The Hmong

The Hmong hilltribe inhabits the highest mountain peaks and plateaus around Luang Prabang and are known for their industriousness and hard-work. After carefully harvesting their coffee, some Hmong men and women load the baskets of coffee onto the backs of indigenous horses to bring the coffee down the mountain and to the village.

The Gasak

The Gasak are a very small and special tribe of people only found in one district in the province of Luang Prabang. Altogether, the Gasak inhabit a total of eight villages–all high in the mountains in Saffron Coffee growing territory. The Gasak were reportedly those designated to serve the king and the royal family when Luang Prabang was the royal capital of Laos and the kings ruled from the palace there.

The Yao (Mien)

The Yao, also known as the Mien, inhabit the highest mountains of the Nan district of Luang Prabang. The Yao are known for their sophistication and innovation. Old ladies spend their time embroidering intricate designs. Their highland meadows, once blanketed by colorful opium poppy flowers, are now being planted with Arabica coffee.

The Khmu

The Khmu hilltribe represents the earliest inhabitants of what is now Luang Prabang, Laos. The Khmu can be found dwelling in valleys or high on the mountain slopes. They often live in close proximity to the Hmong and other hilltribes. One of the poorest hilltribes in Laos, the Khmu are known for their patient endurance but soon will be seeing the improvements growing coffee brings to their lives and villages.