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Hilltribe Visitor Etiquette
It is kind, but not necessary, to give gifts to the peoples you visit. Some suggestions or alternatives to sweets and cigarettes are - balloons and other inexpensive toys, cosmetics, medical supplies antiseptic, mild painkillers such as aspirin, food, fruit, clothing, sewing supplies and foreign coins.

Follow the advice of your guide, don't be afraid to ask questions. Respect the fact that you are a guest visiting the homes and villages of these people. By showing them that you are genuinely interested in them, your friendliness, sincerity and goodwill are the most precious gifts you can offer.

The Khamu are one of the small tribal groups, living along the Thai-Laotian border of Nan province. At the present there are about 7,000 people of this tribe living in northern Thailand.

They originate from Laos, mainly of Luang Prabang and Xieng Khoung districts. They first migrated as labour and worked either in the teak forests or similarly isolated employment.

They are living now in small villages located on mountain slopes and survive on subsistence agriculture supplemented by hunting, fishing and trading.

The Khamu practise an animistic religion. In their native homeland Khamu shamans are considered to be excellent Magico-Religious Practitioners and often participate in Laotian ceremonies.