There are still tribes of Longnecks in South-East Asia - particularly Burma, but some, like this one, have crossed the border into Thailand. The massive brass rings that they wear around their necks as a sign of beauty do not stretch their necks in any way. Rather, they press down on the shoulder muscles and the ribs thus lowering your shoulders and creating the impression of a long neck. The rings supposedly do not cause any pain (with the exception of the first month or so) and are added on a gradual basis.
Whether you go to see these "tourist attractions" or not - northern Thailand is still worth the trip. There are plenty of opportunities to get a bit further away from the typical beaten track and see more of the natural way of life (had a friend who spent two weeks in a secluded monastery living with monks). I unfortunately did not have the time so had to settle for this. It is true that these tribes now live strictly off of tourism but I think that is partially also the governments fault.
But thank you for your comments, both on this and the other photos.
i've spent more than a year in thailand on and off and i still have not been to that part of thailand. guess the beaches in the south were too much of an attraction for me in the past. i'd be more interested in seeing these women if they were still genuine long necks, however, apparently they're just a tourist attraction now (relying on second hand backpacker info here). i can't get to grips with that, perhaps that's why i've never bothered going up there. of course, putting these rings on our neck isnt something you can do one day and take off the next, this is long term.
its a good photo, but i think it could be a bit sharper.
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