|
There are 17 provinces in Northern Thailand, all
featuring stunning scenery, grand temples and a range
of activities and opportunities to engage in extreme
sports. Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand
and is certainly the largest and loudest, although
all the provinces have something to offer the tourist
with a sense strong of adventure and an interest in
the diverse history of the region.
Northern Thailand displays heavy influences from
the neighboring cultures of Myanmar (Burma) and Yunnan
(China). The kingdoms of Lanna and Sukhothai were
the first historical Thai nations.
A series of Communist insurgencies and the effects
from Myanmar's drug battles and civil wars has meant
that recently a large portion of northern Thailand
was off limits. However, these problems have now been
mostly resolved, and safe, easy travel is possible
throughout the north.
Although standard Thai language is widely understood,
the people of Northern Thailand have their own Thai
dialect called Kham Meaung. The hilltribes also have
their own languages, and if you wish to make extensive
contact with them it may be a good idea to employ
a translator/guide.
The main airport in Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai,
which serves both domestic and international flights.
There are also small domestic airports at Chiang Rai,
Mae Hong Son, Pai, Phitsanulok and Sukhothai.
Spicy and bitter, Northern Thai food is quite different
to that eaten in the rest of the country. There are
dozens of local specialties and this is a great place
to sample the traditional food of the hill tribes
as well. A regional specialty is thick, slightly spicy
sausages stuffed with raw garlic, the pride of Chiang
Mai Province.
Other dishes to look out for include:
kaeng hang le - Burmese-style pork curry
khanom jiin naam ngiew - rice noodles with
pork ribs and thick sauce
khao soi - a Burmese curry noodle soup served
with shallots, lime and pickles to add as required.
Send
us your comments
|
