Famous as the strongest beasts of burden, in Thailand they were important in battle, with kings mounted on elephants fighting the Burmese to defend Thailand on many occasions. They have also been noted for their intelligence, memory and pleasant nature. A Thai legend has it that a marriage is like an elephant-- the husband is the front legs, that choose the direction, the wife the back legs, providing the power. See the elephant shows by bathing, responds the command, demonstration to work in the jungle by dragging and pushing logs.

All of them in the northern part of Chiang Mai province along the border to Myanmar (Burma). In general, the Palong can be found in Burma's eastern Shan state. At present the population is about 60,000. They belong to the Mon-Khmer branch of the Austro-Asiatic linguistic family. Their main livelihood is the cultivation of Tanatep, a large leaf to wrap Burmese cigars. Both men and women decorate their teeth with gold.

Villages of this colorful ethnic group are to be found in the mountains of China, Myanmar (Burma) and northern Thailand. There are approximately 21000 Lisus living in Thailands Northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Sorn and Chiang Rai. They originate in eastern Tibet. A few Lisu people have been converted to Christianity by western missionaries. They are among the least bashful of these ethnic groups and in general adjusting well to the changes taking place in their society.

This tribe originates in Tibet. Every Akha village is distinguished by their carved wooden gates, presided over by guardian spirits. They life in raised houses on low stilts, with a large porch leading into a square living area with a stove at the back. This tribe is the poorest of the hill tribes, but well known for their extraordinary costumes and exotic appearance.

Don't miss this trip, as it leads on a very good road through beautiful mountains. The splendid views on the way alone are worth driving to Mae Salong. The little town was founded in the 1960s by former Kuomintang (anti-Communist) soldiers who had been expelled from Burma (Myanmar) and settled on the lovely mountain, unfortunately only in order to compete with the local drug barons for a sizable share in the opium and heroin trade. , Visit the hilltribe market for shopping the Chinese herb and walk around the Chinese settlement. (Use to be the Chinese refugee Camp or the 93rd division of Chiang Kai Chek) drive down the hill and continue to Chiangrai. Transfer to Hotel in Chiangrai on your reservation.

Situated at the junction of the Mekong and Sop Ruak rivers see the panoramic view of three countries met (Laos, Myanmar and Thailand)

It served as the capital of the LannaThaiKingdom until King Mengrai established Chiang Rai as the capital in 1262. Ruins of the old double city walls and many other antiquities remain both inside and outside the district town