The Hmong people

It is not entirely clear where the Hmong originally came from. Most probably their ancestors lived in Tibet and China. They have a very strong urge to remain independent. Attempts from Chinese authorities to subjugate them and force them to integrate has led to a diaspora of Hmong people. By the end of the 19th century they established their first villages in Northern Thailand.

During the war in Laos they fought on the American side against the Pathet Lao, the Laotian communists. After the communist takeover in 1975 Lao authorities started to persecute the Hmong Laos.

Consequently, many of them fled from Laos to Thailand and resettled in the United States. Vietnam and China have very sizable populations but there are still many of them living in Laos.

In the United States the states of Minnesota, California and Wisconsin have large Hmong communities. In North and Central Thailand you can find Hmong communities in thirteen provinces. About 75% live in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phetchabun and Tak though.

There are villages in Mae Hong Son, Phrae and Nan provinces as well. They are spread over a very large area, more than any other tribe, apart from the Karen. They usually live at high elevation and cultivated opium in the past.

In the Doi Suthep/Doi Pui/Mae Sa are there are 12 communities. We operate tours to villages on Doi Suthep and on Doi Inthanon

The Hmong New Year is their most popular festivity and usually takes place in January.