Thailand's Northern Thailand
The Hill Tribes
Amidst the lush landscapes of the mountainous north waits the cultural experience to rival any other in the world. For it here that a brilliant tapestry of divergent customs and traditions blend into one inspiring masterpiece. Throughout the provinces of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Phayao and Nan find the indigenous tribes of the Karen, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Hmong and Mien, and the associated subgroups linked by history, lineage, language, costume, social organization and religion.
Board a bamboo raft to visit The Karen, whose stilted houses nestled in the foothills serve as shelter for their animals residing below; or mount an elephant and prepare for the challenging trek to the higher elevations and the engineers of the hill-tribes, the Lisu. Witness the distinguished carved wooden gates of the Akha villages, pay respect to the superior hunting skills of the Lahu tribe, or view the prized ponies of the adept breeders and entrepreneurs, the Hmong. Marvel at the silver masterpieces created by the skilled jewelry artisans, the Mien, or view the infamous coiled brass rings of the Padong tribe, in which such a privilege is reserved for women born on a full moon.
