| Hill Tribes in Northern Thailand |
We believe that all tourist's enjoyment and appreciation of the mountain peoples or "hill tribes" will be enhanced if visitor take a few minutes to learn something of these groups.
There are six large minority ethic groups in the North of Thailand e.g. Karen, Hmong, Akha, Lahu, Yao and Lisu. This column will be presented here tourist's brief and close encounters with these people.
Today there is typically a short trek or mountain biking on these hilltribal tours, often an elephant ride and 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 somethings of their lives. For most guests the temporary minor discomforts are definitely worth it , and most of these treks are very cheap. |
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. Nrightboring Myanmar is home to over four million Karen.
The Karen inhabit many areas of western and northern Thailand, and can be devided 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 worm, friendly, and gentle people.
Long-Neck Woem (Padong)
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Originating in China, the Hmong have the looks and traits of the Chinese. The Hmong 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 Hmong are found widely in Northern Thailand. There are two subgroups: White and Blue. Around and to the west of Chiang Mai, most of the villages are Blue Hmong; only White Hmong villages can be found in the east. They originate in western China, possible Mongolia.
Hmong villages are traditionally at high altitudes, often below the crest of a protecting hill. Houses have a dirt floor and a roof, which extends almost to the ground. They live in extended families, with two or more bedrooms. There is a large guest platform. Hmong clothing is much in demand in Thailand, and the Hmong have proved in the last few years to be good business people. Hmong women will be seen at markets throughour Thailand selling their handicrafts. There have been few converts to Christianity or Buddhism amongst the Hmong. They are animists, whose shamans (spirit doctors) use dramatic methods to contact the spirits. Every house has an altar of a piece of paper convered in cock's feathers affixed with chicken blood. Hmong culture is strong and dynamic, and the people generally proud and accomplished.
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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 humor. Quick to laugh and joke, they are delightful people to stay with or visit, and are very generous with whatever they may have.
Akha
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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.
The Akha live at various altitudes, depending upon the availability of suitable land, but typically in a position offering good views over the surrounding country. Their houses are on low stilts, with a large porch leading into a square living area with a stove, usually at the back. The roof in
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The Lahu ethnic group originated is southwest 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
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Lahu villages are often at higher altitueds. 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. There is one large bedroom, partitioned off as necessary according to family size. The main room has a central fireplace.
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 agricultureal means of existence. For this reason, the Lahu language has almost become a lingua francca, spoken throughout the mountains by other groups since amongst the Lahu, hiring out their labor to other groups has become common. The future seems uncertain for the group, and the Lahu - as a separate and independent culture - face great challenges at this point in their history.
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Yao
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The Yao hail from southern China, and at one time had considerable pretige within the Chinese Empire, to the extent that at one time a Yao princess was married to an emperor of China. The Yao in Thailand are a sub-group called "Mien," of the greater Yao family while most Yao inhabit southern China, Laos, and northern Vietnam. They are the only minority group in Thailand to have used a written language- Chinese- and practive a written religion based on medieval Chinese Taoism. In recent years, however, there have been many converts to Christianity and Buddhism.
Yao
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Their villages are widely scattered throughout the northeastern part of northern Thailand. with concentrations around Nan, Phayao, and Chiang Rai. The custume of the women is very distinctive, with a long black jacket with lapels of bright scarlet wool, not unlike a Hawaiian lei. Heavily embroidered loose trousers in intricate designs are worn, and a similarly embroidered black turban. The teeth are commonly capped with gold. The skullcaps of babies are very beautiful, richly embroidered with red or pink pom-poms. On special occasions, women and children wear silver neck-rings, with silver chains extending down the back decorated with silver ornaments. Men wear a loose jacket, which, buttons diagonally across the front, with embroidered pockets and edgings.
Yao villages are typically at high altitudes, with houses built of wooden planks on dirt floors. There is a guest platfrom of bamboo in the communal living area, and two or more bedrooms. Girls of marriageable age have a private bedroom in which they can entertain suitors. The Yao are on the whole a very peaceable and friendly people with a great sense of honor. They have grace and elegance, and often a naturally aristocratic demeanor. They are extremely sociable and open, and are delighted to play hosts to visitors.
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| The Lisu originted in Eastern Tibet, with the first settlers arriving in Thailand at the beginning of this century. They are found in the northwest of Thailand-particularly between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, but also in western Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phayao provinces.
Extroverted, ebullient and friendly, the typical Lisu has a wonderful joie de vivre, and is a warm and friendly host. They are often very enterprising, adaptable, and self-confident. Although increasingly integrating into the dominate Thai society, many continue to retain their customs and costumes, language and beliefs. At New Year festival, in mid-January, dazzling displays of wealth are worn, including waistcoats and belts of intricately fashioned silver and hats with multi-colored pom-poms and streamers. Men wear green, pink or yellow baggy pants and a blue jacket opening vertically.
The Lisu live at moderate to high altitudes when possible. Their houses are built on the ground, with dirt floors and bamboo walls around a central ridge. They live as extended families, the number of bedrooms depending on the family size, Unmarried girls have a private bedroom after puberty. Every home has an altar at the back of the communal living area with a shelf holding vessels and incense sticks honoring their ancestors.
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