Kayah State

The diverse ethnic groups found in Kayah State are actually branched out from Karen culture and the largest tribal groups are the Kayah, Kayan, Bre, Lahta and Yinbaw. Authentic traditions and customs are earnestly passed down for generations. As a result, most of the tribe people still dress in traditional clothes, most notably the Kayah and Kayan tribes. Both ethnic groups are easily identified as the Kayahs always dress in red while the Kayan people still wear brass neck rings. The Kayan tribe is widely acknowledged as the most recognisable ethnic group in South-east Asia due to their elongated necks as a result of wearing the neck rings. The Kayah people were once devout animists who engage in the 'Kayhtoboe' ritual. In this ritual, tribe members pay respects to spirits by offering animals and food in exchange for protection. However, the tribe's animism culture has ceased over the years and is no longer widely practised.

Tourists get to experience the warm hospitality of the locals while witnessing their passion in showcasing the state's rituals, crafts, and music. As some of the locals practise animism (a belief that all natural things have spirits), tourists get to visit animist temples and visit sacred totems that could be found there. They can also witness how shamans hunt, experience shooting a catapult, and taste delicacies found in the state. Tourists can engage in activities that revolve around the heritage beliefs of the locals regarding legendary forest skills. Locals guide visitors to trek forests on natural trails, have jungle picnics and participate in barbeque meals by the lakes, just like the natives. These set of activities enable the locals to continue with their native practices, as well as allowing tourists to experience the authentic lifestyles of the locals.

Handicrafts play a huge role in the domestic, artistic and spiritual life of the Kayah people. The locals craft bamboos and woods into fully-functional musical instruments and are highly skilled with each of their crafts. They are most famous for making the "kaloe" or bamboo guitars. Bamboo baskets and purses produced by the villagers are usually bought as souvenirs. The locals are also known to be excellent weavers. Their fabrics are coloured with natural dyes and weaved on a loom, producing vivid-coloured scarves that are perfect as souvenirs. Frog drums are considered to be auspicious and sacred to all the villagers. The bronze, mushroom-shaped instrument is made of bronze and is only played during special occasions. Bamboos and woods are also made into cooking utensils and household items and the villagers also make jewellery out of brass and synthetic stones. These show how well the villagers could sustain on their own due to their expertise in crafting useful items.