Description
Explore the village of the Karen people who are famous for their long necks. Legend claims that the brass rings protect the women from the attack of tigers. But the most common explanation is that people here consider an extra-long neck as a sigh of great beauty and wealth, which will attract a better husband. Visit the village of Karen people, you can watch the sight of women wearing rings on necks, arms and legs and colorful costume. Other hill tribe villages included in the programs is the H’mong, the Akha with local wearing black dresses and headgear richly embroidered and decorate with silver coins, beads and beaten silver jewelry, and the Palong people recognized by the striking costumes with a bamboo belt around their waist and their teeth decorated with gold. You will also climb to visit a hill-top temple and enjoy an attractive view of villages, river and mountains.
Detail Itinerary
This trip begins with a three-and-a-half hour ride from Chiang Mai north to Thaton, but the long journey promises to be worth every minute. The first stop includes a visit to the Hmong hill-tribe village, followed by lunch at local restaurant. You will then embark on a 30-minutes’ boat trip along the Mae Kok River to Baan Mai before continuing by mini-van to visit three more hill-tribe villages: Akha, Palong and Long Neck Karen. This last tribe is one which shows great interest to all who come and visit. Women of this tribe wear brass rings on their necks and limbs. The number of the rings increases according to their ages. Their shoulder blades are pressed lower and lower while their necks seem to be longer and longer. Upon returning to Thaton, you will visit Wat Thaton, which is situated on the top of the hill providing panoramic views of local villages, the Mae Kok River and the many abundant forests on the mountain range. If time permits, a stop at a local market will take place on the return trip to the hotel.
