Northern Thailand

Map of Thailand highlighting the provinces of the northern region

Thailand's northern region is geographically characterised by multiple mountain ranges which continue from the Shan Hills in bordering Myanmar and Laos, and the river valleys which cut through them. Although, like most of Thailand, it has a tropical savanna climate, its relatively high altitude and latitude contribute to more pronounced seasonal temperature variation, with cooler winters than the other regions. Historically it is related to the Lanna Kingdom and its culture. The region, as defined by the National Geographical Committee in 1978, consists of nine provinces.

Provinces

Seal	Name	Capital	Population	Area (km²)	Density	ISO code
	Chiang Mai Province	Chiang Mai	1,649,457	20,107.0	82.03	TH-50
	Lamphun Province	Lamphun	413,299	4,505.9	91.7	TH-51
	Lampang Province	Lampang	782,152	12,534.0	62.4	TH-52
	Uttaradit Province	Uttaradit	464,474	7,838.6	59.3	TH-53
	Phrae Province	Phrae	492,561	6,538.6	75.3	TH-54
	Nan Province	Nan	475,614	11,472.1	41.5	TH-55
	Phayao Province	Phayao	502,780	6,335.1	79.4	TH-56
	Chiang Rai Province	Chiang Rai	1,129,701	11,678.4	96.7	TH-57
	Mae Hong Son Province	Mae Hong Son	248,748	12,681.3	19.6	TH-58

Other classification systems

Sometimes an alternative classification system is used in which Thailand is divided into four regions. In this system, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai Uthai Thani Provinces in the upper central region and Tak in the western region are also considered to be in the northern region.

Geography

See also: Mae Chan Fault

Principle rivers and dams

The region's main rivers, the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan, flow southwards through mountain valleys and join to form the Chao Phraya in Nakhon Sawan Province in the central region. Sirikit Dam is situated on the Nan River in Uttaradit Province.

References

External links

• North (Thailand) travel guide from Wikitravel

Coordinates: 19°N 99°E / 19°N 99°E / 19; 99