Hill tribes have played a substantial role in the history of the Far North and continues to do so. In Chiang Rai and the other provinces are home to the Yao, Akha, Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu, Lahu Shi and Skaw and Karen. Each group has its own language and animist customs – maintained even when following a more recently adopted religion. The people, and the government and non-government organization which try to help them, face a difficult task in finding a balance between maintaining traditions and fuller participation in modern society. Sensitive tourism can help as a bridge between tradition and participation. Much of the trekking activity provides opportunities for the tribes people as well as giving the trekkers the chance to share the traditional village hospitality.
The Hill Tribe Development and Welfare Centre at Mae Chan, in Chiang Rai, promotes handicrafts, including woven cloth products and silverware, and a place for them to be sold. At Pua, in Nan province, the Paklang Hill Tribe Development and Assistance Village is a village of Meo, Yao, and Thin hill tribes who settled in their former lifestyles after the communist eradication in Nan in 1968. They produce beautiful handicrafts for sale to visitors. In Phayao, at Chiang Muan, the Thai Lu Tribe, who originally lived in south China and came to Thailand several decades ago, make beautiful hand woven silk and cotton fabrics which are sold in their village.