Northern Thailand Culture

The Northern Thailand culture is quite different from the Central Thailand culture, even though both are parts of Thailand. We will discuss some facts about Northern Thailand culture below.

Similarities between Northern Thailand culture and Central Thailand culture (Bangkok)

Since both regions are part of Thailand, both cultures respect the King of Thailand and love the country first and foremost. Northern Thailand culture is influenced by central Thailand culture and you will see similar stores in Northern Thailand as you would in low end parts of Bangkok. Since, Bangkok is the most civilized and developed city of Thailand, you should expect any cities (no matter how big) to look and feel like a countryside.

Everywhere you go anywhere in Thailand, the same festivals will be celebrated in the same, but less crowded way, as they would in Bangkok. People in Northern Thailand also love and worship the King of Thailand, even more so than people in Bangkok because the King has more roles in the countryside of Thailand whereas people in Bangkok are sometimes more influenced by other things and take the King for granted.

Differences between Northern Thailand culture and Central Thailand culture (Bangkok)

Northern Thailand culture shows the less developed side of Thailand culture. Many people in Northern Thailand live in hills and far away from civilization. Some of them don't have TV, phone, not to mention the Internet. Since they live far away from commercialism, they are less influenced by Western culture or any other cultures. Hilltribe people still wear their traditional costumes, even with some modifications to make them more practical. They eat traditional foods that are hard for anyone born and raised in Bangkok to eat. They are in a way naive and ignorant.

In Northern Thailand culture, religion is more revered than in Bangkok. There are a lot more temples per sq meter than in Bangkok. People just keep building temples and many of them were built by volunteers. Religion is important in the Northern Thailand culture. However, not all temples and shines are Buddhism temples or shrines.

Why is the Northern Thailand culture different from culture in Bangkok?

In history, the Northern Thailand was not part of Central Thailand but was taken over by neighboring countries. The art and culture in the North of Thailand were heavily influenced by Laotian art and culture as well as Burmese. You will see in temples in the North of Thailand that reflect, not Thai art, but Lanna art.