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Posted by - ® Mark (Admin) on May 31, 2006 at 3:08 pm:
In Reply to: Hill Tribe war posted by jussy on May 31, 2006 at 2:09 pm:
are more likely to be a figurative blast than a literal one! When I visited the Lampon 5 years ago (bought a complete authentic Lampon Karen hill tribe dress strewn with old Burmese coins around the bag for very little $), it was a bit of a trek (on foot to say the least. They only just had electricity come in 3 days before (Thai Royal Family project) – two homes had a light bulb each and they were so proud of them. The village elder pointed at the hill close behind them and told me it was Burma and I could walk up it if I wanted, no problem. I had asked my guide if I should bring anything for the kids, he told me to bring some small packets of cakes; so I brought a back pack full and good job. The kids all lined up and one-by-one did their little hand together thing and said “Kupon Car / Cup” as they got a cake. Which they then quickly ate and hurriedly joined the queue again. I got invited into the leader’s house for tea and everyone sat around. I took pictures and promised to send the guide 20 so he could give them these when he next visited the “village” as most people there never had their own photo taken. They were genuinely some of the nicest people I have ever met and is one of if not my most happy memories of Thailand. The hillside costume I bought from them hangs right here in front of me as I type on the wall, next to my PC desk. The other side I have Balinese ceremonial masks and a wood carving. So going on a hill tribe trek is a good idea IF you are going to somewhere which has not been spoiled (like the long neck Karen who stopped wearing their neck rings years ago and on started again for the benefit of tourist dollars), and if you make sure you are not taking any risks if you are going into the wilds. I was staying in Tha Ton at the Mae Kok River Resort (They run Track of the Tiger Tours, but I just went to the hotel and asked one of the more amenable guides what he would do to see something authentic). One of the best times of my life.
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