Thailand presents a diverse and unique experience for its visitors. From panorama and food to language and culture, every thing can change dramatically relying on which a part of the country you go to. Between the rolling hills of the north and the pristine seashores in the south, it might be exhausting to choose on which a half of Thailand you must travel to. So, that will help you determine, we’ve damaged down the differences between the 2 below.
One of the main differences between the north and south of Thailand is the panorama. The land in north Thailand is mostly jungle-covered mountains and valleys. It’s home to the hill tribes, similar to Lisu, Tai Yai, Yao, and Hmong. You’ll additionally discover Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. Southern Thailand, however, provides clear blue seas and white-sandy beaches, with the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. You can find numerous breathtaking tropical islands and a diverse underwater world right here.
If you want to immerse yourself in genuine Thai tradition, then northern Thailand is the proper destination. North of Thailand is residence to a number of interesting cities, corresponding to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai. Chiang Mai, usually called the Capital of the North, has a myriad of beautiful temples to go to. It’s the second greatest metropolis in Thailand, and most of the people argue that it feels like a laidback version of Bangkok. Although it’s a popular tourist vacation spot, it still feels much less touristy when in comparability with many southern cities.
Thailand’s northernmost city, Chiang Rai, is also value a go to. While the title is analogous, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are literally very completely different. Chiang Rai is lots slower, with extra of an enormous village vibe. It’s residence to one of the famous Buddhist temples within the nation, the glimmering white temple of Wat Rong Khun. You additionally shouldn’t miss out on Pai. This small city has a laid again vibe that’s particularly in style amongst backpackers. It’s full of parties, live music, night bazaars, and restaurants.
Another spotlight of northern Thailand, in addition to the attractive cities, are the dramatic mountains. Hiking on Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, and Doi Mae Tho is one thing any adventure lover should strive when visiting northern Thailand.
One of the primary reasons individuals travel to Thailand is its stunning seashores, and that’s precisely what you’ll get when you go to southern Thailand. The south part of the nation is home to some of the most spectacular islands in the world, every with its personal breathtaking beaches. Some of the most popular islands within the Andaman Sea, or the west coast, are Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe. The hottest islands within the Gulf of Thailand or the east coast include Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan.
Each one of many islands in southern Thailand provides different things. For example, Koh Phangan is a party island infamous for its Full Moon Party, the place people collect and pull an all-nighter every month of the 12 months. On the opposite hand, Koh Lipe within the Andaman Sea is a quiet island with beautiful seashores excellent for individuals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of their day by day life. The island is also known to be surrounded by breathtaking snorkelling and diving sites.
The completely different landscape means totally different actions to take pleasure in. With its lovely cities and mountains, Northern Thailand provides a plethora of landmarks, cultural excursions, and outdoor adventures. You can find numerous gleaming temples, bustling night time bazaars, and untouched hill-tribe villages right here.
Many actions in the north are focused across the mountains. You can swim in waterfalls, hike the jungle, go white water rafting in the river, or visit ethical elephant sanctuaries. One of the preferred waterfalls that you want to add to your list is the Phu Kaeng Waterfall, which is located in the Doi Luang National Park. In order to reach this waterfall, you want to trek a jungle, which gives you plenty of wildlife recognizing alternatives. In addition, you may come across small ethnic villages alongside the finest way.
Almost the precise opposite is obtainable by southern Thailand. Here, you’ll discover numerous islands unfold right throughout the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Whether you need to get together all night time long or laze round on an idyllic seashore, there’ll all the time be the proper island for you. Some of the most well-liked activities in southern Thailand include island hopping, snorkelling, scuba diving, beach parties, and, in fact, stress-free by the seaside.
Both north and south of Thailand provides loads of cultural attractions. For instance, in Chiang Mai you can visit numerous stunning temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Rong Khun are two of essentially the most stunning temples in northern Thailand that you should undoubtedly visit. In the south, you presumably can visit Wat Hat Yai Nai Temple in Hat Yai or the Big Buddha in Phuket.
The nightlife within the south of Thailand is definitely livelier than in the north. The south is the perfect destination for many who wish to get together. The islands, including Phuket and Koh Samui, are full of hundreds of celebration venues to select from. The south is also residence to Koh Phangan, which is notorious for its full-moon events. However, this doesn’t mean that the north doesn’t have an excellent nightlife – it’s just a bit much less overwhelming. There are numerous eating places, evening markets, golf equipment, and bars in the north, however most of them shut at midnight. Therefore, northern Thailand is best suited for many who wish to avoid wild events.
Thailand has three major seasons: cool, hot, and wet. However, the climate varies barely throughout the nation. In northern Thailand, the cool and dry season falls between October and February, while the hot and dry season runs from March to May. The rainy season makes up the remaining months from June to October. The cool season within the north is generally colder than the south, particularly early within the morning or late within the night.
In the south, the climate differs between the west and the east coast. The west coast, such as Phuket, is dry from November to March. On the opposite hand, the east coast, such as Koh Samui, experiences the dry season from January to November. In contrast with the north, the south of Thailand is far hotter any time of the 12 months. In the recent season, the warmth could be oppressive and unbearable. The solely approach to escape it’s to take a dip within the crystal-clear waters (or keep in an air-conditioned room).
Learn every thing you should learn about Thailand’s seasons. Click HERE.
Thai meals is widely popular all over the world, but did you know that Thai meals from completely different areas doesn’t style the same? The meals in Thailand is region-specific. The cooking course of and the style of each dish are affected by a variety of components, similar to local weather, location, local customs, and culture.
The food in northern Thailand is delicate and infrequently sweet. Chicken and beef are the main meat of alternative right here since the ocean is lots of of kilometres away. That’s why it can be fairly hard to search out seafood dishes in the north. Steamed sticky rice is a staple dish in northern Thailand, and you can find it paired or served with other dishes. One of the most well-liked dishes within the north of Thailand is som tum or papaya salad.
Southern Thailand is heaven for any seafood lover. Surrounded by the sea, you can find an assortment of fresh seafood dishes right here. However, the food is way spicier and bolder than in the north. Eye-opening yum goong, a scorching and sour shrimp soup, is possibly probably the most famous dish from the south of Thailand. You’ll discover this dish served in almost each Thai restaurant within the area.
The official language of Thailand is the Thai language (or Central Thai). However, not a lot of vacationers would possibly know that there are actually quite a few nationwide and regional languages in the nation. Northern and southern Thailand has vital variations in language.
Northern Thai, also identified as Lanna or Kham Mueang, is the language spoken by the majority of individuals in the north of Thailand, as nicely as some components of Laos. Whereas Southern Thai or Pak Tai is the language spoken in southern Thailand, as properly as a number of the northernmost communities in Malaysia.
North of Thailand has two major airports: Chiang Mai International Airport and Chiang Rai Domestic Airport. Both of these airports function day by day flights to and from Bangkok and are sometimes cheaper than land transport. If you wish to travel by land, you’ll be able to take a practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
South of Thailand is more developed when it comes to transportation. There are more main airports right here, including Phuket International Airport, Hat Yai International airport, Samui International Airport, and Surat Thani International Airport. These airports make travelling to and from south Thailand relatively simple. If you’re on a finances, there are numerous overnight buses from Bangkok. Additionally, you possibly can take ferries and velocity boats to travel between most islands.
Northern Thailand is extra budget-friendly than southern Thailand. Therefore, if you’re on a price range, the north might be the better place to visit. Southern Thailand prices almost double as a lot as northern Thailand, from the food to the accommodation. Even the main cities like Chiang Mai are much cheaper than most cities within the south of Thailand..g