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Thailand
northern region comprises 17 Changwats(provinces); they are : Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Sawan,
Nan, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phare, Sukhothai, Tak, Uthai
Thani and Uttaradit. It occupies an approximate area of 170,000 square kilometers
or the equivalent of 106 millions rai, bordering on the territories of Loas
and Myanmar.
The north
is the home of Thailand's earliest civilization and is famouse for its
beautiful woman, and 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; Buddha's
Relics at Wat Doi Suthep of Chiang Mai, a highly revered place for northerners;
Phra Buddha Chinarat, said to be the most beautiful buddha image in Thailand,
at Wat Phra Si Ratana-Mahathat in Phisanulok. The largest dam in Thailand,
and the world's seventh largest, the Bhumibol Dam in Tak.
In addition,
the northern region is the home to Thailand's many colorful hill tribal
people such as the Lahu of Tak and the Yoa, 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 and many tourists from
the surrounding providinces flock to Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran
Festival, and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.
The North
is accessible by the good network of highways in the region itself and
inter regional highways. Trains run from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and there are
flights operated by the Thai Airways International Ltd - from Bangkok to
Phisanulok, Phrae, Nan, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Mae Sot
and Mae Hong Son.
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