The World's Most Unusual Hill Tribes

So many parts of the world have become homogenised that finding unique or unusual cultures has become more difficult than ever. One of the most thrilling aspects of travelling is meeting new, different types of people; if you're eager to encounter a few for yourself, you should consider heading to northern Thailand. There, you'll find some of the most unusual hill tribes in the world.

hilleberg allak

There are dozens of different hill tribes in northern Thailand; the majority of them migrated here from the Asian interior within the last 100 years or so. A few of the most unique tribes include:

HILL

The Hmong Tribe - There are approximately 124,000 Hmong living in northern Thailand today. Although many of them have converted to Christianity, a decent percentage of them hold on to their traditional animist beliefs. Polygamy remains a mainstay of this tribe, but they are probably best known for their astonishingly intricate embroidery. Nomadic by nature, they are a true treat for any intrepid traveller to come into contact with. The Karen Tribe - With more than 300,000 members, the Karen tribe is one of the most populous hill tribes in northern Thailand. Like the Hmong, the Karen people still largely practise animism. One of the most intriguing things about the Karen hill people is their traditional weaving. Weaving has been an integral part of their culture for centuries, and tribe members are adorned with bright, dazzling examples of woven clothing at its finest - all of which is made without the use of modern machinery. The Padaung Tribe - When many people think of unusual hill tribes, the long-necked women of the Padaung tribe often come to mind. Brass rings are used to displace their collarbones, giving their necks the appearance of being impossibly long. Despite this anatomical oddity, the people of the Padaung tribe are remarkably attractive and have one of the most interesting cultures of any of the other hill tribes in the region. By seeking them out, you can see the long necks of female Padaung tribe members for yourself. The Akha Tribe - One of the most accessible hill tribes in northern Thailand - and one of the most unique - is the Akha tribe. Thanks to their location in the Chiang Rai province, it's not terribly difficult to find a last minute hotel nearby. The approximately 50,000 members of the Akha tribe have steadfastly resisted assimilation, making them among the most pure tribes in the area - and also the most impoverished. Book last minute rooms and track down the people of the Akha tribe in order to learn more about their compelling oral tradition: Members can recite the names of their ancestors going back many, many generations.

The World's Most Unusual Hill Tribes

HILL