Every aspect of traditional Akha culture is governed by the ‘Akha Way’, or Akhazan; a complex moral code that give instructions on who the Akha can marry, when and where to plant rice or build a house, and when ceremonies must be performed. Perhaps because the Akha have no traditional written language, they have an incredibly rich oral literary tradition, and this code has been passed down from generation to generation.

Continuity is very important to the Akha people, and they see themselves as forming a link in a chain that will become a part of the history of the tribe revered by future generations. It used to be that every Akha male could recite his entire genealogy down through more than fifty generations from the first Akha. Many ceremonies, performed at Akha festivals and other special events, required this recitation. Sadly though, as Akha people come into increased contact with outside cultures, this tradition is being lost.  

Formerly, the Akha practiced a form of swidden agriculture, burning patches of forest and farming rice and vegetables for food on cleared land. When the land could no longer them, the Akha would move from one area to another, leaving the land to regenerate. The Akha also traded goods with other tribes, and during the 20^th Century many villages also harvested opium. Wealth was accumulated in the form of silver coins and jewellery incorporated into the elaborate dress of Akha women.

In Thailand, bans on clearing forests mean that the Akha people have been forced to find alternative forms of agriculture. Others have had the opportunity to receive an education and find other means of making a living. But as communities start to integrate into mainstream society, it is important  to ensure that their traditions and culture are not completely lost.