The district was Khwaeng Nakhon Nan, set up in 1899 by the Ministry of Interior.

Neighboring districts are from the north clockwise Tha Wang Pha, Santi Suk, Phu Phiang, Wiang Sa, Ban Luang of Nan Province and Pong of Phayao province.

The district is divided into 11 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 107 villages (mubans).

There are also two townships (thesaban tambon), Du Tai and Kong Khwai, which cover the complete tambon Du Tai and Kong Khwai, respectively.

Missing numbers are tambon which now form Phu Phiang District.