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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. |
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Karen
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.
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Hmong
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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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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 humor. 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.
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 |
Lahu
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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 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.
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. |
Lisu
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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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Lanna Trips Co., Ltd.
234/21 Siriwattana Village T.Nonghoi A.Muang Chiang Mai THAILAND 50000
Tel : 66 9 7011919 FAX : 66 53 276712
email : sales@lannatrips.com |
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Lanna
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