Peoples of the Greater Mekong: The Ethnic Minorities

This book tells the story of the Mekong River, from its source in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to its delta in southern Vietnam, and the geographical changes in its environment on its journey to the sea. It mainly focuses on the many ethnic minorities living within the Mekong's reach. These minority nationalities all have their own distinct customs, traditions and ways of life that have carried on for many centuries. Much of that has survived the influences of politics, national integration and modernization. Nevertheless, their traditions and lifestyles are being profoundly affected by recent economic development and mass tourism. The book introduces each of these peoples and reveals and examines what makes them unique.

It begins with the Tibetans in the high-altitude, snow mountain regions of the Upper Mekong. Then it covers the Lisu, Naxi, Bai and Yi who live further down the river where the mountains are somewhat lower. Finally, it describes the hill peoples of the tropical zone - the Wa, Bulang, Lahu, Akha, Jinuo, Yao, Hmong - and the Dai of the plains. Each chapter summarises their lifestyles and interesting customs and traditions. Supplementing these entries are portraits of the peoples in their traditional clothing, along with photographs of their environment, work, home life, ceremonies, and festivals.