in Nan, Thailand

Nan Noble House

4.5 · 794 reviews
Quiet, historical, and educational.
Nan Noble House, Sumon Thewarat 2 Alley, เมืองน่าน Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000, Thailand
Interesting facts
1

The house is built on 60 teak pillars, a traditional architectural choice designed to prevent flooding and allow for ventilation.

2

The structure was relocated from its original site to its current location to ensure better preservation.

3

The interior contains a significant collection of rare 'pha sin' skirts, showcasing the distinct style of the Tai Lue and Nan ethnic groups.

4

The house floorboards were constructed using large, single-plank teak pieces, a testament to the availability of old-growth timber in the 1800s.

5

Khum Chao Fong Kham translates to 'House of the Lord of Golden Fragrance'.

6

The museum serves as an informal training center for younger generations interested in preserving Northern Thai textile arts.

Overview

Nan Noble House, locally known as Khum Chao Fong Kham, is a traditional Lanna-style teak mansion constructed in the mid-19th century. The residence belonged to Chao Fong Kham, a descendant of the Nan royal family. It features a stilt-supported architecture common to the region, showcasing authentic Northern Thai carpentry techniques. The house currently functions as a living museum, housing a collection of antique weaving tools, household artifacts, and religious items from the Nan province. Visitors can observe the preservation of historic textiles, specifically the intricate Nan-style embroidery. The ground floor serves as an open-air workspace where local artisans demonstrate traditional weaving methods. The building is constructed from reclaimed teak wood, reflecting the historical wealth and status of its original inhabitants.

Photo spot

The wide, wooden staircase leading to the upper veranda offers the best framing for the building's Lanna architectural details.

Insider tips

Walk underneath the house structure to observe the historical stilt foundation techniques.

Engage with the resident artisans who are often weaving on the ground level to learn about the specific textile patterns unique to Nan.

Remove your shoes before entering the elevated living areas as a sign of traditional respect.

What to avoid

Do not touch the delicate antique textiles displayed on the upper floor, as they are fragile and sensitive to skin oils.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Remove shoes before stepping onto the wooden floorboards.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes - 1 hour
Best time to visit
Morning hours during the dry season (November to February) to enjoy cooler temperatures while exploring the open-air lower level.
Address
Nan Noble House, Sumon Thewarat 2 Alley, เมืองน่าน Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000, Thailand
18.790, 100.786
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits19th-century Lanna teak architecture, antique weaving looms, and historical Northern Thai textiles.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes - 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Morning hours during the dry season (November to February) to enjoy cooler temperatures while exploring the open-air lower level..

The wide, wooden staircase leading to the upper veranda offers the best framing for the building's Lanna architectural details.

Close by you'll find Wat Phumin, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng Phra Aram Luang, Wat Sri Pan Ton.