Nan - Wat Phumin

The architecture of the early Nan period contains features of both the Mon and the Chiang-Saen styles, while later Nan constructions feature the Sukhothai style. The town's famous temple, Wat Phumin, located south of the province's administrative buildings in Suriyaphong Road, dates from 1596 and contains elements of style from all periods. It has a cruciform ground plan and its triple-stepped roofs are graduated upwards to the crossing, which is crowned by a gracious canopy. The four symmetrical entrances, approached by short, beautifully curved, lion-guarded flights of steps, have richly embellished, carved portals. Within the wat four Sukhothai-style, seated, bronze lions surround the cube-shaped altar. Pillars and elaborate timberwork support a richly decorated coffered ceiling. The frescos date from the 19th c. and depict, in vivid pictures painted in unusually bright colors, scenes from the country's history, particularly battles, and from the early life of Buddha (the "Jataka"). At the same time they portray the life style of the population of northern Thailand.