Hill Tribes Northern Thailand Karen Long Neck Village Chiang Rai

A very exciting morning was spent visiting an area of Northern Thailand where the villages of 5 Hill Tribes have been established, essentially as a tourist attraction.
The Tribes people have been provided with free housing, rice, education for their children and a means to generate income for their families and in return, profit is being generated for the landowners from the tourist dollar.
In all honesty, only 1 or perhaps 2 of the Tribes hold any real intrigue for visitors to the Villages. The Long Neck people and the Big Ear people have modified their bodies so substantially, that it’s certainly worth the 300 baht entrance fee to go and have a look. Walk around to visit the other Tribes to see their costumes, but if you don’t expect too much you won’t leave disappointed.
If you are visiting Chiang Rai, I highly recommend that you take the time to experience the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand.
We hope that you enjoyed watching this video.
Please put any questions that you might have in the comments section below. I will do my best to answer as quickly and as accurately as possible.
Don't forget to click like, subscribe and share with your friends.
We look forward to seeing you back here again very soon.
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Take care
Brad & Ta

[@markroberts5423]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y53JmIqum5Krm6c May answer some questions . I was always told they would die if take rings away. Love your work guys , always enjoy watching.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Mark Thanks for the link. That's from a very popular Thai TV program. The idea of death resulting from removing the rings is a myth. Thanks for your comments. Always happy to hear from you. Take care Brad

[@Jonathan-je9uh]

I'm sure the long necks come in handy somewhere :)

[@Hans12396]

Great video guys , just amazing how you guys show us the beauty of the world. Peace be with you both

[@ebenezercunningham2169]

This video really touched my heart. Thank you.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Kyle It was a wonderful experience for us meeting such great people. Have a great day Brad & Ta

[@henryeverhart-martinez5879]

Can’t wait to visit there myself.

[@wacky6136]

Thank you for showing us their life. May God Bless them.

[@mrkphilippines1194]

I enjoyed watching so amazing this place

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍🙏

[@BRIANMILNER1]

wow I love Thailand and its culture and you show its Best !!

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Brian Thanks so much for your kind words. Take care Brad & Ta

[@yldzcetindede6483]

Wow amazing nice video thank you friends

[@OurLifeThai]

👍🙏

[@cristianliviu7030]

Thank you for video . LIKE .

[@craigsteele8178]

Wonderful footage of Thailand. The people seem so gracious and happy. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍🙏

[@lez6000]

a great video and nice to Ta got to buy some souvenirs from your visit.

[@OurLifeThai]

We loved it there. The ladies that we spoke to were so genuine, extremely heart warming experience.

[@Brancaalice]

They make beautiful cloths.

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍🙏

[@TRADERX1231]

Wow ! Very interesting !

[@OurLifeThai]

So happy that you enjoyed the video

[@dadimai]

Brad and Ta..I was just reviewing some of your coverage,,to make sure I haven't skip any of your vlogs,and Like it..very interesting seeing those women from different part of the world.. Thank you ang more power to both of you

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day We really enjoyed our time their. The ladies that we spoke to seem to be quite content with their lives in the tourism industry. Thanks for watching Take care Brad & Ta

[@summerwood619]

Thank you for sharing this is very informative

[@OurLifeThai]

Our pleasure

[@vinodmathewa5097]

This video was informative , interactive, and interesting......Nice editing....

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Vinod So happy that you enjoyed it. All the best.

[@ZommBleed]

I visited the Long Necks when I was on one of my trips to Chiang Mai in 2016.

[@OurLifeThai]

👍🙏

[@khamthongmanh679]

👍🏻i. Like this Vdo look natural ( from USA)

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😁🙏

[@imranalferdous6350]

They are hardworking people.......👐👐👐

[@tienthanh8663]

I like this video.

[@OurLifeThai]

Thank you for watching.

[@salma2560]

Beautiful video. I took it as a documentary. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful things from sooo far away. (I live in Orlando Florida) XOXO to you an Ta

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Salma Thanks so much for your kind words, very much appreciated. Take care Brad & Ta

[@MrGareth1972]

i went to Chang mai in 1992 . our guide was a mercanary who previously worked for Polpot, the karen tribe were beautifull gentle people, we did notice a slight in breeding issue in the higher villages. best adventure of my life

[@paulB5557]

Hi Brad & Ta.....another great video. Looking out your room I noticed a lot of water on ground...was that rice and are mossies a problem.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Paul Yes, they were rice fields and it's recommended that you keep the sliding door closed at night. We didn't notice that there were any more mossies than usual. Thanks for your question. Have a great day.

