The North of Thailand
The North is a mountainous region
comprising natural forest ridges and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys.
A mountainous area where winter
temperatures are cool enough to allow the cultivation of temperate fruits such
as apples, strawberries and peaches, the North offers the tourist a pleasing
alternative to the bright lights of Bangkok and the beaches of the south and the
Gulf of Thailand.
Chiang Mai is the major city of the North.
Also called "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai is the focal point of local farming
communities with a thriving market. It is also a popular tourist destination
with both Thai and overseas visitors who enjoy the city’s slow pace of life, its
many ancient temples, and its various cottage industries, which are generally
concentrated in villages on the city outskirts. Umbrellas, silverware,
nielloware, woodcarving and silk are just some of the best known Chiang Mai
products.
In the northern forests, visitors can see
elephant training camps (these huge beasts are still used in the teak forests)
as well as the colorful nomadic tribes that still roam this corner of Thailand.
There are also opportunities for rafting and trekking.
The north, for centuries an independent
kingdom and center of culture and religion, is dotted with many ancient
historical sites and monuments, among them the Sukhothai Historical Park, the
Doi Suthep Shrine in Chiang Mai, and the Phra Buddha Chinarat image in
Phitsanulok. Northerners celebrate such festivals as Songkran [the traditional
Thai New Year] and Phao Thien Len Fai, to name but two.
The north is also home to a patchwork of
hill tribes-the Musers, Yao, Meo, E-kaw, and Karen-who each possess their own
distinctive culture and way of life.
The lowland northerners are note as a
gentle and hospitable people. In addition the region abounds with many natural
attractions such as mountain scenery, caves waterfalls, and lakes. Other
attractions include bargain hunting for local and tribal handicrafts in the
bazaars and markets, while in the major towns Western-style night entertainment
is widely available.
In the northern forests, visitors can see
elephant training camps [these huge beasts are still used in the teak forests]
as well as the colorful nomadic tribes that still roam this corner of Thailand.
There are also opportunities for rafting and trekking.
02. December 2004