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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.

There are only a few Palong villages in Thailand, all of them in the northern part of Chiang Mai province along the border to Myanmar (Burma). In general, the Palong's can be found in Burma's eastern Shan state. At present the population is about 60,000. They belong to the Mon-Khmer branch of the Austro-Asiatic linguistic family.

Their main livelihood is the cultivation of Tanatep, a large leaf to wrap Burmese cigars. Both men and women decorate their teeth with gold.

The Palong's are easily recognized by the striking custom of their women, red sarong like garments, mostly a blue jacket with red collar and broad silver waistbands.

Formerly animist's, most Palong's have converted to Buddhism.