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The Politeness and pleasant personality are the unique characteristics of the Northern Thai people (Khon Mueang), which is reflected in the language they use .The regional dialect (Kham Mueang) has a slower rhythm than the other three main dialects of Thai language, and is spoken with a milder tone.
The people of Northern region are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. The known diversity of cultural traditions invites tourists to many festivals each year such as the annual Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai and Loi Krathong in Sukhothai. The North is also the home to many ethnic hill people and is a center of authentic handicraft and village artisan works.
The Culture
Northern Thai traditions and cultures are certainly assorted with Lanna Kingdom. Even today its legacy, heritage and prosperity never fade away. The influence of Lanna culture makes the Northern region full of customs that reveal themselves in countless ways such as the distinctive architecture, lifestyle and exotic cuisine.
Thai nation had its origin in the North where Lanna Kingdom was centered on Chiang Mai in 1297, making Lanna as one of the oldest and most distinctive cultures. Today the Lanna culture, which has a mixture of Laotian, Burmese and Siamese background, remains effectively preserved and is a reflection of the identity of the Northern people. The most distinct architecture that expresses the existence of Lanna culture is the wooden Kalae House which shows a unique design of intertwined pieces of carved wood called Kalae, decorated on the top of the gable. The north people are proud of their local customs and Mor Hom which is the indigo rice farmer’s shirt and Pha Sin, the colorful tube skirts are still worn on a regular basis.
The lifestyle of the nomadic hill people shows another unique culture of the Northern region. There are six main hill-tribal groups: Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Mien, Akha and Lisu, each with its own unique language, religion, culture, customs and clothing.