[@wachikadilaw]

hello po amazing tribes on thai from #nashville

[@ToonLeighporpeangfarmThailand]

Hi Brad - uneasy viewing for me but watched it to the end buddy. Never seen that leg thing before omg! Nice hat Brad lol. Cheers Leigh.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Leigh I know, talk about serious circulation issues. They do say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I bought the hat in Chinatown, just in case you were wondering.

[@emmap3725]

Oh my, it's very beautiful all the products, I would like to buy all, 💯 natural and handmade

[@yostrussell]

Great video....

[@OurLifeThai]

Thanks Rusty We're so happy that you enjoyed it.

[@Tidergamer789]

Nice video

[@mattmirzapour3508]

Hey mate nice video thanks Can I ask witch city r u living 🙂

[@ONETRAVELERMANOFINDIA]

wow..

[@OurLifeThai]

😁🙏

[@mireyasuccess]

Brad & Ta, Thank you so much for this great video! Very informative, love it! I will be going to Chiang Rai 2 months later. Will definitely visit this place. May I ask, your wife's bangle is very nice. Do you know what their jewelry items are made of? Is it sterling silver or something? and how did you and your wife get there? I can't drive so I do not know if there is a public transport or rent a car with a driver is available. Once again, thank you!

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Jean Thank you so much for your kind words. The jewellery was made from brass. We had a hire car all the time that we were up North. Your hotel should be able to assist you with the best option for getting to and from the Long Neck Village. Thank you for your questions. Take care Brad & Ta

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

dude, this is cool

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😁🙏

[@Solstice4MNM]

I thoroughly enjoyed the video! You and Ta captured some of the depth of character of the people right along with excellent glimpses into their culture. ...Many professional documentaries fail of achieve that. Very, very well done! I have to say that I think Ta has excellent taste in jewelry. The spiral designs she chose are elegant!

[@OurLifeThai]

WOW, thank you so much for your high praise. We felt extremely at ease simply chatting to many of the ladies there. It is an experience that we will long remember. Your feedback is very much appreciated. Take care Brad & Ta

[@ltg.gangachandkaipeng8908]

congratulation Everyone

[@christinawalker3421]

You guys are awesome, such a lovely couple.!!!😊Great video, love the authenticity of it all. Can you please tell me the location, my husband and I would like to visit this village.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Christina Welcome to Our Life Thai Thanks so much for your comments. Here's a google map link for you: www.google.co.th/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enTH754TH754&q=long+neck+village+chiang+rai&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=20051482,99871579,3979&tbm=lcl&ved=0ahUKEwjd48nC6d3WAhXIr48KHbeuAq4QtgMILw&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1&rldoc=1#rlfi=hd:;si:;mv:!1m3!1d517455.3912827949!2d100.20068925276496!3d20.169328474379025!3m2!1i1500!2i829!4f13.1

[@biglala6810]

You know damn well she after the money

[@Oggiwara1]

Great video as always! My experience is that most mattresses in Thailand are harder than any tile floors. 555!

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Svein Yes, most are cheap and hard. A good mattress costs the same as it does back in Australia. Have a great day Brad & Ta

[@Oggiwara1]

Not always expensive. Me and wife was lucky and got one Italian mattress with a approx 3 Centimeter soft overlayer on both sides for 7 000 Bath. But normally you have to pay at least 15 000 - 20 000 Bath and up for a good mattres .

[@chuckwiderstrom8994]

H Brad & Ta,,Thailand sure is an interesting country,hopefully I will get there one day to visit,if I can talk my wife into it ,,and hire you and Ta as our guides,you both know so much

[@OurLifeThai]

Hey Chuck Nice to hear from you. Do you want Ta and I to talk to your wife? :-) You both deserve a vacation. Hope to see you soon. Take care Brad & Ta

[@chuckwiderstrom8994]

Thanks,,, but Im the only one who would be able to change her mind

[@OurLifeThai]

Of course. I was only joking. ;-) Have a great day.

[@wezza60]

We visited the "giraffe"people in Chiang Rai province in October, your video of the girl holding the baby is the same girl we had photos taken with, we wore the semicircle rings that were uncomfortable enough.

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍🙏

[@puglissu8893]

I feel like I am suffocating when I look at them rings!

