We visited the Long Neck Karen and Akha Tribe Village, what an amazing experience to see how these tribes live, and the process of the long necks, and meeting the natives…
The Long Neck Karen refers to a group of women from the Kayan people, an ethnic subgroup of the Karen (or Kareen) ethnic group, who are predominantly found in Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. They are famous for the practice of wearing metal rings around their necks, which elongates them over time. This cultural practice is one of the most well-known and distinctive aspects of the Kayan people.
The tradition of wearing neck rings is believed to have originated as a way to protect women from being captured by invaders, though the reasons vary depending on the source. Over time, it became a cultural practice. The metal rings are gradually added as girls grow older, starting from a young age (often around five years old). As the rings push down the collarbones and elongate the neck, the actual neck itself doesn’t grow longer, but the appearance of lengthening occurs. The practice is also sometimes considered a sign of beauty and femininity in Kayan culture.
It amazes me that they still live like this. However, many of them go to school and eventually leave the villages. Today, many Kayan women are living in refugee camps in Thailand due to ongoing conflict in Myanmar. As a result, some have become a popular tourist attraction, especially in areas like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where visitors can observe the women and learn about their traditions.
There has been some controversy over the commercialization of this tradition. Critics argue that it is sometimes exploited for tourism, and that many of the women and girls don’t have the option to choose their involvement in the practice, particularly in refugee or tourist-based environments.
