Silver is their preferred symbol of wealth.
Indeed, Akha women wear, besides equally distinctive miniskirts and leggings, unusual headdresses made from plumes and vintage silver coins largely of French Indo-Chinese or British Indian origin. Many such women are accomplished weavers of cloth which they decorate with their own distinctive, predominantly geometric embroidery. Such items number among the more popular souvenirs, and come in the form of purses. Akha silver ware is also a popular purchase, and comprises mainly bracelets, necklaces, belts and pendants. Most provincial attractions lie north of the provincial capital.