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There is so much to see and do in the town of Bang Man Nak.
There are plenty of temples, including a Chinese one.
Head north in Thailand from Bangkok to see the old buildings, the real Thailand, the real culture, and the real cities.
This genuinely was one of the best places I've been to in Thailand, but I love going to random towns and exploring them; this one had so much to offer. I will say though, you need a vehicle; there are no pavements/ sidewalks, and walking around can be very dangerous.
Bang Mun Nak
Bang Mun Nak is 1 hour 15 minutes from Nakhon Sawan
2 days here
Bang Mun Nak is a small village off the beaten track in Thailand's Phichit province, located in the northern part of the country. It is known for its traditional way of life and its close-knit community. The village is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills and is located on the banks of the Nan River. The village is known for its friendly locals and its delicious local cuisine, including dishes made with fresh local produce and seafood from the nearby river. Although Bang Mun Nak is relatively small and off the beaten path, it offers a unique glimpse into traditional Thai village life and is a popular destination for those looking for a more authentic cultural experience.
This is a secret gem in Thailand, and I love it here. You will need a vehicle here as there are few pavements and it is a busy, small town, making walking difficult. That is the only downside to the place. The town is surrounded by swamps and countryside, so I love to stay at the many great resorts here. I love to stay in an old-style building next to a swamp with a few beers. This was one of my favourite things to do during COVID. It is relaxing, and I plan on doing it regularly now. My friends were worried that I had turned into Shrek, the ogre near the swamp, but they didn't understand the beauty that I and Shrek knew.
As for the town itself, there are many little shops, cafes, and bars amongst the old houses that just make the town look really nice. The market near the train station and park is really good too; the food is amazing and extremely cheap there. In fact, there are market stalls all over the town.
Many great temples are here, but one that stands out is a Chinese temple. There is no English name for the temple, but don't worry, you'll definitely see it in town as it sticks out like a sore thumb.
The town is situated on the Nan River, which adds to the charm of the town. There are nice places to relax next to the river.
Also, many events go on in the town, like the Chinese Festival that takes place in the second week of December.
There is a big meditation temple my wife goes to when we come here called Wat Pa Siwilai. Meditation goes on all day.
If you don't want to meditate all day, you could get up early and go to the market in the town centre at 5 a.m.! in order to buy some food to give to the monks, who will say a prayer for you in return. This is called Tak Bat, and I made a little video of it below.
I've put together a collection of videos below to show you why I adore the town and believe you will as well!
Town of Bang Mun Nak
Chinese Festival
The Resort, Suan Yai
Giving to the monks
In this secret town, it is hard to find resorts online, but I did manage to find some on TripAdvisor, so here is the link. The only other option is to just turn up and find somewhere. We normally stay at Suan Khun Yai Resort (Grandma's Garden), but we do mix it up as we come here a lot.
TRANSPORT
Trains depart from Don Mueang Station in Bangkok. From there, you can take a train to Phichit, and finally, another train to Bang Mun Nak. However, you will need to purchase your last ticket at Phichit station.
Tour
Ayutthaya
Lop Buri
Nakhon Sawan - Bang Mun Nak
Phitsanulok
Sukhothai
Lampang - Chao Son
Chiang Mai
Driving option: Khao Yai
If you are looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience, you might want to consider customising your own tour to the north of Thailand. This tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the historical and natural wonders of central Thailand, before ending in the lively city of Chiang Mai.
You will begin your tour in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where you will marvel at the ancient ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries that testify to the glory of the past. Then, you will travel to Lop Buri, a city with a unique Khmer-style temple and monkeys that live among the locals.
From Lop Buri, you will head to Nakhon Sawan and visit Bang Mun Nak, a town that preserves the traditional wooden architecture and culture of Thailand. You will enjoy the authentic Thai cuisine and hospitality as you explore this quaint town.
Your next destination is Phitsanulok, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history. You will visit Wat Maha That, a temple that houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Then, you will continue to Sukhothai, the first kingdom of Siam, where you will admire the beautiful ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park.
After Sukhothai, you will visit Lampang, a town known for its exquisite ceramics and rich heritage. You will learn about the history and culture of this region and see how the locals make their pottery.
Your tour will conclude in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. You will explore the vibrant city and its historic temples, as well as enjoy the nightlife and shopping options.
This tour is a perfect way to experience the diversity and beauty of central and northern Thailand. You will discover the amazing history, culture, and nature of this region and create unforgettable memories.
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