Northern Region
# **Northern Region of Thailand**
**Northern Public, Private, and International Montessori School Directory**
\
### Living in or moving to the Northern Region of Thailand and looking for an International Montessori School?
---
## Northern Region Public Montessori Schools
**(Thai and Montessori Curriculum)**
The school year for schools following the Thai curriculum starts in May and ends in March. April is considered Holiday. The half-term break is in October. Students finishing Elementary Grades (Pratom) 3, 6, Secondary Grades (Mathayom) 3, and 6 have to pass a Thai National Test (O-Net). In April 2004 the Pilot Project for The Development of the Child’s Potential in Small Government School using the Montessori Approach. The first [AMI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_Montessori_Internationale) 3 to 6 Diploma Course in Thailand started in 2006 and a second course started in 2009, the third course in 2011, and some more followed.
## [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
* **[Ban Chang Khoeng Samakee Wittayakhan School](https://montessori-international.com/s/ckms/)**
* [Chang Khaen](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chang+Khaen), [Mae Chaem](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Chaem), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
* **[Ban Muang Chum School](https://montessori-international.com/s/muangchum/)**
* T. [Mae Taeng](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Taeng), A. [Mae Taeng](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Taeng), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
* **[Ban Rong Khi Lek School](https://montessori-international.com/s/banrongkhilek/)**
* T. [Choeng Doi](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Choeng+Doi), A. [Doi Saket](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Doi+Saket), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
## [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Doi Hang School](https://montessori-international.com/s/doihang/)**
* T. [Doi Hang](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Doi+Hang), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Don School](https://montessori-international.com/s/bandon/)**
* T. [Don Sila](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Don+Sila), A. [Wiang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiang_Chai_district) [Cha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiang_Chai_district)i, C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Huai Sai Khao School](https://montessori-international.com/s/huaisaikhao/)**
* T. [Mae Yao](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Chiang+Rai), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Mae Mon Wittaya School](https://montessori-international.com/s/maemon/)**
* T. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Nong Bua Pha Bom School](https://montessori-international.com/s/nongbua/)**
* T. [Pha Ngam](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Pha+Ngam), A. [Wiang Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiang_Chai_district), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Pa Sang Nuea School](https://montessori-international.com/s/pasangnua/)**
* T. [Pa Sang](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Pa+Sang), A. [Wiang Chiang Rung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiang_Chiang_Rung_district), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Pa Yang Mon School](https://montessori-international.com/s/payangmon/)**
* T. [Rop Wiang](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Rop+Wiang), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Lampang)
* **[Ban Pang Khon School](https://montessori-international.com/s/pangkhon/)**
* T. [Huai Chomphu](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Huai+Chomphu), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Pang Lao School](https://montessori-international.com/s/panglao/)**
* T. [Mae Khao Tom](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Khao+Tom), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Pang Rim Kok School](https://montessori-international.com/s/pangrimkok/)**
* T. [Mae Kon](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Kon), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Ban Wiang Doem School](https://montessori-international.com/s/wiangdoem/)**
* T. [Wiang Nuea](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Wiang+Nuea), A. [Wiang Chai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Wiang+Chai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Hong Si Kindergarten](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hong_Si_Kindergarten&action=edit&redlink=1)**
* C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Pha Kwang Wittaya School](https://montessori-international.com/s/phakwang/)**
* T. [Mae Yao](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Yao), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Wiang Kaew Witthaya School](https://montessori-international.com/s/wiangkaew/)**
* T. [Mueang Chum](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chum), A. [Wiang Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiang_Chai_district), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
For some public schools, we could not find the correct location until now but they appear in papers, scripts, and presentations. Please help us to make this list complete. Thanks!
