The Lisu originated from Yunnan and are divided into six original patrilineal clans, but not all are found in Thailand. Lisu villages can be found near Chiang Dao, Pai and Phrao. Villages vary in size, and houses may be raised on stilts or built on the ground. Extended families with married sons may live in the same house. The Lisu are competitive and thus are outgoing, social and hard working.


Lisu villages have a shrine for a guardian spirit set above the village. There are spirits for the ancestors and several other entities such as water, trees, the sun and the moon. Priests will officiate at ceremonies involving the village guardian, while shamans dispel spirits causing sickness. Lisu costumes of the 'flowery' sub-group found Mainly in Thailand are very distinct.

The women wear a knee length tunic of light blue or green cloth, often with red sleeves. The upper sleeves of the women's tunic and a yoke of black cloth are heavily decorated with many bands of bright cloth. The women also wear plain belts from which hang multicoloured tassels.


Young men's trousers are made of the same blue or green cloth, while their jackets are often of plain black material.

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