Amazing Thailand - Hill-Tribe Visits

Activities > Hill Tribe Visit

Visiting the hill-tribes is one of the most wonderful parts of visiting the northern regions of Thailand. Some of the tribes are still relatively remote and have not been influenced by modern life. Many tribes still make and wear traditional clothing and sell their handicrafts for a living.

In northern Thailand, there are ten different tribes of hill people. The Karen are by far the most numerous and they’re easy-going and friendly. Many of the Hmong people live in Chiang Mai near the mountain peaks.

The most remote of the hilltribe people are the Akha, who still practise shifting cultivation. Trekking is one way to learn about their lifestyles and traditions.

Locations
Resources

CHIANG MAI
Hilltribe treks are a popular variety of trekking in and around Chiang Mai. These consist of stretches trekked on foot, on elephant back, and by mountain bike, bamboo raft and rubber kayak. Popular programmes include stops and overnight stays at ethnic villages: Karen, Lahu, and Shan.

CHIANG RAI
Hilltribe treks at Chiang Rai also combine hiking, elephant back rides and rafting, and include stops or overnight stays at hilltribe villages.

HMONG VILLAGE
Experience the genuine Hmong way of life with a homestay in a well-maintained traditional village off the Chiang Khong-Chiang Saen road. Choose from 196 households offering accommodation for as little as 100 baht per person per night.

Contact TAT office, tel: 0 5374 4674-5 or 0 5371 7433.

MAE HONG SON
One of the best hiking trails in Mae Hong Son is Doi Mae Ukor, in Khun Yuam District. This centres around the Mae Surin Waterfall. The trails here wind through Waterfalls and a vast field of wild sunflowers that bloom in November.

Royally-sponsored projects in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer a good opportunity to understand the lifestyles of hilltribe minorities.

NONG KHIEW DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: Located at Ban Rin Luang of Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai, visitors can watch hilltribe villagers work on farms, weave fabrics, make knives, sing and dance for you. Side attractions include visiting caves and hot springs. To get to Nong Khiew, take a bus from Chiang Mai bound for Fang. Get off at kilometre marker 32. The centre is about five kilometres from the marker.

HUAI LUEK DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: Located on Highway 107 about 95 kilometres from Chiang Mai. Apart from watching village lifestyle, there are nurseries featuring orchids and chrysanthemum, potted plants and vegetable gardens. The centre has two houses where visitors can stay for the night.

MOK CHAM DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: Close to Ban Tha Ton, to reach there get off at Baan Huai Sala in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai. Besides visiting ethnic minorities, a gem-cutting factory, hot springs, saa paper making factory are the other attractions. In addition, visitors can enjoy rafting on the Mae Kok River all the way to Chiang Rai. n For more details, call 0 5345 1463.

SA-NGAO DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: Located in Sri Donmun sub-district of Chiang Saen district in Chiang Rai, about six kilometres off Highway 1290. It’s home to Ahka hilltribe people. n For more details, see www.doikham.com.

Cost: An organized day-tour to the hill-tribes will cost around A$ 30.00 - $40.00 per person. Most of tours can be incorporated with hiking, elephant riding, mountain biking, and overnight stay at hill tribe villages.