Karen Hilltribe in Thailand and Myanmar

The Karen people make up the largest of the South East Asian hill tribes and are spread throughout Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). The large size of their population has helped the Karen stick together and maintain their traditional culture. Karens practiced slash and burn farming but are now settled and have worked hard to develop environmentally sustainable rice-farming methods.

The Karen, made up of smaller sub-groups including the Sgaws (S'waw) and the Pwos, are known for their colorful and decorated clothing, made from their beautiful, handwoven fabrics. Patterns or shapes woven into the fabrics can represent certain objects or concepts, while some colours are symbolic of the wearer's attributes.

The Karen have a rich and long-standing heritage which has thrived, despite ongoing conflict with Burmese military forces. Karens have adapted to modern ways of farming and living without loosing sight of their history. Join a hilltribe tour in Thailand to learn more about this culture.