Situated in the mountainous villages surrounding Mae Salong, Chiang Rai’s Akha Hill Tribes migratory story begins in China during the early 20th century, settling here in the high altitudes of northern Thailand and the neighbouring countries of Laos & Myanmar (Burma). 80,000 Akha people reside throughout the Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai provinces.
When researching Northern Thailand, I hoped to find somewhere different from the famous locations this region is famed for. Mae Salong repeatedly found it’s way onto my radar. A few google image searches teasing me with green invitations into calm hills, and it was already decided - we were going! With one road in and out, we arrived at our homestay to green mountains overlooking a steep valley. Soaking up the views the first evening, we knew we’d be up early the next day for an 11km hike into the hills - where Akha villages and tea terraces await.
Testing my endurance to say the least, the hike wasn’t without its inclinations. Reaching the hardest part of the hike, we were met at the top of the mountain by these overwhelmingly adorable group of Akha kids. Very excited to see foreigners (farang), they surrounded us with beautifully crafted gifts for sale. Sparing all that I could, we laughed and and obsessed over their intricate offerings. Most Akha traditions are kept alive by the elderly - who pass on their knowledge to younger generations. Though, each year, more leave for big cities. Hopefully with their inherited identity unwavering.
The hike saw us pacing through lonely tea terraces and natural scenes of Disney level proportions, greeted by the infrequent lone Akha villager humbly working the fields high on the hill. We’d started the trail in true fashion - late as usual. Rushing through the wilderness, the sun was beginning to set and we still had a third of the trail to go. Orange and yellow glows cast a romantic light onto the greenery, forcing me to spend time I didn’t have snapping pictures.
Half enjoying the trail and half not trying to recreate the Blair Witched Project here in isolation, Ashley kept ushering us forward despite my determination to spend the night out here with the mosquitos.
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