Northern Hilltribes 
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Northern thailand's hilltribe peoples, the so -called "Hilltribes" are the backbone of northern thai tourism and well worth a visit. There are six large minority ethnic groups in the north of Thailand...
and several amaller ones. Most villages are happy to welcome western tourists, who provide them with an interesting diversion and can contribute to the local economy. As long as es are polite and respectful. we are unlikely to cause oftenceThere are several ways of getting so see the mountain villages and people. Probably the best is with one of the trekking companies. There are many of these. who offer treks of different lengths- from one day to a week - with the average being two to four days. How do you know which treks are good? A professional operation has several guides and is registered with the local police. Try to meet your guides before signing up. Ask for a map and ask how you will get there and get back. If you will be joining in with others on the tour, get together with them before the day of the tour. Check with the local Tourisn Authority of Thailand, the Tourist Police. There is typically a short trek or mountain biking on these tours, often an elephant ride, and usually a few hours bamboo rafting. You will meet the villagers, and if your guide is good, he or she will explain the lifestyle of that group. and you will see something of their lives. For most guests, the temporary minor discomforts are definitely worht it, and most of these treks are very inexpensive.For the more comfort conscious, there are easier alternatives. Several hilltribe villages are close to a surfaced road, and these can be visited by minibus, often a visit to a hilltribe village is included in a sightseeing tour. Staying with the mountain people is, of course, the best way to experience their distinct culture, However, very few speak any English, and some speak very little thai, so communication si a major barrier. However there are a few hilltribe guesthouses, and some are run by the villagers themselves.
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 Karen (Yang)
There are approximatly 350,000 Karen in Thailand, They have also lived in this area far longer than other mountain peoples. Over 200 years is probable, and perhaps much longer than that. Neighboring Myanmar is home to over four million Karen. The Karen inhabit many areas of western and northern Thailand, and can be divided into several sub-groups, the most mumerous in Thailand being the Sgaw Karen and the Pwo Karen. The Padaung, the famous "long-neck" people whose women traditionally wear many tight bronze rings around their necks, are another of the many sub-groups. the Karen typically live at low altitudes and many have now integrated into mainstream thai culture. They are famous for producing the best mahouts, or elephant handlers, on the region, and are known to be and exceptionally warm, friendly, and gentle people. to see the Long Neck Tribe a sub-group of the Karen . |
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Hmong (Meo)
Originating in China, the Hmong have the looks and traits of the Chinese. The Homong people are generally cautious on first meeting, and may seem somewhat cool to the visitor. However, once they have overcome their initial caution, they are exceptionally courteous and hospitable. the Homng are found widely in Northern Thailand. There are two sub-groups : White and Blue. Around and to the west of Chiang Mai , most of the villages are Blue Hmong; whreas in the east, only White Hmong villages can be found. Their population in Thailand is about 110,000. |
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Akha (E-Kaw)
Akha call themselves A-kha whereas the Thai people refer to them as Kaw or E-kaw. Tey are historically kinked with the ancient Lolo tribes that inhabit south Yunnan. Ethnically the Akha belong to the Tebeto - Burman brance of the Sino-Tibetan linguestic family. It is not generally believed that the Akha originated in the tibetan Highlands. Over the years they lift their momeland and migrated South to Yunnan, North Burma, Laos, and North Thailand. The Akha live at various altitudes, depending upon the availavility of suitavle land, but typically in a podition offering giid views over the surrounding country. Their houses are on low stilts, with a large porch leading ont a square living area with a stove, usually at the back.The roor is ateeply pitched. |
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Lesu(Lesaw)
Lisu or Lesaw as called by the Thai, inhabit the ountainous hinterland of North Thailand, Today Liau are found living scattered throughout the nine Norhtern provinces. Lisu are bilived to have originated in southern China . Lisu beling to the Tibet-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family. Ethnically, they are divided into two subgroups ; The Flowery of Hua Lisu and The Black or He Lisu. At present most of the flowery Lisu are to be found in Thailand.Culturally, speaking of the Lisu have adopted much which is Chinese. For example, they celebrate their New Year oon the sane days as the Chinese, They are often very enterprising, adaaptable, and self-confident. Although increasingly integraing into the dominant thai society, many continue to retain their customs and costumes, language and beliefs. |
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Yao (Mein)
Yao can be found in Kwangsi and Kwangtung provinces of south China, in Vietnam, Laos, Burma and Thailand. In Thailand the number of Yao is about 45,000. Yao or Mien as they call themselves, are linguistically grouped together with the Meo tribe in the Meo- Yao branch of the Austro-Thai family. They are the only minority group in Thailand to have used a written language-Chinese and practice a written religion based on medieval Chinese Taoism. Their villages are widely scattered throughout the northeastern part of northern Thailand, with concentrations around Nan, Phayao, and Chiang Rai. The costume of the women is very distinctive, with a longblack jacket with lapels of bright scarlet wool, not unlike a Heavily embroidered loose trousers in intricate designs are worn, and a similarly embroidered black turban. The Yao are on the whole a very peaceable and friendly people with a great sense of honor. |
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Lahu (Muser)
The Lahu or Musur as the Shan and the Thai call them, which means "hunters". also belong to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tobetan linguestic family. It is believed that they originated in the Tibetan Plateau and over the centuries have migrated to China, Burma, Laos and Thailand. There are four sub-groups of Lahu here - Black, Yellow. Red, and She-leh. Lahu villages are often at higher altitudes. The Red Lahu are the only group to build a central animist temple surrounded by banners and streamers of white and yellow flags. Houses are built on high stilts with walls of bamboo or wooden planks thatched with grass. A ladder leads to an open central living area, with a storeroom to one side and living quarters to the other. The main room has a central fireplace.The population in Thailand is around 85,000. |
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