Tuesday, May 6, 2008

North of Thailand

North (Thailand)

The Northern Thailand region shares borders with Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, as well as
Central Thailand and Isaan (North-East Thailand).

Provinces

The 17 provinces of Northern Thailand

1 - Chiang Mai
2 - Chiang Rai
3 - Kamphaeng Phet
4 - Lampang
5 - Lamphun
6 - Mae Hong Son
7 - Nakhon Sawan
8 - Nan
9 - Phayao
10 - Phetchabun
11 - Phichit
12 - Phitsanulok
13 - Phrae
14 - Sukhothai
15 - Tak
16 - Uthai Thani
17 - Uttaradit


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
  • Nan - former capital of a small kingdom, filled with history and temples and surrounded by mountains
  • Pai - small village and nice overnight stop between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai, 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

Other destinations

  • Chiang Dao - known for its caves, and next to Chiang Dao National Park
  • Chiang Khong - gateway to Laos
  • Mae Salong - a very interesting place to stop on the way to Chiang Mai
  • Thaton - hang out on the border with Myanmar, and take the boat to Chiang Rai
  • The many national parks in this mountainous region make it a popular destination for trekking

No comments: