Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai: Long Neck Village & Temples Review

If you’re thinking about Thailand, Northern Thailand specifically offers, like, a different vibe than the beaches down south. So, think mountains, cooler air, and some super cool cultural experiences. Very, many folks who visit this area make a point of visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. People typically do this trip because it gives you, that glimpse into local life and a chance to witness some truly unique spots, right?

Discovering Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, almost, it’s arguably the largest city in Northern Thailand. Actually, it’s basically known for its awesome temples (or “wats”), rich history, and that super chill atmosphere. Typically, if you wander around the Old City, you’ll see ancient walls and moats, telling, like, stories of a long-gone kingdom, wouldn’t you say?

So, many tourists find themselves exploring famous temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a mountain overlooking the city. Apparently, getting there can be part of the adventure, like up winding roads. That makes you breathe the refreshing mountain air, right? Anyway, many folks consider Wat Chedi Luang to be found inside the old city walls. Seemingly, that’s basically this really cool ruin that provides a look into the city’s past, sort of?

That is to say, Chiang Mai, more or less, it offers this totally wonderful blend of history and culture, but Chiang Rai, well Chiang Rai provides almost, like, a different set of experiences all its own, usually.

Journey to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai tends to be a bit more laid-back than Chiang Mai, anyway. Now, the city it is often used as a base to explore some really unforgettable sites. Actually, a great deal of tourists visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) known as one of the spots you’ll probably want to photograph. As a matter of fact, Wat Rong Khun looks like it comes from some sort of fairy tale with its shiny white exterior and super elaborate carvings. That is pretty unique. The interesting side is, so many visitors appreciate, like, its unconventional take on temple style, isn’t it so?

Another place you’ll like in Chiang Rai is the Black House (Baan Dam Museum). Almost, Wat Rong Khun represents, you know, Heaven. The Black House shows quite a contrast. So, artists created, well, the museum showcases that different, darker side of life, sort of?

Visiting the Long Neck Village

Likely, a memorable and thought-provoking experience many travellers enjoy in this area, typically involves going to one of the Long Neck villages. Arguably, these communities mostly consist of women from the Karen tribe, originating from Myanmar. As I was saying, it is customary for them to wear brass coils around their necks.

Anyway, you may find that over time, so the weight of the rings gives the appearance of a lengthened neck. More or less, so many visitors find the sight remarkable, but arguably the experience can spark some internal conversations, don’t you think?

Actually, it’s necessary that you approach the village visit with, say, respect and understanding. So, learn a little bit about the Karen people, their history, and why they, as a matter of fact, continue this practice. As a matter of fact, keep in mind the folks there aren’t tourist attractions. They are human beings trying to maintain traditions while making living too, I’m convinced.

For instance, when buying handicrafts, so consider it to be direct support for their community, in some respects. Anyway, this can, actually, turn your visit into a cultural exchange, rather than just something for tourists to observe, right?

Ethical Considerations and Responsible Tourism

Visiting these regions of Northern Thailand can, too, give you memories to treasure for years, that I know, alright. Still, one thing so many responsible travellers remember, like the idea that ethical travel is very important when visiting cultural communities.

So, for instance, confirm that your tour company promotes, actually, fair practices. I mean the profits that, of course, help the villages directly. Basically, be super careful about, maybe, taking photos, basically, respect the locals’ wishes, that if they would instead prefer to stay away from photographs, okay. In other words, respecting their privacy. Right?

For example, so support businesses, in effect, that contribute in preservation of the environment, or maybe preserving culture. Honestly, we’ll have those tourist experiences to make our world a bit better in the process, not cause harm or disruption to their way of living, that’s for sure!

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

If you decide, almost, to make this visit, alright then here are some practical things for planning a trip.

To begin with, now when’s the most comfortable weather up there? To be honest, try visiting somewhere between November to February, as a matter of fact, the weather is fairly cool and it does not get so wet there either. Very, the heat rises dramatically starting in March, usually. You’ll often find it hot until the monsoon season gets to Chiang Mai, like starting around June. This weather pattern might shift just a tad each year, but that tends to be the usual pattern for Northern Thailand, mostly.

Anyway, consider whether to do the tour to both cities in one go or in separate outings? Still, it will often depend on, basically, your available time. Often, you’ll want a minimum of three days for Chiang Mai, but if, say, you truly intend to check out multiple sites you might need like four days total? Chiang Rai doesn’t usually need that much. Right? Basically, many people decide to take a day trip for the touristy spots. Other people actually take like one or two evenings there too. Still, a two day and one night experience is just a bit of downtime.

So, when moving between locations? Well, in a way, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are fairly far apart. Basically, it’s gonna take several hours to travel, if you are in between, like on a bus or renting a private car. Very, taking a local bus from Chiang Mai arcade Bus Station will usually mean you will travel at affordable fares and take, like, three to four hours.

Another thing to consider; So, for the outfits to pack on this adventure? In other words, dressing appropriately. Since these places, almost, are temples and also many different religious locations, it is wise that, say, you choose to wear respectfully modest clothes to these places of interest. Just a little tip, avoid something too skimpy and see if the pants or skirts can cover past the knees.

To put it simply, you’re probably going to be in for a lot of sunshine, especially if that’s in the warmer months! As a matter of fact, carrying, actually, some sunscreen to protect that skin is also a good idea, almost. In the same way, if you are going when its rains, be prepared to bring waterproofs, that is obvious though. Right?

For instance, so respect is everything with cultural exchange at Long Neck Village. Or even just visiting places. You can learn stuff but without being overly intrusive in their communities, that would not go amiss at all!

Consider it, I promise your trip up north here in Thailand may provide many memorable moments from any temple visit, and particularly the Long Neck village cultural moments. Also with respectful practice in ethical touring! Well that tends to improve things even more for folks locally!