Many families and other tourists to Chiang Mai say one of their favourite things to do was to visit to one of the many Hill Tribe villages located in the mountains that surround Chiang Mai and extend north, west and east towards both Burma and Laos. The people are very friendly and will show you their traditional dance.  Thailand’s hill tribes often face numerous difficulties with legal and citizenship problems, access to education and healthcare and making a living. To be sure that your visit is supporting the local hill tribe communities directly, make sure to purchase some souvenirs directly from the villagers during your time with them.