Karen Villages
We are interested in visiting a Karen Village while in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. We are struggling with the ethical aspects of this, but yet we are interested. Has anyone done this? Is there a village or a tour that you would recommend? Thank you so much.
OP, just see the Karen Village, put aside the ethical part. But do bear in mind that it is tourist oriented not a genuine Karen perse.
There's Karen people everywhere in northern Thailand.
You probably mean the Kayan:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayan_people_(Myanmar)
"Ethical"
That ship sailed during COVID. Many went back to Myanmar. Ain't happening now. Loikwa town has been leveled by artillery and air strikes.
You should go to Mae Hong Son, their defacto homeland. Buy some hand woven scarfs and the wood-carved trinkets the men produce.
Safe travels 🙂
the ONLY karen u will find are refugees from the war next door.
There are no villages u can enter as a tourist
There used to be some Kayan ( long neck) villages outside Mae Hong Son ) but not sure anymore
"the ONLY karen u will find are refugees from the war next door."
No.
Like I already said, there are Karen people all over the north. Many working in tourism.
Mae Yao in Chiang Rai is a Karen village.
Khun Yuam District in MHS is Karen territory.
Many more Karen settlements.
Edited: 1:58 am, May 17, 2025There have been several ethnic groups all over the region - many are stateless and subject to exploitation - circumstances have been described as a "human zoo" With certain groups, like the Long-Neck Karen, being turned into tourist attractions, with limited benefits going back to the communities and raising ethical concerns about the taking advantage of their plight and turning their cultures into tourist commodities.
Quite vague if the OP talks about Karen people, or the the Kayan / longneck tribe. Trekking, homestay, or visit? But if the OP doesn’t clarify then this will remain a fuzzy subject. Ask a clear question, get a good answer. Don’t be shy 🙂
Sorry if I was being vague, I didn't mean to. Yes, I meant the longneck tribe people. Not a home visit, only a day visit.
OK, there is a village in Mae Taeng, not too far from Chiang mai.
https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/mae-taeng-chiang-mai/long-neck-tribe-village/at-P1pmhDNw
But, as said, Many people went back to Myanmar. Thats the best place to visit the original villages. Now a civil war area, sadly.
