Meet the Long Neck Karen Women of Thailand

Driving north from Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city, you'll be amazed not only by the region's iconic mountainous landscapes, but also by discovering authentic tribal villages where women with extraordinarily long necks live, affectionately nicknamed the “giraffe women”.

Why are these villages famous in Thai tourism? And what is the fascinating story behind Thailand's female giraffes? Join us to explore the secrets of their history, between culture and mystery.

1. The long neck women of Thailand, who are they?

Female giraffes, recognized for their elongated necks adorned with striking spiral collars, are part of the Kayan ethnic group, originally hailing from Kayah State in Myanmar. In 1990, due to conflict with the Burmese military regime, a faction of this ethnic group sought refuge in Thailand.

Settling in the mountainous regions of northern Thailand, particularly around Mae Hong Son, the Kayans first established their residence in Baan Huai Pu Kaeng. Later, due to demographic considerations, they separated and relocated to two other villages. One faction moved to Baan Nai Soi, while another settled in a new accessible location, Baan Huay Seau Tao.

Today, predominantly in Thailand, one can observe female giraffes, also known as Padaung females. This unique tradition is passed down through generations, not only elongating the neck but also impacting the hands and legs of women.

These women start wearing these necklaces during childhood and renew them for significant life events. Adorning these elongated necklaces, crafted by local artisans, is a distinctive custom. The necklaces, magnificent yet incredibly heavy, sometimes weigh more than 15 kg, encircling their necks.

2. Why do these women need to lengthen their necks?

Despite the controversies surrounding the wearing of these collars, Thailand's female giraffes find profound happiness in this unique cultural practice. Depending on their religious beliefs, young Kayan girls generally perceive this tradition as a form of adornment.

For them, the length of their neck is intricately linked to notions of beauty, family wealth, and power. Alongside their necklaces, they also wear bracelets, but it's their elongated neck that remains the most captivating aspect of their physique.

Another narrative around this practice involves an alleged connection between the ancient Karen people and revered animals like serpents and dragons. According to this belief, they adopt this custom to resemble their forebears. Another explanation suggests that they lengthen their necks in pursuit of an uncommon physical appearance, thought to protect them from human trafficking.
Regardless of the reason, adorning themselves with spiral necklaces has been a deeply entrenched tradition within their culture for decades. Even after migrating to Thailand many years ago, they persist in preserving this tradition.

3. Is it possible for female giraffes to remove their collars?

From the age of 5, girls begin to wear copper necklaces around their necks. These necklaces increase in number every 4 years and remain with the girls for the rest of their lives. They stack atop one another, gradually contributing to the elongation of the girls' necks. Moreover, for wealthier families, girls aged 10 also wear bracelets around their ankles.

Have you ever considered removing these collars? The answer is yes, but it only occurs three times in the lifetime of a woman from the Long Neck Tribe. The first opportunity arises when they get married, the second when they become mothers, and the third when they pass away.

Aside from these special occasions, women consistently wear these necklaces. When it's necessary to clean their necks and the accompanying bracelets, the women of the village gather to immerse them in water infused with herbs.

4. Where can we meet female giraffes in an ethical and responsible manner?

Over time, owing to their uniqueness and striking appearance, the villages of the long-necked women have increasingly welcomed tourists. This provides visitors with a valuable opportunity to explore the life, culture, and traditions of the Kayan tribe. You may encounter young girls and women adorned with metal bracelets wrapped around their necks, arms, knees, and ankles.

During your visit to these villages, you'll also have the chance to discover their distinctive crafts. You can acquire exceptionally fine silk woven by these long-necked women, bags adorned with colorful brocade patterns, as well as unique bracelets. Additionally, you can take photos with the women of these tribes, and we encourage you to support the community by purchasing these Thai souvenirs.

Should you choose to visit these villages, we recommend following these guidelines to enhance your experience:

• Do thorough research beforehand and select a responsible travel company that promotes socially responsible visits. If possible, opt for local guides who can take you to their own villages.
• Ensure your money directly benefits the village rather than third-party companies. If uncertain, insist on giving money to the village chief or support the women by purchasing their handicrafts.
• Don't limit yourself to merely taking photos. Extend your stay to learn more about the locals and hear their stories. Traveling involves building relationships and making connections with people from diverse cultures. Aim to create a mutually enriching relationship with locals by seeking common ground with the individuals you encounter, rather than treating them as mere attractions.

By exploring this place, one can truly appreciate the cultural enrichment that arises from discovering the life and crafts of the long-necked people. However, it's inevitable that some may have concerns about these women becoming tourist attractions, sparking debates about the ethics of this practice and its impact on women's health.

It's important to note that perceptions of this situation may vary from person to person. What's your opinion on this? Feel free to share your viewpoint by leaving a comment!