• Home
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • Spain
      • France
      • Portugal
      • Iceland
      • The Netherlands
    • North America
      • Canada
      • USA
        • Delaware
        • Florida
        • Kentucky
        • Louisiana
        • Maryland
        • North Carolina
        • South Carolina
        • Texas
        • Utah
        • West Virginia
    • Central America
      • Guatemala
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • Panama
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Cambodia
    • Israel
    • South America
      • Peru
    • Middle East
      • United Arab Emirates
  • Tips & Articles
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Disney
  • Travel Planning
  • Search
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Fvie-Family-Adventurers-Logo

  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • Spain
      • France
      • Portugal
      • Iceland
      • The Netherlands
    • North America
      • Canada
      • USA
        • Delaware
        • Florida
        • Kentucky
        • Louisiana
        • Maryland
        • North Carolina
        • South Carolina
        • Texas
        • Utah
        • West Virginia
    • Central America
      • Guatemala
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • Panama
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Cambodia
    • Israel
    • South America
      • Peru
    • Middle East
      • United Arab Emirates
  • Tips & Articles
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Disney
  • Travel Planning
  • Search

Moonsoon Afternoon Among the Karen Tribe: A Featured Post

Thailand Hill Tribes

October 27, 2018 //  by Five Family Adventurers//  20 Comments

       

This post is featured on:

One Bag Vagabond


One Bag Vagabond, an e-commerce travel gear company, asked me to write an article that fit their theme. They are a company that believes in minimalist travel, leaving your comforts at home, and going out to explore the world. One Bag Vagabond believes in supports exploration, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures. My article highlights just that.

Visiting a Karen Tribe, Thailand

We drove two hours, deep into the jungle, of northern Thailand to visit the Karen Tribe. The roads were unpaved. Potholes deep and full of water. It was monsoon season and the periodic rains were heavy. We watched out the window thick jungle passed by and occasionally saw water buffalo sitting in small ponds. Our guide, Anan, explained a bit about the tribe we were about to visit. It was his own tribe; when not working for the tour company, he farms rice.

water buffalo in a pond - One Bag Vagabond

We hiredĀ Thailand Hilltribe HolidaysĀ forĀ a private tour of the different hill tribes of Thailand.Ā 1day authentic hill tribe tour.

We chose this organization because they ensure the tribes benefit from tourism, working at the local level, allowing visitors to interact in an ethical and responsible manner with the tribes.Ā Anan and a driver picked us up at our hotel in the morning and gave us an in-depth explanation of the different tribes and their way of life. Using a 4×4, we made our way up north for what felt like forever.

Bamboo Huts and Monsoon Rains

As we approached the Karen village, the first thing the kids noticed was the animals living under the homes raised up on bamboo stilts. Each family had buffalo, pigs, and chickens right under their living quarters. Motorcycles were parked in the same area as the animals.

visiting a Karen village - one bag vagabond

We were taken into the home of one of the village elders and shown the sleeping quarters and the living area. It was a very basic two-room home, with bamboo walls, woven mats on the floor, and a thatched roof above. The roof was high and gave the impression of a larger room. As we’re about to leave, the monsoon rains kicked in with fierce winds and a downpour. The dirt from the paths turned into fast flowing streams of mud. It was apparent the rains were there for a bit and we were stuck in the hut to wait out the weather. We sat in silence as the kids looked out the holes in the walls, watching the rains drive the mud throughout the walkway. The Karen elder offered us honey in a cup.

Karen tribe water kettle - One bag vagabond

Through Anan, he explained that he had harvested it himself. The honey poured like syrup and tasted of fresh flowers from the jungle. I had never tasted honey like it and wished I could bottle it with a never-ending supply to bring home. The Karen elder then showed usĀ how to eat fermented tea leaves, by putting salt on top of the leaf then chewing it for a bit to elicit the bitter taste before swallowing. We sat on the woven mats listening to the rains hit the thatched roof in complete silence for a bit. Anan quietly spoke with the elder and the kids continued to watch the animals go about their business. The moment was so relaxing; nothing to take away our attention, just silence and the consistent patter of rain hitting the roof.

 

Anan and the Village elder - one bag vagabond

Once the rains let up, we traveled along the village’s dirty (and now mud) path a bit more, learning about their way of life, saw their rice patties as strolled up the dirt roads. The village received electricity about two years before our visit. Ā Most of the time, it didn’t work. The village was filled with non-descript dogs, running in and out of huts, keeping watch of homes. One puppy followed us, looking for a bit of attention, but we warned our kids that most dogs are not vaccinated in Thailand and rabies is an issue in the country.

 

Karen village and Anan - One Bag Vagabond

We walked a bit more learning about the farming village when our kids decided they needed the bathroom. They were shown the ā€œouthouse.ā€ There, they discovered a squat toilet for the first time and using a bucket of water to flush the toilet. While they talked about it for a while, there was a lesson: that not all homes have ā€œmodernā€ conveniences we take for granted, like plumbing and electricity.

We piled back into the van, threw our daypack on the floor, much like One Bag VagabondĀ Adventure One 50LĀ pack andĀ headed out on the unpaved, water-filled pothole road. The same one we came drove on to begin our adventure. We had learned a lot this day. Ā It was the bamboo huts, the mudĀ floors, the women with heavy rings stretching their necks and the squat toilets that made the kids appreciate that not everyone lives with the conveniences of the modern world, nor does everyone want to live with the modern conveniences.

