Akha, Thailand
Lisa Kristine

The Akha tribes of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Hunan are all originally from Tibet. They are believers in Shamanism and grow corn, rice and opium. The women are the workers of the tribes and, thus, are extremely strong and hardy.

The women often pass their days chewing beetle nut which dyes the teeth an intense red and keeps the women giddy and alert. The elder women have strong bonds and amuse one another greatly with stories and laughter.