Hilltribe Villages
Hilltribe Villages
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
345 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
99
Average
75
Poor
33
Terrible
52
Sara Clabassi
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Let’s say that we where not sure about the ethical choice to visit this village, especially since there are a lot of different points of view about the matter. At the end we decided to go, spend some time with them and see ourselves. They are amazing, we tried to speak with them and play with the kids a little bit. We bought also a couple of handmade scarves.
One of them show me the bruises around then neck because I was say how heavy was it. ( they i think everything is pretty real)
Overall was an amazing experience especially since their condition as refugees does not allow them to have a choice, but at least they can afford in this way to live with dignity.
I just want to answer to all the people said this is a Zoo , this isn’t a zoo , is how you treat them not the opposite way around , of course if you go there take them a pic without ask them permission (I saw this today a lot ) you treat them like animal, but if you take a pic with them and give them same money for say thanks and show some respect, you treat them like a equal human been. They are more like to be there then in prison and they know that. Then be respectful and try to help if you can.
PS THE TICKET FOR HELP THE VILLAGE IS 300 BTH ,8€ ,£7
A small donation just to help this village I don’t think is a rape off !!
One of them show me the bruises around then neck because I was say how heavy was it. ( they i think everything is pretty real)
Overall was an amazing experience especially since their condition as refugees does not allow them to have a choice, but at least they can afford in this way to live with dignity.
I just want to answer to all the people said this is a Zoo , this isn’t a zoo , is how you treat them not the opposite way around , of course if you go there take them a pic without ask them permission (I saw this today a lot ) you treat them like animal, but if you take a pic with them and give them same money for say thanks and show some respect, you treat them like a equal human been. They are more like to be there then in prison and they know that. Then be respectful and try to help if you can.
PS THE TICKET FOR HELP THE VILLAGE IS 300 BTH ,8€ ,£7
A small donation just to help this village I don’t think is a rape off !!
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nashboroguy
Zhangjiagang, China292 contributions
Jan 2020
While some call this a human zoo, and others claim it to be a tourist trap, I find it neither. These people are refugees from other surrounding countries like China and Laos. Thailand has provided this land for them to develop and live on. Tourism is the main source of income and they have developed it well. It is educational, as well as a relaxation center away from the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai. The people are not pushy in the market, They are extremely friendly, willing to share their smiles for your photos, and talk with you about their life there. It is also a great place to make you find your blessing of being born in a country where you have opportunities that these people do not. I highly recommend a visit here. If you are trying to decide between this ethnic site and the one in Chiang Rai, CHOOSE THIS ONE.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tdennis06
Seattle, WA24 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
If your tour guide recommends a trip to the Karen tribe 'village' near town, you are in for a SCAM.I don't know who owns this 'village", but they are raking in the cash. Shame on them for turning these Burmese women into a dog and pony show. You will pay a ridiculous 500 baht price to see exactly what you see in the night market for FREE. I am so angry, and if I can prevent one traveler from my mistake, I will sleep better.
Written July 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barbieowh
Bangkok, Thailand5 contributions
Apr 2011
Ban Lorcha is a traditional Akha Village which is rare because many of the tribal villages - especially those that are easily accessible have been converted to other religions. Tourism activities at this village is managed by villagers themselves. What I like most about this village is that I learned a lot of things about this tribal group - something that I cannot say when I visited other tribal villages.
A modest entrance fee of 80 Baht was well worth the expense - especially when compared to the 250 to 500 Baht fee charged by the management of the Long Neck Karen village. At Ban Lorcha, I could take as much photos as I wanted. Villagers were very accommodating probably because we tourists already paid our dues at the entrance.
Information boards were posted at places of interest so that we could read about what we were seeing. A village chaperone who did not speak a word of English took us around. Even if she did not speak English, we felt comfortable having her around because she made us feel that we were guests of the village.
What I likes most about Ban Lorcha was that none of the villagers harassed me with aggressive sales pitches. I believe that more villages should be like Ban Lorcha.
