The Akha tribe

The Akha are one of the smallest, poorest and least developed hill tribe groups in Southeast Asia, but they are also among of the best known to tourists. Villages of these colourful people are to be found most in the mountains of Thailand because approximately 20000 Akha living in Thailand. They are originate of Tibetan.

The Akha houses

 They life in raised houses on low stilts, with a large porch leading into a square living area with a stove at the back. The roof is steeply pitched. 

One of The Akha woman selling their handmade handicraft

Recently many Akha are now selling handicrafts, employing the traditional skills used in making their own clothing and cultural items.

      The Akha speak a Tibetan-Burmese language.  Some are so different they are cannot be understood by other Akha.  Many words have been borrowed from Thai, Chinese and other local languages.

Akha tend to view certain events as unlucky. For instance, the arrival of a wild beast or a new family in the village,tree falling down near the sacred gate. In many cases, they believe, these events signal the arrival of malevolent spirits

Akha men traditional attire

Akha women traditional attire

The Akha ethnic group make their own traditional clothing.

 The women grow and spin cotton or hemp to make cloth. 

The man’s costume is also embroidered with silver coins and with significant figures hung down.