The Akha are a colorful hilltribe group who are subsistence farmers and expert artisans.  They are believed to have originated from Tibet more than 1,500 years ago.  Today, most of the Akha reside in the mountains Southern China, Northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

A typical Akha village consists of carved wooden gates presided over by guardian spirits houses and bamboo huts raised on low wooden stilts with thatched roofs.  Most Akha houses are divided by gender, with women residing on one side and the men living in the other, The men’s side also serves as the public area of the household.  Akha settlements are usually hilly and they tend to live on marginal land.

They are expert farmers, but their method of creating farmland is controversial, using slash and burn techniques to clear out rainforests.  Some of the crops the Akha grow include rice, corn and soybeans.  In addition, the Akha also sell their handicrafts for additional income.

Rice is a critical element in their culture as legends, traditions and ceremonies are centered around its existence.  The Akha will use rice for their ancestor worshipping and spirit offering ceremonies as well as marriages, birth and death festivals.

Akha women adorn recognizable and distinctly unique attire, wearing broad leggings, a short black skirt with a white beaded sporran, a loose fitting black or dark blue jacket with heavily embroidered cuffs and lapels.  Their hats are also decorative, being heavily adorned with silver coins and colorful pieces of string.  Most of these clothing are created by the Akha women and are considered heirlooms.  The men, on the other hand are highly skilled weavers and carpenters, able to create a variety of items such as crossbows, baskets and musical instruments out of wood and rattan.

The Akha are taught their family history at a very young age.  Their culture places strong importance on honoring and respecting their ancestors and living family members.  Many Akha are Animists, though some may combine it Buddhist or Christian faiths.  The Akha are also highly superstitious and believe in the natural cycle of balance that, if disrupted, can result in illness, hardship and even death.

Exotissimo’s Akha Experience is the perfect opportunity for you to learn about these people firsthand.  This Northern Laos tour combines scenic treks through pristine landscapes with homestays in Akha villages, offering you unparalleled access to the Akha people and their culture.  Please visit www.exotravel.com for more holiday ideas into Southeast Asia and contact us if you would like to tweak any of our tours.