Nestled in the eastern Burma plateau, the Karen Long Neck Village is home to the Padang tribe, a unique community of about 7,000 members. Known for their captivating tradition of wearing brass rings, the women of this tribe create a stunning visual identity that reflects their heritage. While legends suggest these rings protect against tiger bites, they primarily serve to strengthen individual and tribal identity. Surrounded by terraced paddy fields, this picturesque village offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the Karen people, where each ring tells a story of resilience and tradition.
Karen Long Neck Village, renowned for its beautiful giraffe women, is a fascinating community located in the eastern plateau of Burma. This picturesque area, dimpled by terraced fields and lush paddy valleys, is home to the Padang tribe, numbering around 7,000 members. The women of the tribe are instantly recognizable by the brass rings that encircle their necks, a tradition steeped in history and cultural significance.
Legend has it that these brass rings protect the women from tiger bites, highlighting the mystical allure of their culture. However, the true purpose of this striking adornment lies in its ability to foster a strong sense of individual and tribal identity. Each ring is not just an accessory; it serves as a symbol of heritage and pride, connecting the women to their ancestry and cultural roots.
The village itself is a vibrant tapestry of life, where the rhythms of daily activities echo the traditions of generations past. Visitors to the Karen Long Neck Village witness a way of life that is harmonious with nature, as the community thrives amidst the beautiful landscape and the rich agricultural practices that sustain them.
Through sustainable practices and a commitment to preserving their culture, the people of the Karen Long Neck Village invite you to explore their heritage. Each visit offers a unique opportunity to engage with the traditions and stories that define this remarkable community. The village stands as a testament to resilience and the celebration of identity in an ever-changing world.
หมู่บ้านกะเหรี่ยงคอยาว (แม่ริม, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Attractions
6 miles
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0.52 miles
1.33 miles
1.81 miles
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2.22 miles
2.51 miles
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5.32 miles
Karen Long Neck Village is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 262 Moo 6, 57100, Thailand
This is the perfect example of a tourist trap. You’re taken to a remote location, made to pay 500 THB entry for what is sold as a cultural experience, but definitely isn’t. We arrived, walked around the market stalls for 5 minutes and left. The goods being sold are just generic items that you find in tourist shops. Wouldn’t recommend this (tours may be a different experience).
We went to the long neck village which was neat to see the women and children in their craft. Make no mistake you are there to buy crafted items as it really is just a large market for goods where you can interact with the vendors and their children. You have to pay to get in which was a steep 500 baht each just to shop. Although we didn’t like that part, we enjoyed talking to the families.
The people in this village were trying to push you to buy souvenirs. Everywhere we came the people were told ‘tourist are coming’ and then they put their hat on and acted.The long necks were not originally from there. One young woman told us that she came from a different country just to work at the village. All woman posed with the children just for the picture.In my opinion, it was totally not worth the 300 Baht and I did not get the experience of the long necks as we only saw one lady with a ‘long neck’.
Went to the village by private songthaew, located just outside of Chiang Mai. I was shocked at the admission price of 500 baht per person (we were a family of 4) as we had previously been to the Long neck village in a Chiang Rai tour and the cost was 300 baht. Otherwise some good souvenirs. I really don’t know if some of the textiles are made by the women but I did purchase some that I wish I would have on the Chiang Rai tour. If you are going to Chiang Rai, my opinion is that ‘village’ is more worth the trip. Overall though I did want to support this group of displaced people.
This is just a tourist rip off. Yes there are long neck ladies there but it is simply a channel with market stalls on either side and some huts behind. You get no information/history, the sole purpose is to get money from you. 500bht per person to enter. Don’t go. We spoke to a local who said to visit their actual village in the mountain where they live authentically, not this bad tourist show.
If you love culture, this is a no miss. We traveled there form Chiang Mai. Later on I saw the ladies photos’ (whom I met at the village) in the museum. A rare experience. Loved it.
Karen Long Neck Village is a small narrow street with wooden shops where these people are actually exhibiting for a whole day. The entrance fee is quite expensive (500 Bath per person), but they willingly pose with you for the photos. I thought it was a bit self-promoting. You see the ladies weaving scarves and some men making wood carvings. You can look, take photos, but they also try to sell you. The houses behind the wooden shops are very poor and leave much to be desired.
Touristy place and good to explore if you haven’t seen the Karen long-neck tribe. The entrance fee is 500 baht per pax.Recommend to ask your Thai driver or guide to buy the entrance tickets at a discount of only 300 baht per pax (group tickets).A small touristy village with hand-made souvenir shops lining up in Mae Rim, Chiangmai.
Abusing elephants. Elephant is chained on ankle (no more than 2 feet). Absolutely disgusting. Worse of all is the abuse of the girls.Men and boys are not required to wear the heavy metal rings that encompass the neck. There can be little doubt that the girls and women are permanently disabled by being g forced to wear these neck rings. It is akin to child abuse.
This “village” is basically a refugee camp for the native tribe that have been forced to live there after fleeing or being expelled from Mayanmar. It’s basically a market with an entry fee, and you can take photos of the woman in traditional dress. Other review are stating it’s like a human zoo – personally I don’t see it that way. In a region with zero state help they’re making a living from tourism. The houses is horrendous but maybe with a visit you’re going to help feed and support this community.