We Visited The Long Neck Karen Tribe NORTHERN THAILAND | NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED

Summary

In this engaging video, the host embarks on a journey to the Karen Hill Tribe village in Mae Hong Son, Thailand. They navigate the scenic landscapes, sharing their experiences of local cuisine and the vibrant culture of the long neck Karen people. The video highlights the tribe's daily life, traditional crafts, and the ethical considerations of tourism in the area. Viewers gain insight into the community's history and the challenges they face, culminating in a memorable visit that blends adventure with cultural appreciation. The episode concludes with plans for the next destination, encouraging viewers to stay tuned.

Takeaways

• 🚤 The journey begins with a boat ride to the Karen Hill Tribe village in Mae Hong Son.
• 🍽️ The travelers stop for a quick meal, featuring unique local dishes served in bags.
• 🛶 There are safety concerns about crossing a fast-moving river to reach the village.
• 💵 The entrance fee to the village is 200 Baht per person, plus a 20 Baht boat fee.
• 🏕️ The Karen tribe, known for their long necks, has been living in Thailand since the 1960s as refugees.
• 🏘️ The village tour provides insights into the daily lives and traditions of the Karen people.
• 👩‍🌾 Visitors can interact with local women engaged in traditional activities, such as chopping vegetables.
• 🎨 The script highlights the various ethnic tribes within the Karen community and their distinct clothing.
• 🤝 The travelers aim to support the tribe ethically, avoiding exploitative tourism practices.
• 🛏️ After the village visit, the group searches for accommodation, ending their day at a modest hotel.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the journey documented in the video?

The main objective of the journey is to visit and learn about the long neck Karen tribe, specifically their village in the Mae Hong Son region.

What transportation method is used to reach the village?

The travelers use a boat to cross the river to reach the Karen Hill tribe's village.

What is the cost to enter the village and take the boat across?

The entrance fee to the village is 200 Baht per person, and the boat ride costs an additional 20 Baht per person.

What are some of the unique cultural aspects of the Karen tribe mentioned in the transcript?

The Karen tribe is known for their traditional brass neck rings worn by women, and they have distinct clothing styles that indicate their marital status and tribal affiliation.

What challenges do the Karen tribe face in Thailand?

The Karen people face challenges such as lack of citizenship and the ability to work in Thailand, which leads them to rely on tourism for income.

How do the travelers attempt to engage with the local culture ethically?

The travelers express a desire to avoid overly commercialized tourist experiences and aim to support the community through respectful interactions, such as participating in local activities like cooking classes.

What did the travelers find interesting about the educational center they visited?

The educational center provided information about the different tribes within the Karen community, including their cultural practices and history.

What observations did the travelers make about the living conditions in the village?

The travelers noted that while the village has a rustic charm, it also shows signs of being influenced by tourism, balancing authenticity with commercial interests.

How did the travelers feel about the commercial aspects of their visit?

They acknowledged the touristy nature of their visit but felt conflicted, as they understood that supporting tourism is a way to help the community.

What is the travelers' plan for the following day after their visit to the village?

The travelers plan to visit Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest mountain in Thailand, as their final destination on the Mae Hong Son Loop.