Across the expanse of northern Thailand are numerous hill
side tribes that migrated from Burma who are collectively referred to as the
Karen. Hillside treks to visit these tribes are undoubtedly the number one
tourist activity and excellent source of local revenue. There are hundreds of
different companies all offer similar packages for varying prices.
My day started with a one hour drive outside of Chiang Mai
to ride elephants, something I resented but sadly took part in. The elephants,
although very well fed, lack any and all freedom as well as respect from the
people that exploit them. All four legs remained chained and connected to a
longer chain unit wrapped several times around its throat. While carrying two
passengers at a time in addition to the unsympathetic ‘driver’ the elephants
slowly trudge through muddy jungle hills and across rivers, while all the while
the ‘drivers’ are shouting at them, pulling on the chains, and smoking while
ashing on the great beasts’ heads. A truly sad sight that makes the entire
experience an unpleasant one.
Next on the agenda is floating down a river on bamboo rafts
with local guides. The long slender rafts held together by vines are steered by
local boys barely in their teens with a single bamboo pole. Somehow they are
able to use this pole to delicately maneuver through the rocky and at times
rapid river, while the passengers fend off low tree branches flying their way.
Visiting the local tribes on a day tour lacks all sense of
adventure or feeling of uniqueness. The village children all run up to the
tourists trying to sell cheap bracelets while the women weave various fabric
products to be sold, just like any poor village in any country. The men supposedly are out hunting in the
jungle, however it seems more plausible that they are in the city hunting for
tourists to sell tours to their homes.
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