Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand is geographically considered as vast mountain ranges, which continue from the Shan Hills in bordering Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, and the river valleys which run through them. Though like most of Thailand, Northern region has a tropical savanna climate. Because it’s relatively high altitude and latitude, this region offers a more noticeable seasonal temperature vibrant, with cooler seasons than the other regions. 

Culturally, Northern Thailand shows heavy influences from the neighboring cultures of Myanmar and Yunnan (China). Furthermore, it is related to the Lanna Kingdom and its culture historically.

            Northern hill tribes

Northern Thailand natives speak their own dialect of Thai called Kham Meaung (คำเมือง); however standard Thai is commonly used and understood.  Also, the hill tribes speak their own languages.

 Most dishes in Northern Thai food are milder than those of others regions, such as Northeastern (Isaan), and modeled by Burmese influence. Although rice has always been the main dish, but most of Northern Thailand prefer sticky rice, with curries being secondary to the meal. 

Some of the Northern Thailand most popular dishes are kaeng Hang Le, a spicy pork curry with ginger, tamarind, and turmeric; Khao Soi, a mix of eggnoodles and meat, heavily laced with coconut milk, and served with onions, pickled cabbage, and slices of lime; Nam Phrik Ong is a northern-style chilli-dip served with dried shredded pork and freshly cooked vegetables; and an hors d’oeuvre called Miang (tea leaves).

                                                                   

  

                              Wat Doi Su Tep on mountain top in Chiang Mai

                                                      

 

                                     Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai     
 

                                 
                                                           Elephant Trek

Northern Region Provinces

The Northern region of Thailand is divided into 17 provinces.

                                                                             

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.  Phetchaban

11.  Phichit

12.  Phitsanulok

13.  Phrae

14.  Sukhothai

15.  Tak

16.  Uthai Thani

17.  Uttaradit

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand

http://wikitravel.org/en/Northern_Thailand

http://www.thai-food.in.th/Northern-Thai-Food.html

http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/popular_northern_thai_food.html