## [Lampang](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Lampang)
* 3 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Maehongson](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Maehongson)
* 2 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Nakhon Sawan](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nakhon+Sawan)
* 2 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Phayao](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Phayao)
* 1 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Petchabun](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Petchabun)
* 3 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Phichit](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Phichit)
* 1 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Phitsanulok](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Phitsunalok)
* 1 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Phrae](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Phrae)
* 6 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Sukhothai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Sukhothai)
* 1 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Tak](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Tak)
* 1 Montessori Schools (location not available)
## [Uthai Thani](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Uthai+Thani)
* 2 Montessori Schools (location not available)
---
## Private Northern Region Thai and [Bilingual Schools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilingual_education)
**(Thai and Montessori Curriculum)**
The school year for schools following the Thai curriculum starts in May and ends in March. April is considered Holiday. The half-term break is in October. Students finishing Elementary Grades (Pratom) 3, 6, Secondary Grades (Mathayom) 3, and 6 have to pass a Thai National Test (O-Net).
## [Chiang Mai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai_province)
* **[Baan Maerim Montessori](https://montessori-international.com/s/maerim/)**
* A. [Mae Rim](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Rim), T. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
## [Chiang Rai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Rai_province)
* **[Anuban Nang Lae](https://montessori-international.com/s/nanglae/) ([Ban Thung](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ban_Thung_Chiang_Rai&action=edit&redlink=1))**
* T. [Nang Lae](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nang+Lae), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Anuban Wiang Chiang Rung](https://montessori-international.com/s/wiangchiangrung/)**
* T. [Thung Ko](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Thung+Ko), A. [Wiang Chiang Rung](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Wiang+Chai+Rung), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Kasemsasna Montessori School](https://montessori-international.com/s/kasemsasna/)**
* T. [Wiang Chai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Wiang+Chai), A. [Wiang Chai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Wiang+Chai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Nimitmai Trilingual Kindergarten](https://montessori-international.com/s/nimitmai/)**
* T. [Mae Sai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Sai), A. [Mae Sai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mae+Sai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Piti Suksa School](https://montessori-international.com/s/pitisuksa/)**
* [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Sunlight Montessori Chiangrai](https://montessori-international.com/s/sunlightchiangrai/)**
* T. [Doi Hang](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Doi+Hang), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
* **[Wisanusorn School](https://montessori-international.com/s/wisaschool/)**
* T. [Rob Wiang](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Rob+Wiang), A. [Mueang Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Rai), C. [Chiang Rai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Rai)
---
## Private Northern Region International Montessori Schools
**(Thai International and Montessori Curriculum)**
The international school year for schools following the Thai international curriculum starts in August and ends in June. July is considered Holiday. The half-term break is in February. Students finishing Elementary Grades (Pratom) 3, 6, Secondary Grades (Mathayom) 3, and 6 have to pass a Thai National Test (O-Net).
## [Chiang Mai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai_province)
* **[Chiang Mai Montessori International School](https://montessori-international.com/s/chiangmai/)**
* T. [Nong Kwai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Nong+Kwai), A. [Hang Dong](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Hang+Dong), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
* **[Les Fleurs](https://montessori-international.com/s/lesfleurs/)**
* T. [Suthep](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Suthep), A. [Mueang Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Mai), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
* **n.n.**
* T. [Suthep](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Suthep), A. [Mueang Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Mueang+Chiang+Mai), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
---
## Northern Region Montessori Homeschool Centers, Groups, and Families
(Official Registered Thai Homeschooling and Learning Centers that are following or are oriented on the Montessori Curriculum in addition to other mandatory or chosen Thai or international curricula)
The Thai homeschool year starts in January and ends in November. December is considered a holiday. A half-term break can be chosen freely. All Thai National Tests (O-Net) are optional for homeschoolers. Thai parents need to register their children to be legally able to homeschool their children with the provincial primary or secondary Education office. In some provinces, the secondary Education office is located in another province (i.e. Phuket Secondary students need to be registered in [Phang Nga Secondary Education Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phang_Nga_Secondary_Education_Office&action=edit&redlink=1) while Elementary students can be registered with the [Phuket Primary Education Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phuket_Primary_Education_Office&action=edit&redlink=1)). Additionally, they need a Homeschool "Leader" with at least a Secondary Grade Final Exam (Mathayom 6). The Thai Government is supporting homeschool families financially per school term. Foreigners can not lead a Homeschool while they are able to teach Homeschool students.
