Pua A Serene Town in the Mist

Pua is a peaceful district in Nan, a province located in the northeastern part of Thailand. Known for its abundant temples, rich traditions, flowing rivers, and lush forests, Pua offers a tranquil escape. Most of the locals are farmers, growing vegetables and rice. If you visit Pua between the rainy season and early winter, you’ll be greeted by verdant rice fields wrapping the town in shades of green, creating a soothing and calming view.

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Mist blankets the mountains at the border between Pua and Bo Kluea, creating a mystical atmosphere where nature seems to meet the clouds.

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A picturesque view of the rice fields in Pua, seen from Phu Ket Temple. The lush green fields stretch across the landscape, surrounded by mist-covered mountains, offering a serene and calming sight.

Popular attractions in Pua include Phu Ket Temple, Ton Laeng Temple, Rong Ngeng Temple, Sila Waterfall, the Cocoa Valley Plantation, the Silverwork Center, and Tai Lue handwoven textiles. Some say that no visit to Pua is complete without stopping at Phu Ket Temple. Is it the most dazzling temple? Not necessarily. While it features beautiful Buddhist art, it’s the panoramic view that makes it special. Perched on the edge of a cliff, the temple offers a breathtaking 180-degree view of rice paddies and mountains, making it a top check-in spot for visitors.

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The ordination hall of Phu Ket Temple, a peaceful spot atop a cliff, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields and mountains.

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Sila Waterfall, a small but peaceful retreat for locals, with a gentle stream of water flowing year-round, offering a tranquil spot for relaxation.

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A Tai Lue woman weaving traditional textiles, preserving the art of handwoven fabric that has been passed down for centuries in Pua.

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Handwoven Tai Lue textiles, showcasing vibrant colors and traditional patterns, each piece a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

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An ancient-patterned handwoven textile from the Ban Hia community enterprise, preserving the heritage of traditional craftsmanship in Pua.

Among Pua’s more architecturally distinct temples are Ton Laeng Temple and Rong Ngeng Temple. Ton Laeng Temple is an ancient site built during the migration of the Tai Lue people from Xishuangbanna. Its unique ordination hall features a three-tiered roof that can be seen from afar. Though the hall isn’t very large, it’s charming and historic. Inside, you’ll find an old pulpit and a Buddha statue that are hundreds of years old. Visiting this temple feels like stepping into a story, surrounded by traditional Buddhist art and the legacy of the past.

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The ordination hall of Ton Laeng Temple, an ancient structure that has received an award for religious architecture from the Association of Siamese Architects, showcasing its unique design.

Rong Ngeng Temple is another historic temple known for its distinctive Tai Lue architecture. Its signature feature is the viharn (main prayer hall), adorned with intricate botanical carvings on the gables. The low, sweeping roof is characteristic of traditional Tai Lue design and has stood as a symbol of Pua’s cultural heritage for generations.

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The ancient viharn (prayer hall) of Rong Ngeng Temple at dawn, a historic site of the Tai Lue people. On the left stands a newer, smaller viharn built in recent years

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A contemporary mural inside the small viharn of Rong Ngeng Temple, blending modern artistic styles with traditional religious themes.

Don’t miss the Doi Silver Center, the largest silverwork center in Nan. The silverwork here showcases traditional Nan designs, with newer patterns and products added in recent years. The craftsmanship is intricate and detailed, making it a must-see for those interested in fine handmade work.

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Silverwork from Doi Silver, showcasing intricate and traditional craftsmanship. Each piece reflects the skill and artistry passed down through generations in Pua.

Cocoa Valley in Pua is a hidden gem. I didn’t know Pua had a fully integrated cocoa farm, factory, and café all in one place. I’ve visited cocoa farms across Thailand, but most focus only on cultivation. Cocoa Valley, on the other hand, offers a complete cocoa experience-truly one of the most comprehensive cocoa operations in Thailand.

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Cocoa products from COCOA VALLEY, where visitors can experience the entire cocoa production process from farm to factory.

These are just a few highlights of Pua, a small town embraced by the mountains. Late rainy season to early winter is the best time to visit. The green rice fields begin turning golden, and in the early mornings and evenings, mist blankets the fields and mountains. If you love quiet, beautiful places, consider visiting Pua. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in history, local Buddhist art, and stunning rice fields. One of Thailand’s hidden gems, Pua is well worth the journey.

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The twilight sky over Pua, casting a golden glow over the fields and mountains, marking the end of a serene day in this quiet town.

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Misty rice fields in Pua, with soft layers of fog covering the landscape, creating a peaceful and dreamy atmosphere.

Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya

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