[@OurLifeThai]

They are beautiful people to talk to.

[@noreply8004]

Me too

[@lilcramouse7035]

God bless my Karen ppl

[@OurLifeThai]

👍🙏

[@mcristyfr]

Hi I just watched your video and I enjoyed it ...... Nice video ! Thanks for it On January 2024 I would like to visit Chiang Rai and visit some Hill Tribes Village .... Can you tell me please how I can go to those villages ? (Akha, long neck , big ears, Lahu, Yao ....) What is the exact adress of the villages ? are they all together in a same place ? or in different places ? Is it posible to go there by public transportation ? do I must take a tour ? if yes, do you have the name of the travel agency ? Thank you for your help and sorry for my bad english lol

[@fraidonhermez1412]

nice se that

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍🙏

[@skayg8784]

Nice video! Recently, similar place has been developed in Pattaya also. #SKayG

[@chriscrookson8524]

Interesting Video Brad! I head back to Mae Chan near Chiang Rai on 3rd October. I'll be settling there after several years of planning. I live in an Akha village and find their culture very interesting. I haven't visited any other Tribal villages yet. Can you tell me where it was that you were please? Thanks Guys!

[@OurLifeThai]

Thanks Chris WOW, less than a month to go. You must be so excited. If you use the following address in Google maps, you should be able to see the name Karen Long Neck in the middle of the map. Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100

[@chriscrookson8524]

Thanks Brad, that's really useful! Just had a binge on your last 4 Vlogs. I thought you'd retired from KZbin but it looks like I hadn't subscribed or accidentally unsubscribed! I am rather clumsy at times 😀 It won't happen again 😂Thanks for helping me stay focused on my plans to return permanently!

[@OurLifeThai]

Great Chris I would hate to lose one of our best customers. ;-)

[@kourtneyjohnson1557]

Are you still in Mae Chan? I just moved here last year

[@trentthai]

Hi, what is the name of this long neck village u visited? I am in chiang rai now and would very much like to pay it a visit. Thx

[@OurLifeThai]

www.longneckkaren.com/

[@ikakau]

Would love to visit Chiang Rai and see the white temple

[@OurLifeThai]

It is certainly worth visiting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faHCXol5qqd1brc

[@johnkennedy7368]

The Blue temple is also amazing, this village was unforgettable i oved it.

[@aussiemark.]

Hi Guy`s, new subscriber Thailand Unplugged put me on to your channel and really enjoying you Vlogs :):)

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Mark Welcome to Our Life Thai Thank you so much for your comments and thank you even more for subscribing. You are so Jaidee. Looking forward to hearing from you often. Take care Brad & Ta

[@Ruffianthystoic]

I really enjoyed the video. #propsmyG

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍🙏

[@Ruffianthystoic]

@@OurLifeThai Stay safe out there with this corona shit my brother. Blessings from Fl

[@OurLifeThai]

Thanks mate, much appreciated. Stay safe & stay strong. Brad & Ta

[@swann747]

1250 baht per night for that room with an antique tv is quite expensive, even with breakfast included. However the information regarding the long neck people is quite interesting. I have been told many of them speak good English as Myanmar was once an English colony. This video would suggest the people interviewed did not.

[@OurLifeThai]

No English and very basic Thai

[@susannorman4483]

Enjoying this. Wish she wasn’t wearing the Superman logo, rather ruins the effect of the beauty of the traditionalists. These women are so beautiful. Are they educated as to the medical problems the rings cause? I’ve heard they agreed to wear less rings. True?

[@magicelkiller]

I wish i could buy one of those purse for my mom those tribes depend mostly on tourism makes me sad thinking how hard covid hit there

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😢😷🙏

[@dedean1925]

Your wife beautiful Lady !

[@OurLifeThai]

Thank you. Yes, I'm extremely lucky.

[@latindrago]

Are you in mayanmar.

[@chosett]

These women are originally from Kayah state in Myanmar/Burma. They are from the Kayan ethnic group and are called Padaung people. During the military rule of Myanmar they crossed the border into Thailand due to conflicts with the government. Nowadays, most of them have returned to their homeland of Myanmar and we can find some of the Padaung women in the Inle Lake area, Mandalay region and even in Bagan and Yangon. The present Myanmar government opened Kayah State for tourism only a few years ago and in 2018, foreign tourists could go inside their villages without special permission. Now, tourism is an important part of their income and a respectful way to improve quality of life for themselves and at the same time, encouraging elders to keep their traditions.

