Nung Tho

The town of Nung Tho is nestled in the green hills of the western borderlands, where the Nung people have lived for centuries. The town is surrounded by terraced fields of rice and corn, which the Nung cultivate with skill and diligence. The houses are mostly built on stilts, with thatched roofs and paper walls. Some of the houses have fort-like features, such as watchtowers and loopholes, to defend against invaders.   The town is known for its rich folk culture and handicrafts. The Nung are proficient in weaving, metalworking, papermaking, and tilemaking. They produce colorful fabrics, sturdy tools, delicate poonah-paper, and glazed tiles. The town has a lively market, where the Nung trade their products with other ethnic groups. The market is also a place for socializing and dating. Young Nung men and women often sing love songs to each other, accompanied by flutes and drums.