## [General](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Forum)
* **[Montessori Homeschooling in Thailand](https://montessori-international.com/s/homeschool/)**
* Montessori Homeschooling - Discussion in English Language and in another Group in the Thai Language
## [Chiang Mai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai_province)
* **[Kru Ying's Home School](https://montessori-international.com/s/kruying/)**
* T. [San Sai Noi](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+San+Sai+Noi), A. [San Sai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+San+Sai), C. [Chiang Mai](https://montessori-international.com/spaces?page=1&keyword=Thailand+Chiang+Mai)
---
### Online International Montessori School Programs with a presence in Thailand
---
# Northern Thailand
**[The following is cited from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand)**
| **Northern Region**<br><br>**ภาคเหนือ** |
| ----------------------- |
| **[Region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Thailand)** |
| <br>Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park<br><br><br>Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge<br><br><br>Cliff in the Phu Chi Fa area, Phi Pan Nam Range, Chiang Rai Province, at the northern end of the range near the Lao border<br><br>From upper-left to lower-right: <br>[Doi Inthanon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_Inthanon_National_Park), [Doi Pha Hom Pok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_Pha_Hom_Pok_National_Park), [Wat Phra That Doi Suthep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_That_Doi_Suthep), [Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge) and [Phu Chi Fa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phu_Chi_Fa) |
| Northern Region in Thailand |
| Largest city: [Chiang Mai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai) |
| Provinces: 9 Provinces |
| Area[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-RFD-1): Total: 96,077 km2 (37,096 sq mi) |
| Population (2019)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-TDD-2) |
| • Total: 6,350,499 |
| • Density: 66/km2 (170/sq mi) |
| [Demonym(s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonym): [Khon Muang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thai_people) |
| [Language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language): [Northern Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thai_language) • *others* |
**Northern Thailand**, or more specifically **[Lanna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lan_Na)** is geographically characterized by several mountain ranges, which continue from the [Shan Hills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shan_Hills) bordering [Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar) to [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos), and the river valleys which cut through them. Though like most of Thailand, it has a [tropical savanna climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_savanna_climate), its relatively high elevation and latitude contribute to more pronounced seasonal temperature variation, with cooler winters than the other regions. Historically it is related to the [Lanna Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanna_Kingdom) and its culture.
## **Contents**
1. [Geography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#Geography)
1. [National parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#National_parks)
2. [Regional classification of northern Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#Regional_classification_of_northern_Thailand)
3. [Economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#Economy)
4. [Languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#Languages)
5. [Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#Notes)
6. [See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#See_also)
7. [References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#References)
8. [External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#External_links)
## Geography
*See also: [Mae Chan Fault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Chan_Fault)*
North Thailand is bound by the [Salween River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salween_River) in the west and the [Mekong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong) in the east. The basins of rivers [Ping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_River), [Wang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_River), [Yom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_River), and [Nan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_River), all tributaries of the [Chao Phraya River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chao_Phraya_River), in the central part run from north to south and are mostly very wide. The basins cut across the mountains of two great ranges, the [Thanon Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanon_Range) in the western part and the [Phi Pan Nam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Pan_Nam) in the eastern. Their elevations are generally moderate, a little above 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) for the highest summits. Although formerly forested, many of these mountains are now denuded.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-3)
Parallel mountain ranges extend from the [Daen Lao Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daen_Lao_Range) (ทิวเขาแดนลาว), in the southern region of the [Shan Hills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shan_Hills), in a north-south direction, the [Dawna Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawna_Range) (ทิวเขาดอยมอนกุจู) forming the western border of Thailand between [Mae Hong Son](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Hong_Son) and the [Salween River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salween_River).[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-4) To the east, the [Thanon Thong Chai Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanon_Thong_Chai_Range) (เทือกเขาถนนธงชัย), the [Khun Tan Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khun_Tan_Range) (ทิวเขาขุนตาน), the [Phi Pan Nam Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phi_Pan_Nam_Range) (ทิวเขาผีปันน้ำ), as well as the western part of the [Luang Prabang Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luang_Prabang_Range) (ทิวเขาหลวงพระบาง), form the natural region of the Thai highlands together with the former.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-5)
These high mountains are incised by steep river valleys and upland areas that border the central plain. A series of rivers, including the [Nan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_River), [Ping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_River), [Wang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_River), [Yom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_River), and [Nan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_River), flow southwards through mountain valleys and join to form the [Chao Phraya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chao_Phraya_River) in [Nakhon Sawan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Sawan_Province) in the central region. [Sirikit Dam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirikit_Dam) is on the Nan River in Uttaradit Province. The northeastern part is drained by rivers flowing into the [Mekong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong) basin, like the [Kok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kok_River) and [Ing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ing_River).
