Northern Thailand
Northern Region
ภาคเหนือ | |
|---|---|
From upper-left to lower-right: Doi Inthanon, Doi Pha Hom Pok, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and Phu Chi Fa | |
Northern Region in Thailand | |
| Largest city | Chiang Mai |
| Provinces | |
| Area | |
• Total | 96,077 km2 (37,096 sq mi) |
| Population (2019) | |
• Total | 12,119,572 |
| • Density | 66/km2 (170/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Khon Muang (Lanna area) Khon Phak Klang (Northern cities area) |
| GDP | |
| • Total | US$41.9 billion (2019) |
| Time zone | UTC+07:00 (ICT) |
| Language | |
Northern Thailand, or more specifically Lan Na, is a region of Thailand. It is geographically characterized by several mountain ranges, which continue from the Shan Hills in neighboring Myanmar to Laos, and the river valleys that cut through them. Like most of Thailand, it has a tropical savanna climate, but its relatively high elevation and latitude contribute to more pronounced seasonal temperature variation, with cooler winters than the other regions.
Historically, northern Thailand has been linked to the Hariphunchai Kingdom, which emerged as a powerful state in the region in the 7th century. This kingdom was related to the Dvaravati that existed from the 6th to 11th centuries. The Hariphunchai culture later influenced the development of the Lanna Kingdom, which emerged in the 13th century and lasted until the 18th century.