Last Updated on August 29, 2024
A brotherhood of man
Longneck Karen belongs to one of two Karenni subgroups, the Kayan or the Kayaw. They are also called Pa Dong and are refugees who have been living in Thailand since 1985 due to political problems in their country, Myanmar.
They refer to themselves as Kayan, which means they wear brass rings. Kayan is a subgroup of the 10 Karen people group. They were moved to Baan Huai Pu Kaeng as the first village and then split up and moved to another two villages for population reasons.
Two groups of people relocated; one moved to the largest refugee camp at Baan Nai Soi and is now living amongst other refugees from the same tribe. The second group moved to a new tourist location at Baan Huai Seau Tao, which is accessible by road.
So there are 3 villages in total, and they live only as refugees in Mae Hong Son Camp. If you see any other places in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, etc., feel free to visit them. Even though it is against the law to leave and stay outside the camp.
1. Baan Huai Pu Kaeng
[Map: https://goo.gl/maps/NxXB2DsUD3Xr9wUGA]
It is located near the Thai-Myanmar border on the river bank of the Pai River. So, we will visit them by a long-tail boat trip from Baan Huai Dua Tourist Port [Map: https://goo.gl/maps/rATCoTFUrJEsj7ab6] where the boat landing is, and also provide the boat ride along the beautiful Pai River. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the village and another 40 minutes to return to the boat station.
You will have free time to visit this village for about an hour or more. Experiencing the charm and friendliness of an exotic tribe. Visit a village school and contribute some gifts to the children. Go to see their church and live their lifestyle.
You may also visit another bordering small village, Ban Nam Piang Din. Simply take a 20-minute boat ride and pay an additional fee of 200 THB.
How to get and ride the boat
- Drive from town to Huai Dua Boat Port
- Ride the longtail boat to Baan Huai Pu Kaeng
Directions using Google Maps to Huai Dua Boat Port. Please study the route before leaving. It is easy, a distance of 7 km, only 10 minutes—which I pinned begin from Hern Home Restaurant.
The pier has a parking lot for any vehicle. Then you pay the fee and boat fare and get life jackets for everyone free of charge, just return them when you get back. The boat capacity is 6 people for the EU size.
Please note that during the boat ride, a mobile phone signal will not be available. For July–October, please bring a raincoat because the boat does not have a roof.
The river flow has some sections that need to pass through many rocks, and some river banks are deep. Although the rainy season has a lot of water, it is easier to control the boat than in the summer, when the narrow river flow must be used.
To board the boat, line up one person at a time and share the weight for balance by sitting on the left and right sides. The boat will have mats or small chairs for sitting, and you should take off your shoes.
While on the boat, beware that your hat and belongings will flow away. When the boat is stopped, still wait for a signal to get up, then one by one.
For your visit, you can take photos with them, buy souvenirs, local products, hand-woven scarves, or cool drinks. After completing the visit, walk back to the same boat and sail upstream back to Huai Dua Boat Port.
Huai Dua Boat Service
- Boat hour service: 8.00 am–3.00 pm daily
- Boat Capacity: Max 8 people for Asia size or 6 people for EU size.
- Cost: 600 THB to Baan Huai Pu Kaeng and return
- Extra charge: 200 THB to Baan Nam Piang Din and return
NOTE: Rates are subject to change at any time and without notice. We will keep you up-to-date if it’s available.
You may also continue trekking from Baan Huai Pu Kaeng to Baan Nam Piang Din. It takes about 2 hours to walk along the Pai River. Contact us to arrange this half-day trip.
2. Baan Huai Seau Tao
[Map: https://goo.gl/maps/qD5o5Wphq1pPPup28]
This village is for those who would like to spend a shorter time traveling to visit Longneck Karen. Baan Huai Seau Tao is the nearest one to town, and it is a good choice.
It is about 12 kilometers from the town center. You will cross several streams along the local road.
NOTES: There is a stream that runs across the road; you will cross on a concrete overflow weir. But it’s not far—just a 20-minute drive from town.
This village was made for the convenience of budget-friendly Thai tourists coming by van to promote tourism. On the way, there is also an elephant-riding activity. [Currently, all elephants have moved to Chiang Mai.]
The way to Baan Huai Seau Tao
It is also nearby, but it is more convenient to travel by car only, and there is less parking. The road starts to narrow after you drive across the Pai River, so be careful.
After passing the old elephant camp, you will start to drive across concrete spillways 4-5 times that need to be crossed from 12 times in the old days.
Human Zoo?
Many people may see it as a human zoo. It depends on who has any ideas. Everyone is doing it for life and to survive. Open your mind and let’s go sightseeing, and perhaps you’ll be able to inspire them.
My friend is a trekking tour guide, and she frequently starts and ends her treks here. Please contact us for more information on a one-day trekking program with her.
If you consider that visiting these tribal villages is like visiting a human zoo, you still don’t truly understand humanity. Human beings have to struggle by every means to survive.
Visiting them, or at least just saying hello. That is a great encouragement.
3. Baan Nai Soi
[Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Z7iPdeY5MwK92yRr8]
One of three villages located outside of town that can only be reached by truck (4WD). It was Mae Hong Son’s largest longneck karen village, with beautiful scenery from local communities along the road to Baan Nai Soi. Especially in the rainy season when locals are planting rice in the terrace rice fields.
But it’s not recommended that we go because the journey is not convenient. The last 2 kilometers are on a gravel road that has been damaged and has not been maintained. You also have to drive across the creek.
You definitely cannot go by yourself. And because this route is time-consuming and expensive, only a few travel agencies offer it.
This village can connect to a large refugee camp on the border. I have worked with the UNHCR before, and they do not allow you to enter without permission from the Thai government.
Most of the long-necked Karen in this village received asylum and relocated to a third country. As a result, only two villages, as mentioned above, continue to live voluntarily.
Where were the Longneck Karen Tribe from?
Originally, they were farmers in Burma. They had their own homes, villages, and farms, and they lived in peace. They live in the deep jungle, where nobody knows the location.
The long-necked Karen are a sub-tribe of the Karen species in Burma. It has its own spoken and written language and is similar.
Women will begin wearing hoops at the age of 5, starting with 2.5 kilograms and increasing every 5 years until the age of 45, when they will stop increasing the number.
There are two sets of brass rings. The first 5 rings are on the bottom, and the second is about 20–22 rings around the neck. The total brass rings on her body weighed 15 kg, or about 6,000 THB per head.
When she dies, she will bury her body in the ground with a loop around her neck because it is considered private property.
Are Longneck Karen’s necks really long?
Let’s look for the answers and talk about why they did it. If you travel on your own and are interested in seeing them, please pay an entrance fee of 250 THB per person at the tourist service center. This fee supports their daily needs.
You can read her biography early. Get it from wikipedia here.
Tips to support their lives
The people are used to visitors and are happy to pose for photos, but please ask if it is allowed first. It would be good to purchase from their shop in return.
They are often happy to speak to a few visitors to the best of their ability. Please use discretion when it comes to asking personal questions.
Recommended
- Traveling by boat to Baan Huai Pu Kaeng is a good idea. You will appreciate spending time along the Pai River.
- If you’re driving a car to Mae Hong Son on your own and your schedule is too tight, go to Baan Huai Seau Tao and travel by road.
