Hub of the North is Chiang Mai, nearly 700km north of Bangkok. This was the ancient Lanna capital, founded in the 13th century, and is today a burgeoning regional centre offering excellent accommodation and other modern facilities amid the well preserved attractions of a historic town. In the far north is Chinag Rai, set amid rugged hill country, famous Golden Triangle and ancient settlement Chiang Saen on the banks of the Mekong River. To the west is Mae Hong Son, an enchanting Shangri-La, and to the east is Nan, of great interest though rarely visited.
Hill tribes of the North
Not least of the North’s attractions are the various hill tribes who inhabit the jungle-covered mountain slopes. These are people of separate ethnic origin who cling to traditional tribal ways that are fast vanishing.
Opium cultivation in the area sensationally dubbed the ‘Golden Triangle’ has served to focus popular attention on the hill tribes. However, while some do grow poppies as a cash crop as well as use opium as a traditional cure-all medicine, many other has nothing to do with a drug trade.
An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 tribes people live in the North, split into seven major groups – Karen, Meo, Akha, Lahu, Lawa, Lisu and Yao. All retain distinct cultures, language and religious beliefs (mostly animistic), though their most obvious distinction is their dress. The women of each tribe – and to a far lesser degree the men – have their own traditional style of colorful, elaborate costume. Handicraft skills, notably in weaving, embroidery and making silver jewellery, are well developed.
Being semi-nomadic, the tribe’s people are poor and support themselves mostly by splash-and-burn agriculture. Even those who cultivate opium see little of the profits. In efforts to raise living standards and alleviate deep-rooted problems –dire poverty, drugs and environmentally destructive agricultural practices – a number of government and Royal project have been instigated in recent years. Most are aimed at education and cash-crop substitution programs, the later having a notable effect in reducing the extent of opium cultivation.
North Thailand holidays can be simply unforgettable, one of the most attractive areas in Thailand.
Hotel Recommendation Chiang Mai
It is a fact that North and South Thailand holidays are completely different. However North is no longer the backpackers paradise. There are so many places to visit and upmarket accommodation at Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
I definitely prefer North Thailand, it doesn’t matter that no have sea and beach, however it is cooler and there is great green nature and mountains everywhere.
Personally I like North Thailand. It is quite different that the rest of Thailand. Actually Lanna language sounds more like Chinese than Thai.
I think North Thailand is preferred mostly by people that prefer relaxing holidays and as well don’t live too hot weather.
For sure not that touristic and not that overpopulated, for people that like relaxing holidays, probably the best area of Thailand.