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Travel Destinations - Northern Provinces
Northern Thailand 17 Provinces
The North is characterized by densely forested mountainous
regions, inhabited by Thailand's many colorful hilltribe people.
Adventurous exploration of this beautiful area is possible by trekking,
river rafting, mountain biking, and even elephant safaris. Chiang
Mai is the principal northern city and is a good base from which
to explore the surrounding countryside.
Excavated remains and ancient manuscripts indicate the Northern
region was the heart of two main kingdoms that flourished prosperously
in those days. The first of these was the Yonok Kingdom, founded
by King Singhanawat at an unknown date. He established Chiang Saen
as his administrative center and the kingdom prospered under the
rule of many successive monarchs until its fall in the 17th century
Buddhist Era (mid-11th century AD). In 1262, King Mengrai founded
Chiang Rai as the first town under his rule at the mere age of 23.
He gathered up all neighboring towns, including the once mighty
Haripunachai Kingdom in Lamphun, and established Chiang Mai town
as the center of the renowned Lanna Kingdom.
The Northern people have a distinctive melodic and sweet-sounding
northern dialect, testimony to the peace-loving, gentle, kind, and
hospitable characteristic of these people. From these hands come
many fine, superior handicraft products. So popular are these handicrafts
that they almost are synonymous with Thailand.
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