A woman prays at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
fantastic, mythical creatures derived from both Buddhism
and Hinduism. Colorful murals depict Jataka tales of
Buddha���s previous lives, or the tale of Mara, God of
Illusion, who tried to dissuade Buddha from achieving
enlightenment. Ramakian, Thailand���s epic creation tale,
is the most common theme.
Within small villages in Thailand���s mountainous northern
regions are many colorful ethnic minorities known as the
Hill Tribes, believed to have originated near Tibet long
ago, migrating through China���s southern mountains into
Thailand from Laos and Burma. Seven major tribes and
their many sub-clans still speak their own languages,
wear distinctive costumes, maintain tribal customs and
HYLAND