The four-region system includes the northern parts of the [central plain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Thailand) as well as some mountainous areas bordering the western and the northeastern limits. The total forest area is 90,228 km2 (34,837 sq mi) or 52.5 percent of this four-region area.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-RFD-1)
Map of Thailand highlighting the provinces of the northern region in the six-region system
Northern Thailand according to the four-region grouping system
### **National parks**
*Main article: [List of national parks of Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_parks_of_Thailand)*
Within the northern region, there are some sixty [national parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_protected_areas_of_Thailand#National_parks_in_the_Thai_highlands). Chiang Mai Province has nine national parks of which [Doi Inthanon National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_Inthanon_National_Park) with the country's highest mountain and [Op Luang National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Op_Luang_National_Park) have a scenic river canyon, waterfalls, and caves. [Doi Khun Tan National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_Khun_Tan_National_Park), which is located midway between the two provincial capitals of province Lampang and Lamphun, is best known for Thailand's longest railroad tunnel, which is 1,352 meters (4,436 ft) long. [Doi Phu Kha National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_Phu_Kha_National_Park) in the province of Nan is northern Thailand's largest national park.
## Regional classification of northern Thailand
The northern region, as defined by the National Geographical Committee in 1978, consists of nine [provinces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Thailand). Geographically the division, in conformance with the six-region system, includes most of the [mountainous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountainous) [natural region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_region) of the [Thai highlands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_highlands).
In the [four-region classification system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Thailand#Grouping_systems), northern Thailand gains the eight upper-central-region provinces: [Kamphaeng Phet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamphaeng_Phet_Province), [Nakhon Sawan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Sawan_Province), [Phetchabun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phetchabun_Province), [Phichit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phichit_Province), [Phitsanulok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phitsanulok_Province), [Sukhothai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhothai_Province), [Uthai Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uthai_Thani_Province), and [Tak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tak_Province), bringing the total to 17 provinces.
In 2019 it is common to subdivide the northern region into nine provinces of the upper northern region and eight provinces of the lower northern region. All websites of these eight provinces state: "located in the lower northern region".
Upper and Lower Northern provinces
| Flag | Seal | | Province | Capital | DOPA | Population | Area (km2) | Density | ISO |
| ---- | ---- | --- | -------- | ------- | ---- | ---------- | ---------- | ------- | --- |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chiangmai_Provincial_Flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Chiang_Mai.png) | 1 | [Chiang Mai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai_Province) | [Chiang Mai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai) | 14 | 1,779,254 | 22,135 | 79 | TH-50 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lamphun_provincial_flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Lamphun.png) | 2 | [Lamphun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamphun_Province) | [Lamphun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamphun) | 54 | 405,075 | 4,478 | 92 | TH-51 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Lampang_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Lampang.png) | 3 | [Lampang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampang_Province) | [Lampang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampang) | 53 | 738,316 | 12,488 | 59 | TH-52 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Uttaradit_provincial_flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Uttaradit.png) | 4 | [Uttaradit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttaradit_Province) | [Uttaradit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttaradit) | 75 | 453,103 | 7,906 | 58 | TH-53 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%88.