The Tai Dam or Tai people (not to be confused with Thai people) originated from the Northwest of Vietnam in an area so beautiful the Tai named it Muang Then, the land of God. Master weavers, the Tai tell stories of the past and tales of the spiritual world, through their beautiful textile designs.

Elephants hold a special place in Tai culture, and are believed to be guides from the living world into the otherworld. One of the most popular elephant tales is the true story of King Thao Huong Thao Cheuang’s elephant, Pankham. Given to the king at his birth, Pankham followed the king wherever he went, even fighting in bloody battles alongside his dear friend.