Speedy
Don't worry - everything is safe.
Loei to Nan is easily done in one day, no matter which routes you take. If you want 100% paved roads, you will have to head west to Uttaradit, then go north to Nan.
Here is a recent report on the main routes between Loei and Uttaradit.
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You could also choose to follow the smaller roads closer to the Lao border. These are paved, but more windy and slower travelling.
Once you get close to Uttaradit, Routes 11 and 101 will get you to Nan very quickly.
There are routes that head north to Nan before you get to Uttaradit, but there will be some unpaved sections. Read this post for recent conditions around Nan.
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BobS
"The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not and never persist in trying to set people right."