Thai highlands

The Thai Highlands or Hills of Northern Thailand, Thai: เขตภูเขา (ประเทศไทย), are a mountainous natural region in the north of Thailand. Its mountain ranges are part of the system of hills extending through Laos, Burma and China and linking to the Himalayas, of which they may be considered foothills.

The highlands of the North of Thailand are characterized by a pattern of generally steep hill ranges, intermontane basins and alluvial gorges. Elevations are generally moderate, little above 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) for the highest summits. There is a wide range of elevations though, with floors ranging between 200 and 500 metres (660 and 1,640 ft) above sea level. Towards the Lao border, the divide to the Mekong basin becomes higher with peaks occasionally rising above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) and streams flowing in narrow steep valleys.

The climate is typical of tropical mountains with clearly delineated wet and dry seasons. Winter temperatures can be cool with frosts occurring most years at higher elevations, but no snow even on the highest peaks.