 |
Home > Thailand Info > Northern Region
Northern
Region
| |
 On
the Myanmar border, Mae Hong Son was long isolated
from the rest of Thailand by its mountain peaks.
Now daily flights into its small airport bring
growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the
spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities
and soft adventure opportunities.
|
Myanmar
has had a strong influence on the province,
as can be seen in its architecture. Excellent
examples are the two picture-perfect temples
on the bank
of Chong Kham Lake in the town centre, with
their typical Burmese tiered roofs.
Popular
spots for visitors are Soppong, which provides
access to caves in the area, with the kilometre-long
Lot Cave the most spectacular, and Doi Mae
U-Kho for the fields of wild sunflowers
that bloom in November and December.
The
more adventurous visitors head for Pai,
the small town that is the centre of trekking
industry. Here you can raft along the Pai
River, trek through the forests on foot
or elephant and stay at hilltribe villages.
|
|
 |
Wat
Phumin is a fine example of Lanna Thai architecture,
with a main shrine hall and wihan in the same
building. The mural paintings depicting ways
of life and culture of the past are outstanding.
Outside of town, the 600- year-old Wat Phrathat
Chae Haeng has a wonderful gold-plated chedi
and a wihan of pure Laotian design. |
| A
remote province, Nan's history has been shaped
by its proximity to Laos, and its large hilltribe
population are of Lao origin. Nan National
Museum, once the home of the Nan royal familycontains
a very impressive collection of artifacts,
including a black elephant tusk said to have
magical powers. Opposite, Wat Chang Kham Worawihan
is a royal-grade temple with elephant sculptures
around the front. |
The
mountains and scenery of Nan provide a great attraction
for visitors, with Doi Phu Kha National Park
a favourite spot to see waterfalls and shoot the
rapids.
Dating
back over 900 years, Phayao is a pretty town located
on the edge of Phayao Lake, but well off
the normal tourism track. Phayao Lake is the largest
freshwater lake in northern Thailand and
is surrounded by beautiful hilly scenery.
It is a great breeding centre for
fish, supplying many excellent restaurants that
line its shores. The Fishery Station is
the first facility to successfully breed giant
catfish.
Wat
Sikhom Kham, on the shore of the lake, houses
a revered 400-year-old Buddha image. But
it is the startling statues of dinosaurs, devils
and other images
of hell - inspired by both Hollywood
films and Buddhist legend - that attract many
visitors.
Famous
for its crocodiles, Phichit still has a number
of crocodile farms around the province.
There's even a huge model crocodile in the park
next to Bung Sifai, with an auditorium in
its stomach!
Muang
Kao, the old city park, contains remnants of ancient
Phichit, dating back more than 900 years,
with some of the old city wall, moats and Wat
Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in good condition.
Wat Tha Luang, on the bank of the Nan River, is
popular as the setting for the Phichit boat races
and festival, held every September.
Thung
Salaeng Luang National Park has many species of
flower found nowhere else, great tracts
of forest and the famed Kaeng Sopha Falls.There
are more lovely waterfalls along the road,
the Sakunothayan Arboretum, and the unusual rock
formations at Phu Hin Rongkla National Park
on the border with Phetchabun.
|
|
One
of the oldest towns in Thailand, Phrae
still has some of its
old walls and moat intact. It was once
a Burmese outpost, and
architectural signs of this influence
can be seen in some temples.
The
province's most famous temple is Wat Phrathat
Cho Hae, seated on a small hill east of
town with a tall chedi wrapped in thin
gold sheet. Ghosts have been at work at
Phae Muang Phi, a collection of strange
soil pillars created by erosion. |
Phrae
is known for its wood products, and a number of
handicraft villages specialise in wood-carvings.
However, Ban Thung Hong is renowned for producing
Mo Hom, the blue cotton shirts worn by farmers.
Eco-tourism
is beginning to make its mark, with rafting excursions
and trekking in Mae Yom National Park,
especially around Kaeng Sua Ten rapids.
|
|
|
|
