NORTHERN THAILAND The region borders on two countries, Laos and Burma, both by mountains and rivers.

The northern frontier runs from Tak Province upward to Mae Hong Son, some districts of Chiang Mai and on to Chiang Rai.

To the east, the border touches mainly on Laos demarcated mostly by mountain ranges from Phetchabun upward through Uttaradit, Nan, Phayao and Chiang Rai.

Only the sectors passing through Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong districts are marked by the Maekhong River along a stretch of 90 kilometres

Chiang Mai Province Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom by merging the various city states in the region in 1296.

Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand. About 700 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres.
See Chiang Mai's map here

The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.

Chiang Rai Province The northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is situated on the Kok River basin 416 metres above sea level. With an area of some 11,678 square Kilometres. It is about 785 Kilometres from Bangkok. Mostly mountainous, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos.

The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities and evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to several hilltribes who follow fascinating ways of life.

Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos

Lampang Province Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem.

Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1000 years.

It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma.

Mae Hong Son Province Nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that its terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work.

Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the "dream destinations" for visitors who are attracted by its cultural and natural wonders.

Phitsanulok Province A major tourist destination in the Lower North, Phitsanulok is situated on the banks of the Nan River some 377 kilometres from Bangkok. Most of the terrains are flatland, with mountain ranges running on the east where waterfalls and national parks offer opportunities for nature treks.

Historically, Phitsanulok has been a major community since the time of the Khmers and enjoyed great prosperity during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.

During 1463-1487 it was practically another royal capital as King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya resided permanently in the province.

Sukhothai Province Sukhothai which literally means "Dawn of Happiness" with an area of 6,596 square kilometres, is about 427 kilometres north of Bangkok, and was founded in 1238.

Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years.