Between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai

Just outside of Chiang Rai, we visited the Karen Long Neck Hill tribe, originally refugees from Myanmar now living in Thailand. The women wore silver collars that kept their necks long. There are a lot of controversy surrounding the use of these tribes as tourist attractions. While we don't know who got the money from the tour company for our visit, we did make purchases of scarves woven by these women and hope to help them in some small measure.

On the way to Chiang Mai, we also had lunch at an Orchid Garden with a butterfly conservatory.  The orchids were attractively displayed although limited in terms of variety. There were a lot of butterflies though and you can see some of them below.

We also visited an elephant sanctuary outside of Chiang Mai where we were assured the elephants were humanely treated. There were a lot of interaction with the elephants, especially in the water where some in the group washed and played with the elephants. I just took photos.  :-)

Chiang Mai has a huge night market, selling everything from clothing, housewares, knickknacks, electronics to food of various kinds. Many people just ate as they walk although there were also large areas where you could sit down as in a food court. It was just bustling at night and there were miles and miles of stalls. 

Hill tribe village

Village Houses

 

Long neck women weaving scarves

They started wearing the rings as children

This one is not wearing a collar, not sure if she was from the tribe but the merchandise she was selling were certainly not done locally.

View of the pineapple fields and the mountains beyond from the village

An exotic looking flower

The orchid garden

This one had a damaged wing

The elephants loved the water and were very playful while in the river

Washing each other

This one was very adept with the money

 Street food market

Grilled crocodile meat

Next post: Chiang Mai temples