Thailand | North Thailand

A number of rivers, including the Mekong, hydrate the most magnificent natural environment that you have ever seen. The scenery is rugged and still untouched. And there is an enormous diversity of flora and fauna. There are steep slopes that are only reachable in ideal weather conditions, sweet-smelling valleys with rice paddies, villages and Buddhist temples along the rivers. During the summer, thousands of unique sorts of orchids and trees are decorated in their colourful glory.

North Thailand is made up of 17 provinces and covers an area of approximately 170,000 square kilometres. The most northern point, Mae Sai, where Thailand, Lao and Maynmar border one another, is better known as the 'Golden Triangle.' The North is home to the oldest Thai civilisation. A good example is the Sukothai, The 'Ancient City' with its sublime temples and monuments carefully restored and able to be viewed in the Sukothai Historic Park.

A large portion of the northern landscape is mountainous and thickly forested. Rolling mountain ranges run from north to south. Wood extraction is traditionally an important source of income. Elephants are still used in this industry due to their enormous strength. The government has begun a number of reforesting projects in order to ensure a regrowth of greenery.

There are a number of possibilities in which to discover the region in an adventurous way, such as a jungle trek, rafting, mountain biking or an elephant safari. The northern climate is cooler than the rest of the country (especially at night) and therefore a comfortable experience, which is also enhanced by the low air moisture.

Northern Thailand is a very unique part of Thailand, and is set apart from the other regions. This is partly because North Thailand in the distant past, remained isolated for a long time. Only in 1921 was the northern motorway built to Chiangmai, as a result of which the isolation slowly came to an end. The ancient customs and traditions were influential for a much longer period in the North than elsewhere in the country. The northern Thais are renowned for their hospitality to strangers and their gentle nature. This is even noticeable in the language, which not only differs as a 'dialect' from the central Thai language, but also contains more polite language phrases and sounds more melodious.

The religious and other national cultural festivities and attractions in the North often have a characteristic touch: one mostly goes further and with more enthusiasm so as to break the daily routine and to attain the 'Sanuk'. Many colourful mountain tribes live in the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai regions such as the Lahu, Yao, Karen and the Hmong. Most of the tribes are nomads and wander across the various borders at will.

Craftsmen remain loyal to their ancient professions. Traditional skills have been passed on for generations. Examples of traditional artisans that are commonly found are silversmiths, woodchoppers, enamel workers and specialists in pottery baking and the casting of bronze. For a little amount of money, high quality handmade products are purchasable. The northern cuisine is also characteristic. The northern inhabitants prefer steamed sticky rice, along with more liquid dishes. Usually, the curry dishes and salads have a mild taste with some spicy exceptions. Early Burmese influences also add a special dimension to the taste.

All in all, North Thailand is characterized by its own special atmosphere, where a fantastic lifestyle including enjoying the nature and culture is possible and where you also have all the necessary amenities within reach!