The Karen (Kayan) Long Neck villages in Chiang Mai are one of the major tourist attractions in northern Thailand. However many travellers choose not to visit because of the conflicting information online about the ethics of visiting this tribe. Many tourists choose not to visit the Long Neck villages because they do not want to support the exploitation of this tribe, or because the villages are ‘fake’ and have been ‘set up’ for the purposes of tourism.
In this article, we present to you all the information surrounding these issues so that you can make an informed decision yourself as to whether or not to visit the Long Neck tribe. We will cover everything from the background of the Karen (Kayan) Long Neck in Thailand to how you can visit ethically.
Who are the Karen (Kayan) Long Neck?
The Kayan Long Neck tribe are a sub-group of the Red Karen (Karenni people) from Myanmar. They are sometimes called Kayan Lawhi, Padaung or more commonly the ‘Long Neck’ people.
Where are the Long Neck from?
The Kayan Long Neck tribe are a Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group, who are originally from Myanmar/Burma, and are not native to Thailand. All of the Kayan Long Neck who live in Thailand have crossed the border as refugees from Myanmar. Most of them have fled persecution to seek safety and refuge in Thailand.
The history of Long Neck Villages in Thailand
In the late 1980’s many of the Kayan tribe fled political persecution and conflict in Myanmar. They crossed over the jungle borders and many arrived in Mae Hong Son province. As such, refugee camps were set up for them and one part of it was designated for the Long Neck people. Over time, this evolved into a tourist site which was able to generate it’s own revenue and pay for the maintenance costs of the village and its refugees.
Long Neck Villages today
The Kayan Long Neck villages in Thailand are therefore not ‘real’ or native villages. However, these villages offer the Long Neck people a livelihood and source of income. When the villagers sell their handicrafts and souvenirs to tourists they are able to earn an income. Inside the villages, it is very peaceful and the Kayan Long Neck do not pressure tourists to buy their handicrafts.
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