Discover the charm of North Thailand at Bo Suak Village, Nan

The majority of tourists travelling to Northern Thailand will visit the well-known destinations of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. They are both rewarding destinations to visit, with much to see and do, but they also make an excellent base to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations like Nan.

Arriving in Nan for the first time, you might wonder why it took you so long to discover this enchanting corner of North Thailand. The provincial capital of Nan is a haven for culture lovers. With no high-rise buildings to interrupt the skyline, the city has managed to retain its timeless charm and deep sense of heritage. Responsible travellers can soak up more of the culture and heritage when travelling in the Nan countryside and visiting villages like Bo Suak.

Community-based tourism in Bo Suak

Community-based tourism (CBT) offers one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to experience Thai culture and connect with the ‘real Thailand.’ This responsible form of travel not only provides meaningful experiences for visitors but also supports local communities and small businesses. No matter where you go in Thailand, you’re never too far away from a CBT initiative ready to welcome you with genuine hospitality and cultural insights.

Bo Suak in Nan province is a wonderful example of community-based tourism. The work of the village in promoting responsible travel has been recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). 

UN Tourism selects rural communities from around the world for the Best Tourism Village listing. In 2024, Bo Suak was one of 55 villages worldwide (and the first ever in Thailand) to earn recognition as a Best Tourism Village.

Best Tourism Village: Recognises the villages which are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with recognised cultural and natural assets that preserve and promote the rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle. It also recognises the villages which have a clear commitment to sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental – in its development of tourism as one of the drivers of rural development and community well-being.

– UN Tourism

Activities at Bo Suak

Responsible tourism can help to preserve the unique landscapes, cultural and natural heritage, and traditional ways of life found in rural communities. This includes local gastronomy, crafts, and customs. The Bo Suak community is proud of its traditions and heritage. When you visit Bo Suak, you will be warmly welcomed into the community, and you can experience a range of activities in the village. 

Pottery

Bo Suak is renowned as a pottery village, and it’s a tradition that spans more than 700 years. You might not be as good as the local experts, but you can try your hand at making Bo Suak pottery, which is famous for its owl and arrow designs. 

Ancient kilns at Bo Suak have been preserved, and a museum has been established to showcase this proud pottery tradition. The museum houses examples of the traditional pots in addition to ancient relics and utensils discovered in and around the village.

Weaving

Weaving is another tradition of Bo Suak village. Women in the village have established their own brand, Nan-Ner-Jaow, which aims to preserve traditional weaving techniques. The products are made of textiles or bamboo and include traditional items that are believed to ward off malevolent spirits and keep away negative influences.

Local food

Food is at the heart of Thai culture, and that is true too at Bo Suak. Among the many Northern Thai delicacies are sai oua (spicy, herbal sausages), nam prik noom (green chilli dip), and miang kham (a one-bite wrap that serves as an appetiser or palate cleanser). Guests at Bo Suak village can try their hand at making local dishes like sai oua as part of the ‘Local Chef at Ban Bo Suak’ activity. 

Health & wellness

Across North Thailand, rural communities continue to use traditional wellness treatments such as Thai massage to complement modern medicine. 

The village has established the ‘Bo Suak Herb’ program, which provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in a range of wellness workshops. The program incorporates traditional local wisdom passed down through the generations. Discover the medicinal use of different herbs and plants and try your hand at making herbal compresses. You can also buy a variety of Bo Suak Herb organic products, such as cosmetics, soaps, and essential massage oils.

How to visit Bo Suak

The village of Bo Suak is located around a 20-minute drive southwest of Nan town centre. Air Asia and Nok Air operate flights to Nan from Bangkok Don Muang airport. 

Travelling from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, you can take a bus to Nan. The Green Bus Company offers a good choice of comfortable bus services that link Nan with Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (and also Phrae and Phayao).

Transfers can be arranged to Bo Suak when you arrive in Nan. For accommodation, you can opt to stay in the lovely town of Nan and visit the village as a day trip. Comfortable options in Nan town centre include Nan Boutique Hotel (runner-up in the 2024 Responsible Thailand Awards). Alternatively, you could stay in one of the homestays near the village, such as Tung Homestay or Homestay Baan Bo Suak.

Location map for Bo Suak Village

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