The Northern Thailand region shares borders with Myanmar
(Burma) and Laos, as well as Central Thailand and Isaan
(North-East Thailand).
Surrounded by the tallest mountains in Thailand, Northern
Thailand is cooler than the rest of the usually sweltering
country and thus particularly popular in December and
January. In the mountains at night temperatures occasionally
dip below freezing, although in the plains the daily average
is rarely less than 25 Centigrade.
Culturally, Northern Thailand shows heavy influences
from the neighboring cultures of Myanmar and Yunnan (China).
The kingdoms of Lanna (centered at Chiang Mai) and Sukhothai
were the first historical Thai nations.
Much of northern Thailand was for a long time off limits
due to a series of Communist insurgencies and Myanmar's
drug battles and civil wars spilling over the border.
Both problems have been largely resolved, although caution
is still advised near the border with Myanmar in the provinces
of Tak and Mae Hong Son.
Cities
-
Chiang Mai - the largest city
in the north, well known for its temples
-
Chiang Rai - the usual access
point for the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets
Laos and Myanmar
-
Mae Hong Son - a small town in
the north-west surrounded by wonderful landscape, and
one of the major starting points for trekking, especially
to the different "hill-tribes"
-
Mae Sai - northernmost city in Thailand
and border crossing town to Myanmar
Nakhon Sawan
-
Pai - another small village, located
between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai - a nice overnight
stop with a laid-back backpacker/traveller atmosphere
and a good starting point for trekking tours
-
Phitsanulok - a good overnight stop
between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and a gateway to the
Sukhothai historical park
-
Sukhothai - Thailand's original capital
-
Nan - The former capital of a small
kingdom filled with history and temples and surrounded
by mountains
