Page 104 - TICA Membership Directory 2016-2017

THE NORTH

THE

NORTH

Thailand’s Cultural Capital

The North is the land of mountains, broad river valleys
and heavily forested regions. Here you can experience
the chill of winters and find frost-covered grass and
leaves, and even ice, in the higher peaks. But this
region’s distinctness does not stop at the climate, it
also extends to the people, the architecture and the
Chiang Rai
food. The mountains of the North are also home to
Chiang Mai many hilltribe communities, including the Karen,
Shan and Akha, among others. The ancient temples
of the region reflect the influence of the Burmese,
THE NORTH
the Southern Chinese and the Laotian peoples. The
cuisine of the North is based on sticky rice rather than
steamed rice, and many of its curries, sausages and
noodle dishes have flavours and aromas that bear
little resemblance to the cuisines of other regions, but
are mouth-watering nevertheless.
Founded more than 700 years ago, Chiang Mai was
the centre of Lanna Kingdom. Today, the province
has become the unofficial capital of the North with
its vibrant intellectual scene, a dynamic artistic
community and first-rate touristic and MICE facilities.
The city of Chiang Mai has a laid-back atmosphere,

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MICE GUIDE TO THAILAND