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Phrae_Province_(colour_version,_as_the_provincial_administration_used).svg) | 5 | [Phrae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrae_Province) | [Phrae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrae) | 41 | 441,726 | 6,483 | 68 | TH-54 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99.svg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Nan_province.svg) | 6 | [Nan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_Province) | [Nan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan,_Thailand) | 26 | 478,227 | 12,130 | 40 | TH-55 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phayao_flag.svg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Phayao.png) | 7 | [Phayao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phayao_Province) | [Phayao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phayao) | 34 | 472,356 | 6,189 | 76 | TH-56 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Chiang_Rai.gif) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Chiang_Rai.png) | 8 | [Chiang Rai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Rai_Province) | [Chiang Rai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Rai) | 13 | 1,298,304 | 11,503 | 113 | TH-57 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Mae_Hong_Son_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Mae_Hong_Son.svg) | 9 | [Mae Hong Son](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Hong_Son_Province) | [Mae Hong Son](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Hong_Son) | 45 | 284,138 | 12,765 | 23 | TH-58 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_Nakhon_Sawan_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Nakhon_Sawan.png) | 10 | [Nakhon Sawan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Sawan_Province) | [Nakhon Sawan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhon_Sawan) | 23 | 1,059,887 | 9,526 | 111 | TH-60 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Uthai_Thani_Province.jpg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Uthaithani.png) | 11 | [Uthai Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uthai_Thani_Province) | [Uthai Thani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uthai_Thani) | 76 | 328,618 | 6,647 | 50 | TH-61 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kamphaeng_Phet_Flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Kamphaeng_Phet.png) | 12 | [Kamphaeng Phet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamphaeng_Phet_Province) | [Kamphaeng Phet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamphaeng_Phet) | 5 | 725,867 | 8,5123 | 86 | TH-62 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Tak_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Tak.png) | 13 | [Tak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tak_Province) | [Tak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tak_(town)) | 17 | 665,620 | 17,303 | 39 | TH-63 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Sukhothai_Province.svg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Sukhothai_Province_(color_version).svg) | 14 | [Sukhothai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhothai_Province) | [Sukhothai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhothai_Thani) | 66 | 595,072 | 6,671 | 89 | TH-64 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pitsanulok_flag.svg) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Phitsanulok_Province.svg) | 15 | [Phitsanulok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phitsanulok_Province) | [Phitsanulok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phitsanulok) | 38 | 865,247 | 10,589 | 82 | TH-65 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Phichit_Province.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Phichit.png) | 16 | [Phichit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phichit_Province) | [Phichit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phichit) | 37 | 536,311 | 4,319 | 124 | TH-66 |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phetchabun_provincial_flag.png) | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_Phetchabun.png) | 17 | [Phetchabun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phetchabun_Province) | [Phetchabun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phetchabun) | 40 | 992,451 | 12,340 | 80 | TH-67 |
## Economy
For FY 2018, Northern Thailand Region had a combined economic output of 1,266 trillion baht (US$40.8 billion), or 7.7 percent of Thailand's GDP. Lamphun province had an economic output of 84.395 billion baht (US$2.7 billion). This equates to a GPP per capita of 211,489 baht (US$6,822), half more than for Chiang Mai province, next in the ranking, and double that for Lampang province, which is third in the ranking.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_note-6)
**Gross Provincial Product (GPP)**
| Rank | Province | GPP<br>(million baht) | Population<br>(x 1000) | GPP per capita (baht) |
| ---- | -------- | ----------------- | ------------------ | --------------------- |
| 1 | Lamphun | 84,395 | 399 | 211,489 |
| 2 | Chiang Mai | 247,831 | 1,805 | 137,316 |
| 3 | Lampang | 71,950 | 714 | 100,709 |
| 4 | Phayao | 37,298 | 383 | 97,306 |
| 5 | Chiang Rai | 110,815 | 1,156 | 95,895 |
| 6 | Uttaradit | 39,190 | 416 | 94,260 |
| 7 | Phrae | 30,403 | 388 | 78,276 |
| 8 | Nan | 33,674 | 445 | 75,676 |
| 9 | Mae Hong Son | 13,728 | 235 | 58,370 |
| | Upper provinces | 669,284 | 5,941 | 112,655 |
Kamphaeng Phet province had an economic output of 117.705 billion baht (US$3.8 billion). This amounts to a GPP per capita of 150,783 baht (US$4,864), half more than for Tak province, which is fifth in the ranking.
