The
North is a mountainous region comprising natural forests,
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 colourful
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 thier 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 elephent training camps [these huge beasts are
still used in the teak forests] as well as the colourful
normadic tribes that still roam this corner of Thailand.There
are also opportunities for rafting and trekking.
