Beyond the Neck Rings- Life and History of Long Neck Karen Village Tribal Peoples

 

Long Neck Karen Village Tribal People

 Long Neck Karen tribes are often called “Kayan Lahwi” people who live in Chiang Rai region of Thailand. These tribes have some sort of weird cultural identities and traditions, naturally originating from Myanmar who migrated during the late 18th century.

 

While visiting Karen village to discover the traditional beauty of these tribes, you’ll get to know that especially women (who have reached the age of 5) wear brass rings around their necks. The reason behind covering their neck is deep cultural and tradition following. 

 

Despite their traditions, wearing long brass rings has some historical incidents such as protection against tigers and village leaders insist that girls and womens to wear them. Even today we can see more numbers of young Karen tribal girls and women wearing brass necks, and eventually it makes their neck size taller. 

 

Actually who are these Karen Long Neck Peoples?

 

These weird peoples do not belong to the Thailand origins, actually they migrated from Myanmar and inhabited there. Lived in a hill on Myanmar (ancient Burma) side which is close to the Thai border. 

Usually women are doing these kinds of strange things, Karen women wear heavy brass rings around her neck, forearms and shins. But men don't have any such things to wear, they mainly focus on agriculture and field work. They love to live in more rugged, tedious hill areas and live very simple and less luxurious lives.

 

Currently around 40,000 Karen people live in this region, but according to some insights a small number of people have already fled to their original land, where they actually belong. Even today they are not Thai citizens and none of them get Thai citizenship. 

Despite their history and style, even today they have successfully maintained their traditions alive. Your trip to Long Neck Karen Village surely gives some sort of more unique, ethical, cultural and deep traditions that help you to spend more time with it.

 

What are they selling?

 

While interacting Karen long neck peoples try to give some attention to shop or wander in their local handcrafted shops. They sell handmade textiles, traditional clothes and local handicrafts like shoulder bags, cotton clothes, hand woven scarves. However, they also sell bracelets, handmade items and other artisan items, making it one of the important income sources to these Karen tribes. Through purchase some souvenirs or items you can directly help them or appreciate their cultural values to sustain in the future. 

 

Where else can we see these kinds of Long Neck peoples? 

As we discussed earlier, basically these Karen people who migrated from Burma (Myanmar), not from Thailand. Besides this region, visitors even spot these people if you have a plan to visit Mae Hong Son province or Mae Rim or Mae Taeng areas of Chiang rai. 

 

For a deeper and basic understanding about their origin, ancient roots, cultural heritages and history, we suggest you visit the Myanmar region where they actually lived before migrating to the Chiang Rai region.

 

Does Exploring Long Neck People Have a Cost? 

 

Yes, you need to pay a small amount to enter and explore this village and its people. They charge 250-500 Thai Baht or $8-$12 US per person to enter. However, if you are ready to pay $23-$120 then a guided private tour is a better option for you. They help you take every corner of the village, their shops, and houses and help to explain everything about their lifestyles including their long neck. 

 

Besides all identities and attractions of “Long Neck Karen People”, the community faces challenges, including issues relating to their status as refugees and maintaining their cultural identity in this changing world.