During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), northern Thailand was referred to as 'Phayap'. 650 years ago, this area was known as the 'Lanna Thai Kingdom', the center of which was at Nopburi Sri Nakhon Phing Chiang Mai, located on the Ping River basin.

The Lanna Kingdom was divided into two major parts. One was western Lanna with Chiang Mai as the center, and the other was eastern Lanna, with Nan at the center. Such cities as Phrae, Phayao and Lampang (located on the Wang and Yom river basins) were called 'Middle Lanna'. It occupies an approximate area of 170,000 square kilometers or the equivalent of 106 millions rai, bordering on the territories of Laos and Myanmar.

The north is the home of Thailand's earliest civilization and is famous for its beautiful women, and hospitable and courteous people, as well as many sites of archaeological and cultural interest such as the Ancient City of Sukhothai which used to be the first capital of Thailand some 700 years ago; Buddha's Relics at Wat Doi Suthep of Chiang Mai, a highly revered place for northerners; Phra Buddha Chinarat, which is said to be the most beautiful Buddha image of Thailand, at Wat Phra Si Ratana-Mahathat in Phitsanulok.

In addition, the northern region is the home of Thailand's many colorful hill tribal people such as the Lahu, the Yao, Akha, Karen, Hmong, and Lisu tribes of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai moutain regions.

The North is noted for its rich cultural traditions, and many tourists from the surrounding provinces flock to Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran Festival, and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.