Our last two days in Chaing Mai were as fun-filled as the first few. On Sunday, we visited the "long neck" and "big ear" Karen hillside tribes. Although this village can be somewhat controversial, seen as a "human zoo," I thought it was a once in a lifetime experience that I was not going to pass up. On one hand, you are paying to go into the village, essentially the "zoo" aspect of the village - and it is an EXORBITANT amount to go in, 500 baht/person. On the other hand, the average daily wage in Thailand is about 150-180 baht (about $6 USD), and the women of the village can make much more than this very easily, they can sell just one of their handmade items for upwards of 200 baht.
Honestly, the women seemed very happy when we were there, smiling and laughing. The women of the village make the most beautiful hand woven cloth on looms.
We also saw a big ear Karen woman in the village. She was very happy and smiling the whole time.
Big holes in the ear, black teeth. HAPPY :)
After the Karen village, we decided to discover the mountains of Chiang Mai and rode our motorbike around the Samoeng Loop. It's about 55 miles and it took us a little over 3 hours. The mountains of Chiang Mai go for miles and miles and it was such a beautiful scenic ride.
We finished the day by wandering around the Sunday Market, or walking street. The market is held once a week and and the street is closed off entirely to traffic. There is an incredible array of goods sold at the market - many of them handmade, as well as copious amounts of food and drink. There are also street performers aplenty. Definitely a fun experience!
Chiang Mai has definitely found a spot in my heart. I love this city! Next up on the blog: Baanchang Elephant Park!
- Meredith ♡
["Make voyages! Attempt them... there's nothing else." - Tennessee Williams]
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