Nan's Culture Takes Flight on the Global Stage

In March 2025, the city of Berlin, capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, became a destination for travelers and tourism entrepreneurs from around the world as the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) Berlin 2025, a global tourism promotion event, grandly opened there. In an atmosphere filled with opportunity and excitement, the Thailand Pavilion shone brightly, with its space tripled in size, reflecting a commitment to drive Thai tourism towards sustainability.

Amidst the dazzling spotlights, a small city named “Nan,” nestled among the mountains of northern Thailand, gracefully stepped onto the international stage. With support from the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Nan showcased its precious cultural identity to the world.

The heart of Nan’s cultural presentation was the “Hua Ruea,” the decorative head or prow of a traditional racing boat, which is an artistic symbol deeply connected to the way of life and spirit of the people of Nan. The boat prow selected for display in Berlin reflected the exquisite craftsmanship of local art, with intricate carvings, especially the shape of the “Naga,” a symbol of fertility and power according to the beliefs of the Lanna region where Nan is located.

To create a memorable experience, the Thailand Pavilion organized a “Miniature Boat Prow Painting Workshop,” allowing participants to paint on the prows of miniature boat models known as "Nan’s Unique Boats,” a local handicraft that reflects Nan’s distinctive identity. This activity not only provided enjoyment but also created a deep connection with the culture of Nan.

Another highlight was the presentation of "Kham Piew," an art toy inspired by the boat prow, to Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi during her visit to the Thailand booth. "Kham Piew" is the name of an art toy creatively designed based on the shape and unique patterns of the prows of Nan’s racing boats. This reinterpretation of a traditional cultural symbol into contemporary art forms demonstrates the creativity and potential to extend Thailand’s cultural heritage to a wider audience. This presentation of the “Kham Piew” art toy to Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya was a great honor and elevated the image of the art and culture of Nan to a wider audience.

Nan’s participation in ITB Berlin 2025 was a significant step in showcasing the beauty of its culture and its potential for sustainable tourism to the world. The presentation of the elegant “Hua Ruea,” the creative workshop activities and the presentation of the “Kham Piew” art toy to Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya were all impressive and memorable events. Moreover, receiving the Green Destinations Gold Award confirmed Nan’s commitment to the responsible development of tourism for the benefit of society and the environment. This success has not only brought pride to the people of Nan and all Thais but also opened doors to new opportunities to attract tourists from around the world to experience the unique charm of Nan, a city of vibrant culture that is ready to grow sustainably in the future.