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North
Northern Thailand comprises 17 provinces (Changwats)
: Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai, Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae
Hong Son, Nakhon Sawan, Nan,Phayao,Phetchabun,
Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae,Sukhothai,Tak,Uthai
Thani and Uttaradit.
It occupies an approximate area of 170,000 square
kilometers, bordering on the territories of Laos
and Myanmar.
The north is the home of our earliest civilization
and is famous for its hospitable and courteous
people, as well as many sites of archaeological
and cultural interest such as the Ancient City
of Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand some
700 years ago and Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep
near Chiang Mai, where some relics of Buddha are
kept.
Phra Buddha Chinarat, said to be the most beautiful
Buddha image in Thailand can be found at Wat Phra
Si Ratana- Mahathat in Phitsanulok. The largest
dam in Thailand, and the world's seventh largest
is the Bhumibol Dam in Tak.
In addition, the northern region is the home
to Thailand's many colorful hill tribes such as
the Lahu of Tak and the Yao, Akha, Karen, Hmong,
and Lisu tribes of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
mountain regions. The north is also noted for
its rich cultural traditions.
Many tourists from the surrounding provinces flock
to Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran Festival
and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong. |
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