Shan people accounted for about 9% of the population of Myanmar, is the 2nd main ethnic group in Myanmar after Burmese. Shan is characterized by tall, with light skin. They have close relatives to Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Tay, Nung of Vietnam. Most Shan are farmers, living in the river valley and isolated basin on the Shan Plateau.
Most Shan people practiced Buddhism and they also call themselves “Tai”. Due to the relationship of ethnic, cultural and linguistic ethnic to Thailand, Laos and Van Nam province of China, so tourists if known languages of Thai and Laotian can communicate with the Shan. Traditionally, the Shan wear slops and a wide-brimmed hat. Men are identified through tattoos. They believe the tattoos will bring them luck. Today, the Shan in the city often wear longyi like Burmese, except for ceremonial occasions they wear ethnic costumes. Taking Burma tours to Taunggyi, Hsipaw, Lashio, Kengtung, you will have a chance to meet the Shan people and enjoy their great cuisine.