Over the centuries, driven from their native countries by civil war, the northern hill tribes of Thailand have migrated from Laos, Burma, Vietnam and also China. Approximately 500 000 people are located in the upper northern regions of Thailand namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and also Mae Hong Son where they make a living from agriculture. Those in the lower valleys farm corn and rice while the ones living in the higher altitudes make a living from poppy cultivation.
Though they only account for 2% of the population they are certainly one of the biggest, if not the biggest tourist attraction of north. Thousands of visitors flock to Chiang Mai and the mountains each year to meet them, learn about their way of life and culture and to stay in their villages. They are a friendly people, conservative and welcoming.
The hill tribes are renowned for their jewelery making, basket making and an array of other handicraft. By supporting them and buying their goods, we can help sustain these people in different ways, helping the Thai government at the same time by creating a market for their goods. The tribes can typically be divided into six groups namely the Karen, Hmong, Mien, Lahu, Lisu and Akha. Each of these has their own language, culture, religion, heritage and clothing.
[module-391]