Ban Lorcha is located between Mae Chan and Thaton (Chiang Mai). You can find out more about Ban Lorcha from PDA - Chiang Rai (www.pdacr.org).
A modest entrance fee of 80 Baht was well worth the expense - especially when compared to the 250 to 500 Baht fee charged by the management of the Long Neck Karen village. At Ban Lorcha, I could take as much photos as I wanted. Villagers were very accommodating probably because we tourists already paid our dues at the entrance.
Information boards were posted at places of interest so that we could read about what we were seeing. A village chaperone who did not speak a word of English took us around. Even if she did not speak English, we felt comfortable having her around because she made us feel that we were guests of the village.
What I likes most about Ban Lorcha was that none of the villagers harassed me with aggressive sales pitches. I believe that more villages should be like Ban Lorcha.
Ban Lorcha is located between Mae Chan and Thaton (Chiang Mai). You can find out more about Ban Lorcha from PDA - Chiang Rai (www.pdacr.org).
Written April 12, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby82_10
Toronto, Canada125 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
Our visit to the Karen Hilltribe Village was a perfect example of what can happen when I don't do my research beforehand. One of the issues may have been that I expected something completely different from what we found at the hilltribe village. My husband has visited tribal villages in Peru before and we were hoping to get a glimpse of how the Karen live as well as learn about their daily activities and traditions. Our driver suggested a stop here on our way to the Doi Suthep temple so I assumed this village was located outside the city up in the mountains. I was puzzled to see this village being located directly behind the Tiger Kingdom. When we got there, there were already two tour buses parked outside. The first shock came when we saw the THB 500 admission fee per person. Still not knowing what we were in for, we paid it. Once you enter the village, you see a row of market stalls selling essentially the same merchandise that you can find at the night market. When we ventured off the "tourist path" a little bit to look at the residential houses, they started shouting at us. Basically, we saw the village within 15 minutes and we left. I felt bad for the inhabitants because the village had a bit of a "human zoo" vibe. I felt even more guilty for visiting after coming back and reading some of the other reviews who pointed out that these people are Burmese refugees who are being exploited by this whole set-up.
So in the end, I don't want to dissuade anyone from visiting, you just have to know what to expect. The educational value is zero and it does feel like a tourist trap. If you want to just "see" Karen people and browse through some of their merchandise, this is good enough. It's just not quite my thing.
So in the end, I don't want to dissuade anyone from visiting, you just have to know what to expect. The educational value is zero and it does feel like a tourist trap. If you want to just "see" Karen people and browse through some of their merchandise, this is good enough. It's just not quite my thing.
Written June 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RASchiffman
Raleigh, NC4 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We hired Peung (Pornpimon Puntiya) as a driver and her SUV for the day to visit the Hill Tribe Village. The price for the day was very reasonable. Peung used to be a tourist guide and still maintains her license. She came well prepared with water bottles and umbrellas for us. She is upbeat, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Chiang Mai and its tourist attractions. She pointed out many local features along the way. At the village, she accompanied us explaining things and providing information. She knew the people in the village. She even bought food for us, one of them my absolute favorite - sticky rice with beans stuffed in a bamboo. She was our driver-guide for two days, also visiting Baan Tawai wood carving village, silk factory and Bo Sang umbrella factory. We highly recommend Peung (poon) as a driver-guide when visiting the Chiang Mai area. Her contact information is:
66-819606426 / 66-898549684
peung02@yahoo.com
66-819606426 / 66-898549684
peung02@yahoo.com
Written February 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuliaHubbel
Eugene, OR837 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
This is indeed a commercialized representation of life in a hilltribe village. This is a very private people. They are offering a representation of their life. They hardly want tourists to go tramping regularly through their real villages, dropping coke cans in their real back yards, going to the bathroom in their real bushes out the back. Really? This is a most shy community to foreigners which is doing its level best to provide an income by allowing us a glimpse into their lives. To complain about this as some of these reviewers do is to show a complete lack of empathy and understanding about who they are, where they've come from and their culture. I loved my visit, understood the limitations, and recognized the desire for privacy. There are lot of American Indians who feel precisely the same way about their culture. They have a reason to want to protect it.
