Hmong Nong Hoi Village and Mae Sa Waterfall
TOUR CODE : NMM
Drive to the north of Chiang Mai to
visit the Meo Hilltribe Village of Mae Saa Mai consisting
of over 100 hilltribe families. You will be amazed by
the amount of silver worn by the tribesmen as a symbol
of their wealth. On the way, a short visit is made to
the Mae Saa Waterfalls in the Ruckachati National Park.
Hmong Hilltribe lodge
Hmong have the looks and traits of the Chinese. Clever,
sharp and organized, the Hmong are probably the most
successful of the tribes in adapting to the changing
world in which they live.
Called by the Thai Meo (a derogatory term since it means
barbarian), the Hmong are found widely in Northern Thailand.
There are two sub-groups here: White and Blue. Around
and to the west of Chiang Mai, most of the villages
are Blue Hmong. Their population in Thailand is about
70,000. They originate in western China, possibly Mongolia.
Blue Hmong women wear beautiful pleated skirts with
parallel horizontal bands of red, blue, and white. Jackets
are of black satin, with wide orange and yellow embroidered
cuffs and lapels. The hair is tied in a large bun. Men
wear baggy black pants and jackets embroidered in a
similar way to the womens. White Hmong women wear black
baggy trousers with a long wide blue cummerbund with
a central pink area, which hangs almost to the ground.
Their jackets are simple, with blue cuffs. Some groups
wear a brimless blue cap.
Hmong villages are usually at high altitudes. Houses
have a dirt floor and a roof, which extends almost to
the ground. They live in extended families, with two
or more bedrooms. There is a large guest platform. Before
marriage, promiscuity amongst the young is normal. Marriage
is followed by a trial period before the bride price
is paid. Hmong men are expected to do most of the work
within the family. Men do the heaviest work, but in
practice this means they do little, and expect to be
supported by their wives. The Hmong formerly grow much
opium, and addiction rates in some villages were high,
but are now declining. Read
more !!
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