Huai Kee Lek

Huai Kee Lek is an ethnic Akha community, located in Chiang Rai province, in the Wawi sub-district, approximately 25 km’s from the district center of Mae Souay. The village can be reached by a 3.5 km dirt and concrete road, which winds up into the mountains. Huai Kee Lek community gradually emerges into view, perched impressively on a mountain ridge.

Guests to Huai Kee Lek are allowed a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the Akha.  Huai Kee Lek was established according to traditional Akha beliefs, on a bright and sunny mountain ridge, far away from water. Akha people do not locate their villages close to water, because they believe that malevolent water spirits will destroy the village.

The community fields are located approximately 3 to 5 km’s from the village, to prevent domestic animals from destroying their crops. Fields are located close together, so that villagers can share their labour, such as planting and harvesting rice.

All aspects of life are influenced by traditional beliefs, which have been passed down orally between the generations.Every month, local people participate in ceremonies which form a bridge between these beliefs and daily activities. Ceremonies are integrated with agricultural practices and the cycles of the seasons. Akha people use mountain rice for many ceremonies, and plant corn to feed their pigs and chickens, which are used for ceremonies as well as for eating.