Northern region of Thailand, comprises 17 provinces, is the zone of earliest civilization. It is the home of hill tribal people such as Lahu, Yao, Akha, Karen, Hmong, and Lisu tribes of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai mountain regions. The North is also noted for its rich cultural traditions, and many tourists from the surrounding provinces flock to Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran Festival, and to Sukothai for Loi Krathong.

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's largest provinces containing eight main tribal groups.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. Chiang Mai National Museum has a collection of Lanna Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images, and war weapons. Doi Inthanon National Park contains Thailand's highest mountain ranges.

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province, well knew as the Golden Triangle shares common borders with Burma and Laos. People have a complex mixed culture due to the geographical fusion of the Thai, Burma and Laos (Golden Triangle) civilizations. Chiang Saen is an ancient town of this province located on the bank of Mae Khong River. Pu Kasng Waterfall is a memorable site of Doi Luang National Park's headquarters located in Phan district.

Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within city limit. Wang Kaeo Waterfall is the largest waterfall in this province. Khantok Chang Fair is organized at the Thai Elephant conservation Center on the first Friday-Saturday period of February each year.

One of the most exotic sights in Mae Hong Son is that of the Pa Dong Karens, a hill tribe community farming rice, tea and tobacco. Certain Pa Dong females 'elongate' their necks from an early age with brass that is coiled around their necks to give a brass ring effect. Mae Pai, the longest river of Mae Hong Son originates from mountain ranges in Laos that flows through Pai district of the province and eventually joins the Salawin River in Myanmar.

Nan is an ancient town, established in the same period of Sukhothai, housing the sacred Phrathat Chae Haeng Pagoda. Wat Phumin Monastery is located near the Nan National Museum having very unusual characteristics compared to other monasteries in general, i.e., the main shrine hall and the vihara are constructed as the same building. Thai Lu Village of the province is where the famous Nam Lai hand-woven fabric is produced.

Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years. King Ramkhambaeng made Sukhothai a powerful and extensive kingdom that included many parts of what are today neighboring countries. Sukhothai Historical Park is where ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals, and the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual center of the kingdom, are now preserved.

Amongst its numerous attractions to the tourist, Tak is home to the largest dam, Bhumibol Dam, in Thailand stretching some 160 km to Chiang Mai. Loi Krathong, Thailand's lovely annual " Festival of Lights " on the full moon night in November, is celebrated in a unique manner in Tak.