Travel Photo of the Week — Lahu Hill Tribe Women, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

These lovely Lahu ladies flagged us down en route to Mae Hong Son, Thailand. We were about halfway between Pai and Mae Hong Son after renting scooters for the day.

The Lahu originated in China and Tibet, but many moved outward over the years to Laos, Vietnam, Burma, and Thailand. There are estimated to be about 100,000 in Thailand today.

After a little flute show, these ladies flashed us their pearly whites. Well, at least one of them did. The elder Lahu’s teeth are stained from chewing betel. Betel “quid” is a mixture of the betel leaf, areca nut, and sometimes tobacco. The effect is apparently the kick of a coffee, with the satisfaction of a cigarette — without the second-hand smoke. Younger chewers will have their lips and teeth stained red, while lifers like Mama Lahu here (that’s what she called herself) can expect the blackest of black – a look that the Lahu consider sexy.

Sexy? I’m not sure. Funny? Most certainly. When she asked if I was single and I said yes, she pointed at her friend, winked, and said, “So’s this one.”

Raymond Walsh

I’m a travel blogger and freelance travel writer. I left behind my cubicle-shaped cell to see the world. Now I inspire others to “shake the shackles and escape through travel.” This is my blog.

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Michael Figueiredo

Posted August 25, 2011 at 11:21 AM

haha! That’s too funny


Raymond

Posted August 27, 2011 at 4:53 AM

They were indeed…

Randy

Posted August 25, 2011 at 12:14 PM

Ha, funny story! Nice shot!


Raymond

Posted August 27, 2011 at 4:56 AM

Thanks Randy!

Denise

Posted August 25, 2011 at 1:45 PM

what a beautiful picture! The women seem to be really enjoying posing Colourful and original.


Raymond

Posted August 27, 2011 at 5:02 AM

Thanks Denise — she enjoyed taking a dollar from me even more. But I was only too happy to do it…
- Reply
  
  Denise
  
  Posted August 27, 2011 at 5:06 AM
  
  I know the concept of paying someone to have their pictures taken is weird, but I really believe that a dollar to us is nothing, but it makes a difference to people in third world countries. Like this, it’s a win-win situation.
  - Reply
    
    Raymond
    
    Posted August 27, 2011 at 7:25 AM
    
    Yeah I’m glad I did — I got some great photos and a great story.

Cathy Sweeney

Posted August 25, 2011 at 2:41 PM

Great photo and funny (and informative) commentary!


Raymond

Posted August 27, 2011 at 7:21 AM

Thanks Cathy! Those Lahu ladies were pretty interesting for sure…

Leigh

Posted August 25, 2011 at 3:22 PM

Interesting what one countries perception of sexy is – that’s what makes the world so interesting. I don’t suppose there will ever be a market for White Strips there.
Love the shot.