A lot of people rave about Thailand, especially Bangkok and its paradise islands. I had enough of people telling me that I should go to Thailand, so I did, in 2018.
However, instead of Bangkok or Hua Hin (the Thai Santorini-style destination), I chose Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai as my first Thailand trip.
I know, I know. I will visit Bangkok one day, don’t worry. But if you haven’t travelled to Chiang Mai, now I’m telling you that you should :p
I was browsing Thailand tour packages when I found the Chiang Mai trip. And the main reason that tickled my wanderlust soul was the Long Neck Tribe Village.
I saw some reviews and photos of this village many years ago, yet I didn’t know that it’s located in Thailand!
On top of that, the tour package included Chiang Rai, where you could marvel at Wat Rong Khun – the White Temple with a super-detailed design.
Without thinking much, I paid for the tour and return flight.
The Entertaining (Yet Sad) Elephant Show in Chiang Mai
Before I visited the Long Neck Tribe Village in Chiang Mai, I went to see an elephant show.
There are a lot of animal shows in Thailand that involve elephants, monkeys and snakes. The show, in my opinion, is entertaining yet sad.
Some people believe that some elephant camps and ‘sanctuaries’ in Thailand are unethical as they force the elephants to perform unnatural behaviour, advertise the show and offer elephant rides to the tourists.
However, that would be the same case for other animal shows in theme parks, circus shows and the zoo. Ethical means let the animals roam free but will it keep them safe from poachers?
Anyway, I won’t lie that although I feel sad for the elephants, I enjoyed the show.
If you believe that the elephants deserve better, you could skip the shows and elephant rides. And do some research about credible elephant conservations before you travel to Chiang Mai.
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My favourite is the second one. Which one is yours?
The Exotic Long Neck Tribe Village, Chiang Mai
“I saw you on Google!” I told the woman enthusiastically the first time I met her.
She smiled and nodded.
“Did you know that your face is on the internet? I saw a lot of travel brochures with your photo on them,” I continued.
The woman beside me in the photo above is one of the members of the Karen or Kayar Tribe, which is mostly known as the Long Neck Tribe.
The women start to wear the shiny, golden rings around their neck as young as 5 years old, which will be added one for each year until they reach 21 years old.
It is said the tradition will protect their neck from tigers attack. They also believe the longer the neck, the more beautiful a woman is.
But, who are these women, exactly? Why can they only be found on the northern Thai border?
They are, in fact, Burmese who flew to Thailand to escape violence in their country. Their exotic tradition is the reason why Thailand gives permission for the tribe to stay and land to reside.
With the booming of the Long Neck Tribe tourism, they are not allowed to resettle outside of the tourist village. For your information, the entrance fee to enter the village doesn’t go to them.
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The Long Neck Tribe women earn their living from selling crafts and posing for photos with travellers.
They receive support on food and toiletries as well. Some said that women who wear golden rings around their neck receive a higher allowance.
Some travellers call the village “Human Zoo”, some call it an exploitation and a violation of human rights.
I feel pity for these women… however, I can’t say or do much. Like the elephant camp or elephant show, I honestly enjoyed visiting the village. The villagers are kind and welcoming.
I hope this post will boost the village’s tourism, therefore, helping them financially.
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If you wish to have mementoes or trinkets from Chiang Mai, you can get them from the Long Neck Tribe Village.
And remember, no free photos, please. Buy something from them or at least, give them a tip for posing with you.
Khob khun ka – thank you 🙂
