Over 100 years ago, the Hilltribe peoples migrated south from China into Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The six major tribes are the Karen, Hmong, Yao, Akha, Lisu, and the Lahu. These tribes are typically sustained by farming, and all of them tend to migrate whenever they feel that the soil at their present location is becoming depleted. Each tribe is distinct with its own culture, religion, language, art, and dress. With Thailand undergoing rapid modern development, it is difficult yet to say whether these tribes will continue in there traditional ways of life, or whether they will eventually be absorbed into the surrounding, and ever more-encroaching, Thai society. We will visit three tribes - the Padong (Karen sub-group), the Lahu Shi Balah (or Yellow Lahu) and the Akha.
Padong (Karen sub-group)
The most populous minority group here; there are in fact more Karen than all the other ethnic minorities in northern Thailand combined. They have also lived in this area far longer than the other mountain people. Over 200 years is probable, and perhaps much longer than that. Neighbouring Myanmar is home to over four million Karen. They inhabit many areas of western and northern Thailand, and can be divided into several sub- groups, the most numerous in Thailand being the Sgaw Karen, and the Pwo Karen. The Padong, the famous "long-neck" people whose women traditionally wear many tight bronze rings around their necks, are another of the many subgroups. The Karen typically live at low altitudes and many have now integrated into mainstream Thai culture, and are known to be an exceptionally warm, friendly, and gentle people.
Lahu
The Lahu ethnic group originated is south west China, and subsequently migrated into Thailand from northern Myanmar, Most of their settlements are concentrated close to the Burmese border in Chiang Rai, northern Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son province. There are four sub-groups of Lahu here - Black, Yellow, Red, and She-leh. The Black Lahu are the most reserved, but wear the most distinctive costumes. Among the other Lahu tribes, the Thai shirt and sarong have replaced their traditional costume. Lahu men wear a plain black shirt and baggy black trousers. Lahu villages are often at higher altitudes. The Thais call the Lahu tribe Musur, which means "hunters." Indeed, they were largely a hunting community until a lack of game and primary forest forced them into a more agricultural means of existence.
Akha
The Akha people are rightly famous for their very exotic and beautiful costumes, and can be seen in many towns in Thailand selling their unique handicrafts. Akha people are usually of small stature, with dark skin and fine, delicate features. Despite their typical poverty, they have a resolute spirit and a great sense of humour. Quick to laugh and joke, they are delightful people to stay with or visit, and are very generous with whatever they may have. The Akha originate in Tibet and southern China, and have only recently entered Thailand, the first immigrants arriving around 1905. They are found only in the far north of Thailand, mainly in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces.
Padong (Karen sub-group)
The most populous minority group here; there are in fact more Karen than all the other ethnic minorities in northern Thailand combined. They have also lived in this area far longer than the other mountain people. Over 200 years is probable, and perhaps much longer than that. Neighbouring Myanmar is home to over four million Karen. They inhabit many areas of western and northern Thailand, and can be divided into several sub- groups, the most numerous in Thailand being the Sgaw Karen, and the Pwo Karen. The Padong, the famous "long-neck" people whose women traditionally wear many tight bronze rings around their necks, are another of the many subgroups. The Karen typically live at low altitudes and many have now integrated into mainstream Thai culture, and are known to be an exceptionally warm, friendly, and gentle people.Lahu
The Lahu ethnic group originated is south west China, and subsequently migrated into Thailand from northern Myanmar, Most of their settlements are concentrated close to the Burmese border in Chiang Rai, northern Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son province. There are four sub-groups of Lahu here - Black, Yellow, Red, and She-leh. The Black Lahu are the most reserved, but wear the most distinctive costumes. Among the other Lahu tribes, the Thai shirt and sarong have replaced their traditional costume. Lahu men wear a plain black shirt and baggy black trousers. Lahu villages are often at higher altitudes. The Thais call the Lahu tribe Musur, which means "hunters." Indeed, they were largely a hunting community until a lack of game and primary forest forced them into a more agricultural means of existence.Akha
The Akha people are rightly famous for their very exotic and beautiful costumes, and can be seen in many towns in Thailand selling their unique handicrafts. Akha people are usually of small stature, with dark skin and fine, delicate features. Despite their typical poverty, they have a resolute spirit and a great sense of humour. Quick to laugh and joke, they are delightful people to stay with or visit, and are very generous with whatever they may have. The Akha originate in Tibet and southern China, and have only recently entered Thailand, the first immigrants arriving around 1905. They are found only in the far north of Thailand, mainly in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces.HILLTRIBE VISITOR ETIQUETTE
It is considered kind, but not necessary, to give gifts to the people you visit. Some suggestions are sweets, balloons and other inexpensive toys, sewing supplies and foreign coins. Follow the advice of your guide and don't hesitate to ask questions. Respect the fact that you are a guest visiting the homes and villages of these people. Showing them that you are genuinely interested in them through your friendliness, sincerity and goodwill is a precious gift to offer.
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