Northern Thailand is a region rich in culture and tradition, with many tribes and minorities occupying some of the more mountainous and rural regions. If you’re keen on learning more about the history and way of life of these tribes, you can make your way to some of these villages and experiences to see them for yourself!
Mon Cham Chiang Mai
Mon Cham is situated on top of a hill in Mae Noi Village, Mae Rim, and only 40mins away from the heart of Chiangmai. It’s great for a day trip if you want to break free from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can get a good 360 degree view of the surroundings, which include local villages and Royal Project farms. There’s also a restaurant here if you get hungry on your way up. The nearby town of Nong Hoi is also home to the ethnic Hmong, one of the many indigenous groups in Northern Thailand. You can walk around and interact with some of the villagers, who are usually more than happy to say hi.
Ban Pa Pong Pieng
Ban Pa Pong Pieng is one of Northern Thailand’s hidden gems. The neatly organised rice terraces are indeed a sight to behold, and makes for one of the regions most photogenic locations. Standing at your vantage point you’ll be able to see the vast verdant fields that stretch out far and wide. Most who visit recommend staying a night, though guest houses provide only the most rudimentary needs and are very simple. Regardless, you’ll get to realise the importance of farming to village culture, and you might even get to speak to locals! It definitely offers an undisturbed look into village life, as this place has not yet become mainstream with foreign tourists.
Lisu Tribe, Pai
The Lisu peoples are a Tibeto-Burman tribe that reside in Northern Thailand, most prominently in the mountainous areas of Mae Hong Son province. A visit to their villages in Pai will reveal a more traditional way of life, as the Lisu women are still very inclined to don their traditional garb in their everyday lives. Most still adhere to animism, though in Pai you can see a Lisu Buddhist temple, perhaps a sign of the changing world we live in. Pai is about a 3-hour drive away, and don’t miss out on the chance to interact with the Lisu vendors you’ll meet while doing some shopping in the village.
Karen Long Neck Village (Padaung) Village
The Padaung village makes up one of the five ethnic communities in the Baan Tong Luang Village. It’s basically a group of 5 ethnic minority communities who live there who are exhibiting their traditional way of life for visitors. It might seem a bit like an exhibition, but it nonetheless offers you some insight into the culture of these rural villages and ethnic communities. You’ll get to learn more about why the Karen women wear the brass rings around their necks, and if the practice is still widely observed today. If you’d still like to visit a village that’s less commercial, you can visit the Karen/Kayan villages in Mae Hong Son or Mae Rim, which are each about a 4-5 hours drive away from Chiangmai.
Lahu Tribe, Huey Naam Rin Village
Experience a time warp visiting Huey Naam Rin Village, the home of the Lahu tribe, who have their origins in Tibet. A community eventually settled in Northern Thailand around the late-1800s and now you can find significant communities over Chiangmai and Chiangrai. They are a highly diverse community, with around 6 sub-groups alone in Thailand! The village here is situated in a mountainous region, where you’ll be one hundred percent immersed in nature and a distinctly local way of life, much of which revolves around farming. You should hire a local guide, who can help break the ice between you and the Lahu peoples you’ll meet. Who knows, if you make friends with them, they might extend their hospitality to you and invite you over for a meal!
Palong Tribe, Nor Lae Village
The Palong is a more recent community to spring up in Thailand, having migrated from Myanmar in the mid-1980s. While they were first illegal settlers, the late King Bhumibol had permitted them to live legally in Nor Lae village, as he wanted to improve their living conditions. Now, they largely live in wooden houses and are involved in the production of tea, chilis and sugarcane. Some of their distinct features include their gold-decorated teeth, and silver waistband worn by women. This village lies close to the border with Myanmar, and is about 175km away from Chiangmai, so do time your trip well!