**Gross Provincial Product (GPP)**
| Rank | Province | GPP<br>(million baht) | Population<br>(x 1000) | GPP per capita (baht) |
| ---- | -------- | ----------------- | ------------------ | --------------------- |
| 1 | Kamphaeng Phet | 117,705 | 781 | 150,783 |
| 2 | Nakhon Sawan | 116,147 | 938 | 123,865 |
| 3 | Phitsanulok | 100,286 | 896 | 111,872 |
| 4 | Uthai Thani | 29,879 | 281 | 106,369 |
| 5 | Tak | 52,720 | 532 | 99,026 |
| 6 | Phichit | 48,347 | 518 | 93,265 |
| 7 | Phetchabun | 81,909 | 921 | 88,971 |
| 8 | Sukhothai | 50,384 | 613 | 82,147 |
| | Lower provinces | 597,377 | 5,480 | 109,010 |
## Languages
*Main articles: [Northern Thai language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thai_language) and [Thai language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language)*
*Further information: [Hill tribe (Thailand)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_tribe_(Thailand))*
[Central Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language) is the sole official language in Thailand. However, in the six-region classification system, it is the second-largest native language in Northern Thailand, amounting to roughly two hundred thousand people, found in the lower part of [Uttaradit Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttaradit_Province). The Central Thai language in Uttaradit province is classified as a dialect called **Ne** ([Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language): เหน่อ), and because there are no significant [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Chinese) [communities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_enclave) in Northern Thailand, so Krungthep dialect ([proper accent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistic_imperialism)) is not commonly found in Northern Thailand.
The main language is **[Northern Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thai_language)**, which is a [southwestern Tai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwestern_Tai_languages) language [spoken](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoken_language) in the 9 [Changwat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Thailand) of Northern Thailand. It is spoken by roughly six million people. There are also various hill tribes’ languages such as [Lolo-Burmese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolo-Burmese_languages), [Karenic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karenic_languages), [Mienic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mienic_languages), [Mienic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mienic_languages), and [Palaungic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaungic_languages) languages groups.
## Notes
* There was no population survey in 2020 due to COVID-19.
* **Ethnic communities in northern Thailand**
* 
Karen woman
* 
Hmong women
* 
River woman
* 
Akha woman
## See also
* [Regional classification of Northern Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Thailand#Regional_classification_of_Northern_Thailand)
## References
1. ^ ["ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562"](https://www.forest.go.th/) \[Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019\]. Royal Forest Department (in Thai). 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2021, information, Forest statistics Year 2019, Thailand boundary from Department of Provincial Administration in 2013
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_ref-TDD_2-0)** [รายงานสถิติจำนวนประชากรและบ้านประจำปี พ.ส.2562](http://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statTDD/) \[Statistics, population and house statistics for the year 2019\]. Registration Office Department of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior. *[stat.bora.dopa.go.th](http://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/)* (in Thai). 31 December 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_ref-3)** [Forest data: Thailand Deforestation Rates](http://rainforests.mongabay.com/deforestation/archive/Thailand.htm)
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_ref-4)** [Northern Thailand](http://www1.mod.go.th/heritage/nation/geography/geo3.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120128091643/http://www1.mod.go.th/heritage/nation/geography/geo3.htm) 2012-01-28 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine)
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_ref-5)** ดร.กระมล ทองธรรมชาติ และคณะ, สังคมศึกษา ศาสนาและวัฒนธรรม ม.1, สำนักพิมพ์ อักษรเจริญทัศน์ อจท. จำกัด, 2548, หน้า 24-25
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Thailand#cite_ref-6)** Phitsanulok Provincial Statistical Report 2562-2019: Economic Statistics - National Accounts. Phitsanulok Provincial Statistical Office (Report). National Statistical Office (NSO). 2020. pp. 94–95. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_(identifier)) [1905-8314](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/1905-8314).
## External links
|  | Wikimedia Commons has media related to ***[Northern Thailand](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Northern_Thailand)***. |
| --- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
* [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikivoyage-Logo-v3-icon.svg) [North (Thailand)](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/North_(Thailand)#Q750014) travel guide from Wikivoyage
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