Nan Experience is a unique 10 day package of cooking classes, cultural immersion and traditional craft activities showcasing Nan. You will experience the authentic taste of northern Thai food and culture. I have partnered with a committed and knowledgeable team of local women: a hotel owner, an accredited tour guide and chefs who provide the wealth of their combined expertise and local knowledge to give you these unique experiences. 

In 2022 I became the owner of the family home and decided to renovate it so I could share it with friends and family from Australia and the USA.  During this process, I found examples of traditional crafts and customs still thriving: like the 90 year old man still making Thai brooms with his 70 year old son, and the noodle shop always so busy with locals.

When I invited my friends to Nan in 2023, I was overwhelmed with the number of acceptances. What was to be a one-off event became 3 groups and 35 people who came to stay and experience the town and surrounding countryside and enjoyed Thai cooking classes in my mother’s kitchen. I had a wonderful time showing people around. In the process I realised that while I knew I loved my hometown, I was also exceedingly proud of its people, its culture and of course, its food. I also turned 75 in 2023 and thought I’d achieved my goal.

However, many friends who came in that first year wanted to return to Nan, this time with their family and friends. I knew there were many more places we could visit and engage with craft workers and local families. I took on their requests and returned to Nan in 2024 with 2 more groups. 

Three years have gone by and 7 groups have now visited Nan. Many deep friendships have formed, Nan people have enjoyed having visitors and I find myself completely committed to supporting Nan and showing off some unique aspects of Thai culture.

Nan has recently gone through two floods, the last one of epic proportions. Despite the disruption and inconvenience caused by the floods, the Nan Experience travellers on both occasions, adapted to the situation.  We were able to rearrange the itinerary so we could continue the tour and support local businesses as they dealt with the misfortune. The travellers collected resources among themselves, donations from friends at home and donated a sizeable sum to a local school and to the Nan hospital. Witnessing this compassion firsthand showed me that Nan Experience truly brings people together - both visitors and hosts.

Nan Experience operates as a responsible and sustainable social enterprise supporting, encouraging and mentoring the local businesses it works with to adopt ecologically sustainable practices and to use ethically sourced products. It works with and supports small, locally owned businesses and promotes the maintenance and resurgence of traditional crafts and skills. Nan Experience reinvests its revenue in local communities and businesses. It operates on the premise of respect, integrity, creativity and equality in every aspect of its activities.