Hill-Tribe
Quick Guide Akha
(Pop. 30,000)
One of the poorest communities in Thailand, the
Akha originate from Tibet. Rice and other farming
provides income and the villagers also prepare opium
for personal use. Traditional dress includes feather
decorated headwear.
Hmong
(Pop. 45,000)
Migrating down from Southern China, the Hmong can
be identified by there smart, understated dress.
Black coats, purple trousers/skirts and some beautiful
silver jewellery. Similar to most tribes, farming
provides income and villages are on the mountain
side.
 Karen
(Pop. 275,000)
The most famous of all tribes, originating from
Karen state just over the border in Burma. The Karen
people are divided into four seperate groups; Black,
White, Pwo and Kayah people. Each has it's own religion.
Traditional
dress is woven tops of different colours except
for un-married women who wear all white. Karen people
continue to migrate into Thailand to avoid persecution
from the Burmese authorities.
Lahu
(Pop. 65,000)
Living high in the mountains at around 1,000m above
sea level, the Lahu people are divided into Red,
Yellow, Black and Sheleh groups, each with their
own beliefs. Famous for a couple things, the Lahu
are known as the most "addicted" opium
tribe but also make intricate handicrafts and the
famous bags. Traditional dress consists of black
& red coats.
Lisu
(Pop. 30,000)
Possibly the most liberal of all the tribes, Lisu
people are very sexually active as they believe
in the concept of "love". Each person
is free to choose their partner for marriage. Livestock
and farming provide the bulk of the communities
income and the Lisu people are characterized by
their bright coloured costumes and turbans.
Mien
(Pop. 35,000)
The Taoist communities of the Mien people are influenced
by their Chinese origins and their local dialect
is written using Chines characters. Most people
wear blue or black turbans and villages are generally
near to natural springs in the mountains. One of
the many tribes that cultivate opium for personal
use, the Mien are farmers of rice and other produce.
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