Hill Tribe Museum

Northern Thailand's many hill tribes are intriguing because of their diverse characteristics, dress, language, beliefs, customs and traditions. If you intend going on a trek, or visiting any hill tribe villages on a tour, a visit to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre will add much to your interest and enjoyment. Managed by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) under the watchful eye its Chairman, former politician, Mechai Viravaidya, the PDA is dedicated to the welfare of the rural poor, including the promotion of safe sex through condom use, and is perhaps best known for its now-famous Thai food restaurant chain: 'Cabbages & Condoms' which has a branch located here. The museum focuses on the cultural and everyday aspects of the six main tribal groups: Akha Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, & Yao/Mien, highlighting aspects of village life, including dwellings, agricultural tools, cooking utensils, hunting and fishing equipment, tribal clothing, plus hill-tribe costumes, and hand-weaving. It also has a community-based tourism section, and a display highlighting the successful suppression of opium. The museum gift shop offers various attractive items including hand-crafted souvenirs, books, music recordings, jewellery, ethnic clothing, and herbal compounds. The PDA also runs its own trekking and sightseeing tours.

Please also visit, the Hill Tribe museum's website.