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After leaving Bangkok, we travelled north to Chiang Mai, the largest city of the north. This area used to be very remote and visited by few tourists but is now much more accessible. We travelled to Mae Hong Son (the Siberia of Thailand in the past) on an incredible mountain rows. When we stopped to admire the view, there were several stalls selling lovely patchwork in beautiful bright colours. |
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From Mae Hong Son we travelled to vist the Karen people, going first by river and then by elephant. Many of the people of these Thai hilltribes originate outside Thailand but fled here to escape persecution. They are encouraged by the Thai government (and visting tourists) to keep their traditions and handicrafts. Many of the men are the elephant trainers and the women work in the fields or weave fabrics. |
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Some of the Karen women stretch their necks with rings. The origins of this are lost in the mists of time, but those who have the long necks are regarded as being special. We were there in the cool season, and even then I could see why something which makes it impossible to work in the fields in the heat, however strange, can be seen as a bonus! These women stay at home and they are the ones who weave the wonderful fabrics. |
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These fabrics are made from natural fibres, mainly cotton. The designs on them are traditional. What makes them so amazing is the basic looms which are used and the wonderful shapes and colours in the fabrics. Not only that but they were very cheap - I could have brought home so many of them! |
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Later in the tour we moved on to the infamous Golden Triangle, a major producer until recently of the opium for which this region was famous. On the way we visited other hilltribes and saw other crafts. This group came from China and produced these lovely embroidered cushion covers. The revenue from these helps to compensate them for being forbidden from producing opium. |
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