Lahu Village

Lahu Village – where you can experience the true tranquillity

Introduction

The Lahu is popularly known as a strong, independent and diverse ethnic group located mainly in two Northern Thailand provinces, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The number of Lahu living in Thailand now is estimated about 60,000 people consisting of different smaller groups such as the Black Lahu, Red Lahu, Yellow Lahu, Pakew Lahu, Bala Lahu and so on. Lahu villagers are settling on wooden houses built on stilts. From that prominent feature of construction, you can easily find a pole decorated with some strings of flags that mark the house of the spiritual leader of the village. The Lahu depends primarily on farming, hunting and weaving for their own consumption. They prefer living in a way that doesn’t like disorder but adjusting well to adapt to getting on with each other. That is also the reason why the Lahu have a strong commitment to principles of unity as working together to support their way of life. Especially, gender equality is a long-standing standard in their culture that makes them become a striking group living in one of the most gender-equitable societies in the world. How exciting it is!

History

The history of Lahu Village has lasted over 4,500 years. The Lahu first originated from Tibet and Southwestern China. Then, they moved to Southern China where they were divided into two separated groups. The first group chose to settle in Kengtung Region of Burma, then moved to Chiang Mai Province of Thailand while the other group migrated to Vietnam and Laos. Up to now, it is estimated that nearly 1,5 million Lahu people are living in about 800 villages along the borders between Thailand and Burma. The most populated areas of Lahu are Chiang Rai, Meahongsorn, Chiang Mai and Lampang.

How many nice pictures you will take when visiting Lahu Village?

How to get there

From Chiang Mai, you just need to spend 2 hours to reach Lahu Village. There are two choices of transport for every traveller to choose from. The first and more convenient way is to follow the Thai massage school’s arrangement that you will be provided with transport to get to Chiang Mai the day before courses start. They also offer several directions for people longing for going on different dates.

The second option here is to go at your own pace without taking part in the Thai massage course. The first ideal starting point should be Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can choose one among these means of transport, skytrain, metro or a local city bus to reach the bus station. After that, it will be better if you take the night bus to Chiang Mai as it will save your energy for the trip the next day. The bus might be cost-effective, but it is a bit uncomfortable and requires you a lot of stops between the starting point and the final destination.

Activities

• Enjoy an idyllic atmosphere around the village

After landing on Lahu Village, you may be appealing to look around and get itchy feet to discover the hidden charm of the village without feeling exhausted at all. The village is located in a mountainous area, which is surrounded by lush green forests that brings you a feeling of the peaceful countryside just like other rural areas. However, the Lahu know how to stand out by their unique stilt construction. Apart from the main stress, the houses around are built randomly that follow no specific rules that show a liberal lifestyle of villagers. You may even get more surprised at the bustling scene alongside the road since all domesticated animals like chickens, pigs and dogs running freely combined with kids playing and adults cutting woods. People here are so friendly and enthusiastic that you can ask them for nice pictures at any time!

Go for a walk around the village to discover how The Lahu get on well with nature 

• Chill out with a Thai massage course

As mentioned before, standing near the Lahu village is a renowned Thai massage school. The school was founded by Asokanada, who is a native German and also recognized as the pioneering western teacher of Traditional Thai Yoga Massage. Thai massage in the school is carefully taught embedded with a Buddhist spiritual point of view. It is a great idea to immerse yourself into a Thai massage course to get away from it all. A massage course can bring you more benefits in terms of both mental and physical aspects than you may think as a massage is not only just an exchange of energy to release the pressure, but is also a good way to build the relationship between the person giving and the other receiving the massage therapy. Healthy meals are attached three times a day during your course.

Participate in a Thai massage session is definitely a wise option!

In a nutshell, above are all relevant information to bring you some ideas about your upcoming trip to Lahu Village. The trip to discover a minor ethnic group in Thailand like the Lahu should be on your plan if you are heading to the north of Thailand. Lahu village promises to take your breath away about a special off-the-beaten-path region you may not forget soon!

Ngo Cuong

Image source: Internet