[@OurLifeThai]

👍🙏

[@sabrinamadray1483]

What’s the purpose of the rings looks very uncomfortable

[@axel232...1]

su tradición dice que las mujeres se vuelven mas hermosas con los anillos y a ser sincera si las hace ver mas atractivas pero lo malo es que el estiramiento de su cuello es irreversible algunas los usan desde lo 5 años otras se lo ponen a los 15 máximo a los 18 se lo pueden quitar para limpiarlos

[@Jonathan-je9uh]

5.28 Long neck lady boys 555, trust you to come up with that one lol.

[@OurLifeThai]

Hey Jonathan Just stating the facts. 555 Have a great day Brad & Ta

[@anggahartoto]

I got lost in the village lol (seriously)

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Welcome to Our Life Thai Yes, I can imagine how easily that could happen Thanks for sharing Take care Brad & Ta

[@_kimiadventures]

Ahhh why add the music

[@leoniegaibrown9582]

My question is how do they clean their necks?

[@OurLifeThai]

Good question, but not one that I thought to ask while I was there. I just did a google search, but that didn't reveal anything definitive. One source claims they take off once a year for cleaning, another says every 3 years. Nothing about any regular hygiene practices. You must remember however, that they do live in somewhat primitive conditions and mostly in remote areas. So getting to every spot to clean probably isn't as big a deal for them as it may be for someone of a different culture. Thanks so much for your question. Hope that I've been able to sufficiently answer you it for you. Take care Brad

[@leoniegaibrown9582]

I was always under the impression that if the rings were removed, their necks would just flop as the muscles had not had to work to help hold it up. And what of the bone structure. Intriguing culture.

[@OurLifeThai]

The experts opinions vary, but it would seem that the neck doesn't really grow longer, it's the shoulders that lower from the severe weight of the rings, giving the appearance of the neck lengthening. If the rings were being used to hold up the entire weight of the head, they would have great difficulty even turning their head. But their head can rotate freely above the rings. The neck muscles are therefore still being used to a certain extent. If you watch the video in the link supplied by jaidee subscriber Mark Roberts, you will see a lady taking off her rings and moving her head & neck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y53JmIqum5Krm6c I agree, it is truly fascinating. Thanks for your comments.

[@cheeriosflakes5768]

Looks stressful and uncomfortable?

[@trumpetman3816]

Karen long necks speak a different language then the normal karens

[@chigingshah1824]

They are kayah tribe

[@theycallmeehkaw]

Dang have absolutely no idea what they say and I’m also Karen

[@kevinwalker4124]

That looks painful. I wonder if they have aches and pains from pushing their shoulders down like that.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Kevin Welcome to Our Life Thai I'm given to understand that because they start wearing the rings from such a young age, they become like part of their body. So I guess they would have similar aches and pains that most of us feel. Certainly nothing that would prevent the rings from being worn. Thanks so much for your comments. Take care Brad & Ta

[@kevinwalker4124]

Yes, it looks like they would have to slowly condition their bodies by adding a ring from time to time. I'm wondering if they pay for it when they reach old age.

[@OurLifeThai]

That probably would be the case. We didn't see any elderly "Long Neck" people at the village.

[@nigelbleddfa]

Quality video ruined by unnecessary music tracks. Top class if it were not for this. Still given you a "like" but better if we could hear your voice without distraction.

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Nigel Thanks so much for your feedback. Look forward to hearing from you often. Take care Brad & Ta

[@nigelbleddfa]

Your videos are excellent. You clearly work hard on the technical issues and your content is informative. In fact, your videos are so good that they are probably the best vlogs about Thailand on KZbin. The one about driving in Thailand was positively outstanding. It reflected all my thoughts about what is essential to know before one takes to the roads there. Additionally, you must have worked for hours piecing the dashcam videos together. I would say that it is compulsory viewing for anybody contemplating driving there. My complaint about the backing tracks was well meant. They were spoiling what was otherwise brilliant work.. Had they been like the usual "run of the mill" rubbish that is here I would have passed by without making any comment. Some live in Thailand for a very short period of time and think they know everything about the country. They sometimes give misleading information especially when they talk about visas. Thanks for your understanding. At the very least I will save you some work if you omit a backing track in future. I too have a Thai wife and have driven extensively in Thailand having worked there for about a year as a qualified English teacher. and been on vacation a couple of times every year over a period of twenty years.