This is for education only. You want the real thing, then pay for a home stay way way way in the outback up in the north of Vietnam. I highly recommend it. That's not cheap either. But you really will meet the villagers- still, only those willing to meet and entertain foreigners. These folks have been hounded and abused. Tourist dollars are a big part of how they pay for education for their kids.
Alexander v mentioned the Long Neck village in the mountains. It's great. But keep in mind, these textiles and bags and their requests that you pay for their photos are how they get by. Have a little regard for a culture, folks. Just a little.
Apologize to all, Tiger Kingdom ate my whole batterty supply. No photos. Videos sure eat up battery life.
This is for education only. You want the real thing, then pay for a home stay way way way in the outback up in the north of Vietnam. I highly recommend it. That's not cheap either. But you really will meet the villagers- still, only those willing to meet and entertain foreigners. These folks have been hounded and abused. Tourist dollars are a big part of how they pay for education for their kids.
Alexander v mentioned the Long Neck village in the mountains. It's great. But keep in mind, these textiles and bags and their requests that you pay for their photos are how they get by. Have a little regard for a culture, folks. Just a little.
Apologize to all, Tiger Kingdom ate my whole batterty supply. No photos. Videos sure eat up battery life.
Written May 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niobe B
Chamonix, France513 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
I did an incredible amount of research online before I decided to spend my money because so many of these tour operators (especially out of Chiang Mai) don't pay the very hill tribe people you are going to see. The only money they receive is from the handicraft goods you buy directly from them. If you want a true authentic experience (and have an open mind using outhouses, eating strange food and don't freak about bugs) then I suggest going directly to www.hilltribeguide.com (NOT THIS ATTRACTION) where hill tribe community based volunteerism and home stays benefit the people directly and they strive to preserve the very cultural experience you want to see. This is a NGO based in Chiang Rai and the money earned goes back into the community to pay for preservation of the villages, fund marketing for outside volunteerism, teach new guides and help teach these beautiful people how to operate a sustainable tourism model stressing the importance of retaining their cultural heritage. Somsak, the director is Akha and has been working with the villages in the Mae Yao district for over 10 years. Tours as well as home stays may be arranged where you will learn how the Akha hill tribe people truly live. Learn how they use forest plants for medicinal purposes, what crops they farm, see their beautiful embroidery and handicraft, go fishing in the local streams with a bamboo pole, and learn about the local festivals and traditions. They love children too! It can be an experience of a lifetime. Do keep in mind, there is a large component that does go to transportation but you should always ask how the money you are spending for this cultural experience will benefit the people.
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AussieWestCoasters
Perth, Australia239 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
A tuk tuk driver who showed us around Chiang Mai talked us into going there. We paid the 500 Baht each entrance fee as he assured us it is worth the money. I do not know where the money goes but do the maths. There were about 20 other couples there in the 20 minutes we spent there. Let’s say only 100 couples a day visit. This gives them an income of 100,000 Baht (Aus $4,000/day = $28,000 per week) – Not bad for a group that has no expenses to deduct from this but has the income from their sales on top.
It’s just a row of market stalls in which about a dozen of the women and children, selling standard Thai market goods, have rings around their necks. It takes 10 minutes to walk through it, there is no communication and if you want to photograph them you are made to feel obliged to tip them extra or to buy their market goods.
After walking through the stalls we decided to wander down the track which has their shanty town type houses. There wasn’t a “no entry” sign or anything and the locals saw us entering and showed no objection. Well we were about 40 or 50 metres in and we were attacked by 3 savage dogs, one biting my wife on the thigh (fortunately not penetrating her Levi shorts). I am used to dogs and managed to stop their attack by confronting them aggressively. No-one came to our assistance.
Aside from all this we felt this is a disgusting way to treat women and should be stopped.
