Chiang Mai#11 Chiangrai Hill Tribe Village

Black = Beauty

After the buffet lunch, we headed to the village of the Long Necked Karens and Akha hill tribes.
The Long Necked Karens***** are from Myanmar who came refuge to Thailand many years ago. Till now, these hill tribes in Chiang Rai are not Thai citizens yet, and they have to stay within 50km radius in their village.

The myth as to reasons why Karens wear these brass rings: 1) to prevent tigers from biting them 2) a long neck symbolizes beauty 3) the ring identifies the Karens, so they wouldn't be taken by other tribes. Whatever it might be, their village have become a tourist spot all these years, and mainly this is their income source. Hope they are living comfortably with this much commercial influences.

Female Karens may wear these rings from the age of four and a new ring will be added every four years. The children have rights to choose not to wear the rings as well and they can choose to go to school or stay in the village.

The beautiful Karen Twins in the tribe : Maria & Marina

Lucky P&A has the chance to take photo together with most beautiful young Marina

Zoom into the ear of this Karen, Big eared Karen

Does she looks familiar to you all?
Yes, she owns the most brass ring, 27 rings!
And when you watch National Geographic show of this Karen Village, you will surely see her.

Happy kids playing wrestling..

what kind of post is this??

Haha, this post made all the Karen laugh hysterically...

Chiang Mai#8 Chiang Rai Hot Spring & White Temple

A full day trip to Chiang Rai Hot Spring - White Temple - Golden Triangle - Mae Sai (northern most of Thailand) - Chiang Rai Hill Tribe village. The tour package costs 1000baht per person, which we booked from our hotel. It will be a long journey ahead as Chiang Rai is about 5 hours car ride from Chiang Mai. 

First stop at the hot spring* of Chiang Rai, which is a rest stop for toilet break and some foot relaxation. There is a hot spring pool which records at almost 100°C. Perfect for boiling some quail eggs for breakfast?

Second stop --> White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)***** This beautiful temple is very unique and modern. There is a bridge that leads to the entrance of the temple. It signifies one walking from the hell crossing the bridge to the heaven. Tourists are advised not to look back or turn back once you're walking upwards as you will not want to go back to HELL.

There is mural painting on the walls inside the temple which is very funny and carries a modern touch of conveying the Buddha's story. There are paintings of Doraemon, Ultraman, Matrix, Tomb Raider, Batman & Joker, Michael Jackson and even Sailormoon (actually so much more superheroes in there). These superheroes are fighting the evils to get to the heaven.


This is the most special temple we've seen so far in Thailand as it is entirely in white color (symbolizing purity) instead of gold. And it has the most modern touch of contemporary style and sci-fi figures and superheros! Good one =)