[@latindrago]

Oh I thought you are in mayanmar

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day No, we live in Thailand and the village visited was in the Province of Chiang Rai. Thanks for your comment. Take care Brad & Ta

[@susannorman4483]

They are also in Myanmar (Burma) My friend just posted a pic yesterday.

[@yuyuhtoo4795]

We Karen are not originate from China. We’re Mongolian originate from Mongolia. Korean and Karen are Mongolian originate from Mongolia and we’re Mongolian branch. Hmong and Yoa people are originate from China. They’re Padaugh, Karen. I’m Sgaw Karen.

[@user2000ist]

And why do they do it?

[@btsbigbanggot7386]

Hi

[@OurLifeThai]

🙏

[@cilacapoioi9650]

Nang indo pake Kya gitu kyaa kredekkkk

[@earyiela1730]

You shouldn't record them they seem very uncomfortable, I think they didn't want to be on camera.

[@TheRuby47]

They do Not have the same rights as the thai people. No citisanship allowed.most jobs are Not allowed to do.sorry for the bad english

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Welcome to Our Life Thai Thank you for your comments. Take care Brad & Ta

[@MasterPiece-rg7ed]

TheRuby47 because they are not original thai.

[@umayjeong3594]

MasterPiece 1419 many are born in Thailand, they should have citizenship

[@johntaylor3471]

PADANG TRIBE

[@OurLifeThai]

.

[@AllAboutLifeInThailand]

You need better mics. It's too hard to listen to.

[@misstun8324]

This is one of ethnic group from Myanmar not from Thailand .

[@albertjudkowiak4651]

I am really impressed. Good job. Seen similiar material at nieSEZONOWI

[@OurLifeThai]

👍😍😍🙏

[@andysandroidiosgaming797]

looks kind of idyllic

[@theycallmeehkaw]

Can they speak Karen????

[@meemeezong1827]

This Hill tribe village is a staged or part of the act for the elephant park. We were just there in Thailand. We paid extra to include the ox ride to the longneck village. There was nothing up there. Just a few shops with the ladies watching their own shop and they had a few empty wood/shack homes in the background. Nobody lives there. Just another money grab.

[@Rayza82]

I am in Chang Mai and Chang Rai now. I am fascinated by these tribes, minorities, and people of Thailand. But, and a huge BUT, I am reluctant to go on tours and visit any tribes. You see it on tourist posters with elephant bathing and ziplining all over the city. And I have heard that these people are often being exploited, often hardly getting anything from the throngs of tourists that go and LOOK at them. It is a feeling like it is a human zoo especially the ringed necked people. Is there any ethical way to do this or experience this. I really don't want to go on a tour and be forced to buy unnecessary knick knacks. There is a huge feeling of inauthenticity around this that just puts a bad taste in my mouth. I really wanted to learn about the Hmong and Karen tribes and others but I think I won't visit. They are people, it is not a zoo. A few days ago I saw a Hmong 3 year old girl at Doi Suthep Temple forced to dress in traditional clothes and hat by a woman maybe her mother. She sat on the steps of the temple and people were picking her and taking selfies with her and she would ask for money. They were treating her like a toy or a dog. It was really sad and the woman was very mean to her making her sit on the steps and baiting her with potato chips when she was crying. Any thoughts about this?

[@OurLifeThai]

G'Day Raymond The people in this video work in the tourist industry, it's really as simple as that. Everyone that we spoke to seemed very relaxed and very comfortable with their way of life. No one is forcing them to live like that, that's how they earn an income. They are not Thai citizens and have essentially been given asylum to live in Thailand. Very few of them speak Thai. But enough of listening to me, you need to experience for yourself. Take care

[@Rayza82]

*picking her up

[@karentiger5117]

Thai karen lol

[@jocknomore]

Don't want no short neck girl!

[@OurLifeThai]

😲

[@ehkhuthu2736]

here im short neck 😅😅

[@puglissu8893]

I really don't like those rings. Why do they do it. It is 2017. It can't be healthy!

[@OurLifeThai]

They would do it for 2 reasons, tradition and the tourist dollar.

[@premiumaccount4166]

These people are insane. This doesn’t look beautiful, it looks like a torture device. Wonder what they look like if they took off the rings. Wonder if their head would just snap off their neck because it had been depending on the rings for support.