Baan Tong Luang

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About Baan Tong Luang

The journey begins with a unique experience of traveling in a buffalo cart around a village composed of small bamboo houses. The sight of a satellite dish on a 10-12 square foot cottage is a peculiar blend of traditional and modern life. The village is a place where one can learn and interact with the hill tribes. The locals are friendly and welcoming, eager to share their culture and lifestyle with visitors. They are happy to show their homes and share their fruits, offering a glimpse into their daily lives.

One of the tribes that can be encountered here is the Karen Hill Tribe. Some members of this tribe have relocated to this location to be closer to the city, which provides better access to medical care. In the mountains, they rely on herbs for healing, but proximity to the city offers more advanced medical options. Another significant advantage of this relocation is the opportunity for the children of the hill tribes to attend school and receive an education.

The village charges an entrance fee, which does not go directly to the tribes. However, the tribes live on the land rent-free, and the money they earn from selling their handmade goods is theirs to keep. The compound also provides free transportation for the children to get to and from school, which is 15km away. The tribespeople are skilled artisans, producing beautiful items through weaving, painting, wood carving, and sewing. The money from these sales goes directly into their pockets, contributing to their livelihood.

However, the village has also been criticized for its treatment of the Long Neck Karen tribe. The practice of placing rings on the necks of young girls to create the illusion of a longer neck has been deemed as abusive and exploitative. The authenticity of the village has also been questioned, with claims that the goods sold are not genuinely made by the tribes but are bought from town.

Despite these criticisms, some visitors find value in the experience. They argue that the village provides a convenient way for tourists to experience the cultures of the hill tribes without having to travel to remote locations. They also point out that the traditional way of life of the hill tribes is rapidly disappearing, and the village offers a glimpse into these fading cultures.

The village has been described as a replica of a traditional hill village, built by the government as a place where the hill tribes can earn money from tourism. The tribes rotate their stay in the village, spending a month or so at a time before returning to their own villages. The entrance fee is said to support the tribes, and the handicrafts sold are genuine and reasonably priced.

However, some visitors have expressed disappointment with the experience, describing it as staged and a waste of time. They argue that the village feels like exploitation of both the tribespeople and the tourists. They suggest that the experience lacks authenticity and realism, and that it is more akin to a tourist trap than a genuine cultural experience.

In conclusion, the village offers a unique opportunity to interact with the hill tribes and learn about their cultures. However, it is not without its controversies and criticisms. Visitors are encouraged to approach the experience with an open mind and a respectful attitude towards the tribespeople and their way of life.