Areas: Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand:

- One of the 5 regional groups of Thailand, usually describes the area covered by 17 provinces.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Kamphaeng Phet
Lampang
Lamphun
Mae Hong Son
Nakhon Sawan
Nan
Phayao
Phetchabun
Phichit
Phitsanulok
Phrae
Sukhothai
Tak
Uthai Thani
Uttaradit

It occupies an approximate area of 170,000 square kilometers or the equivalent of 106 millions rai, bordering on the territories of Laos and Myanmar.

The north is the home of Thailand's earliest civilization and is famous for its beautiful women, and hospitable and courteous people, as well as many sites of archaeological and cultural interest such as the Ancient City of Sukhothai which used to be the first capital of Thailand some 700 years ago; Buddha's Relics at Wat Doi Suthep of Chiang Mai, a highly revered place for northerners; Phra Buddha Chinarat, which is said to be the most beautiful Buddha image of Thailand, at Wat Phra Si Ratana-Mahathat in Phitsanulok. The largest dam of Thailand, and the world's seventh largest is also here Bhumibol Dam in Tak.

In addition, the northern region is the home of Thailand's many colorful hill tribal people such as the Lahu of Tak and the Yao, Akha, Karen, Hmong, and Lisu tribes of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai moutain regions.

The North is also noted for its rich cultural traditions, and many tourists from the surrounding provinces flock to Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran Festival, and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.