It’s just a row of market stalls in which about a dozen of the women and children, selling standard Thai market goods, have rings around their necks. It takes 10 minutes to walk through it, there is no communication and if you want to photograph them you are made to feel obliged to tip them extra or to buy their market goods.
After walking through the stalls we decided to wander down the track which has their shanty town type houses. There wasn’t a “no entry” sign or anything and the locals saw us entering and showed no objection. Well we were about 40 or 50 metres in and we were attacked by 3 savage dogs, one biting my wife on the thigh (fortunately not penetrating her Levi shorts). I am used to dogs and managed to stop their attack by confronting them aggressively. No-one came to our assistance.
Aside from all this we felt this is a disgusting way to treat women and should be stopped.
Written October 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheHotelTesters
Basel, Switzerland42 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We went to the Karen longneck village on our route from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle. It was an absolutely uncomfortable experience! At first we seemed to be the only people visiting the village, which was very awkward because the whole villages attention was on us. After having paid 500 baht, they let us walk through the village. But it's not a real village where people live, it is a commercial tourist market where they sell their stuff (same stuff like in every other market in thailand). Throughout the whole time we reeally felt uncomfortable, we felt like we couln't just look aroung but HAD to buy something (even though we already paid a massive entry fee). It was really awkward to even look at - not to mention to take a picture of - the longneck woman as they sat in their stalls like in a zoo! Fortunately a bigger party-student group arrived in the meanwhile, so they focused more on them. We left after about 15 minutes and felt a big reliev when exiting the village. It is an absolutely embarrassing and mortifying experience, it isn't real at all but more a show for tourists.
Besides, be prepared that toilets there are only a stinky hole in the ground which you flush with a bucket of water.
Besides, be prepared that toilets there are only a stinky hole in the ground which you flush with a bucket of water.
Written October 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlos Eduardo M
Petropolis, RJ
Every time I travel abroad and take too much pictures, I like to go to Google Earth and mark a "yellow pin" on each place I had been. In Thailand I went to many temples, night markets, elephant camps, etc.... I went also to a hill tribe village, the same you have marked a photo with an old long neck woman. Well, I could not find it ( that specific hill tribe * ) on Google Earth and my photograph machine doesn't has a built in GPS. Well, could you help me ?
If your machine have a built in GPS , coordinates are in file properties ( EXIF ). Did you use a cell phone to take pictures ?
(*) Ban Huay Pa Rai Hill Tribe Village
I'll be very gratefull for your answer e double gratefull for GPS coordinates.
P.S.: Forgive my beginner english......
Carlos Marinho
Written November 13, 2016
Hi Carlos!
Google map search Long Neck Karen
LAT 20:4:56.139999
LON 99:51:16.71999
Cheers, Roger in Melbourne, Australia
Written November 14, 2016
Hi ,
Would be greatly appreciated for some upto date info , on an overnight traditional hilltribe stay , the best way to go about booking this ? . Ty.
Written October 16, 2016
Have to agree with the earlier posts.Don't waste your money on a stay apart from all mentioned they are very quietly spoken & not giving of a lot of information.The aim is to sell merchandise and give a glimpse of a past life that's it.
Written October 18, 2016
when is the best to find deals for jan, feb and march of 2016?
Written November 9, 2015
Hi. Feb/March would be slightly cheaper than January. Thailand is a country rich in culture and relatively cost effective. You will have a great time anywhere in this country and of course the shopping is always fun..
Written November 10, 2015
I'm so interested about your review on Chiangmai Villagers. I would like to know how did you get to the village or community? by public bus or travel agency bus. How much did you spent and how many hours from Chiangmai city to the villagers hills? Many Thanks.
Written October 11, 2015
I was at the Hilltribe Villages last Monday, 11/2/2015. I hired a private car (driver/somewhat guide) to take me there. It's located right near the elephant camp and Tiger Kingdom area, approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour from downtown Chiang Mai. Admission to the Hilltribe Villages is normally 500 Baht. I (single) paid 1500 Baht including the admission fee.
Written November 9, 2015
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