With new memories, experiences, new tastes, and an appreciation for how traditions are kept among tribal Thailand, we drove back to Chiang Mai. Ā Our adventure will stay with us throughout our lives, having opened our eyes to other cultures and traditions. Through it, our children have gained a better appreciation of our global society and the world we share.

Find your backpacks and travel gear atĀ One Bag Vagabond,Ā alwaysĀ supporting minimalists in travelingĀ far and wide.

 

Anan and elder - One bag Vagabond

Thailand Hill Tribes


       
Tweet
Pin75
Share8
Share
83 Shares

Category: Chiang Mai, Thailand, Tips & Articles, Uncategorized

About Five Family Adventurers

I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives.

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

hummingbird on branch

5 Amazing Things to do in Boquete Panama

Boat sailing down canal in Amsterdam

7 Fun Activities in Amsterdam for the Little Tourists

image of the sun setting over lewes beach

14 Essential Beach Vacation Must-Haves

Previous Post: «hot springs, landmannalaugar Iceland Taking the Plunge: Lagoons of Iceland
Next Post: A Last-Minute, 4-Day Trip To Iceland Iceland»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. katie

    November 1, 2018 at 11:39 am

    I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand. Every day I find more and more reasons to go and today, this post is why! I’m definitely going to try and visit here when I eventually visit – it looks incredible

    Reply
  2. Tricia Snow

    November 1, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    This is a really cool trip and something that every kid should see!

    Reply
  3. Trisha

    November 1, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    What an amazing experience! Everything is so green!

    Reply
  4. Pam

    November 1, 2018 at 3:05 pm

    Wow – what a super interesting afternoon! I’ve been to Thailand before but not really outside of the cities or islands.

    Reply
  5. Shannon

    November 1, 2018 at 3:59 pm

    Looks like a fantastic trip with memories to last a lifetime and beyond. I really love your photos too!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      November 1, 2018 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  6. Brooke

    November 1, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    Wow. This sounds like an amazing experience. Your kids are getting an incredible education as they travel and experience different ways of life.

    Reply
  7. Shirley

    November 1, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    I would LOVE to do something like this! The best time I’ve had traveling in all of my 60 years was when I spent time in Tanzania with the locals. Experiencing new cultures is a way to grow personally.

    Reply
  8. Julie

    November 1, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    This sounds really interesting to me. My only real trip outside the US was to Jamaica for a mission trip. After having “real life” experience there, it made me want to see other countries as they really are for people who live there. Not just be a tourist.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      November 2, 2018 at 8:04 am

      So amazing to learn about other people and cultures. Really eye opening

      Reply
  9. Karie Babbitt

    November 2, 2018 at 2:24 am

    I love this. I didn’t realize there were opportunities like this. I am adding another place to my list of must go do. I hope I can do it soon before my kids all grow up and leave because what a wonderful learning opportunity for them.

    Reply
  10. Shannan P

    November 3, 2018 at 4:43 am

    What an amazing experience this must have been! I love seeing how other cultures live, especially those that get by without all of the technological advances that we do.

    Reply
  11. Monidipa Dutta

    November 3, 2018 at 7:54 am

    I have never been to Thailand but tbh This is a really cool trip and something that every kid should see

    Reply
  12. Missy Debnar

    November 3, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Wow, a great idea to visit. It is educational to learn about other cultures.

    Reply
  13. Sara Welch

    November 3, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    That beetle was enormous! I would not be touching that thing not ever!

    Reply
  14. Cindy Gordon

    November 3, 2018 at 4:11 pm

    It is nice and wet there holy moly! I would have loved to check that out.

    Reply
  15. Erica D Ardali

    November 3, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Thailand is one of the places I have always wanted to visit. Guess I need to plan my trip carefully

    Reply
  16. Betzy Cuellar

    November 4, 2018 at 12:22 am

    It is nice to visit other surroundings. In this case, I feel much more thankful for our family.

    Reply
  17. David Elliott

    November 4, 2018 at 3:13 pm

    Monsoons are always crazy out there in the sticks like that. I know it would be an amazing experience. I have to admit the bug kind of freaks me out though.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      November 4, 2018 at 4:39 pm

      The bug was astonishingly large!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Become An Adventurer!

logo
Food Advertisements by

About Me

I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives. Read More…



Booking.com

logo
Food Advertisements by

Our Favorite Posts

7 Awesome Family-Friendly Activities to do in Red River Gorge, Kentucky

7 Awesome Family-Friendly Activities to do in Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Cinderella Castle, Disney World

Why Using a Disney Planner is a Great Idea When Planning a Trip to Disney World

Why Using a Disney Planner is a Great Idea When Planning a Trip to Disney World
Briscoe Museum, San Antonio Texas

One Day In San Antonio, Texas; 6 Must-Do Things

One Day In San Antonio, Texas; 6 Must-Do Things
ATM Cave, Belize

The Ultimate, Must-Do ATM Cave Adventure, Belize

The Ultimate, Must-Do ATM Cave Adventure, Belize

From the Blog

hummingbird on branch

5 Amazing Things to do in Boquete Panama

October 24, 2021

Boat sailing down canal in Amsterdam

7 Fun Activities in Amsterdam for the Little Tourists

July 15, 2021

image of the sun setting over lewes beach

14 Essential Beach Vacation Must-Haves

May 24, 2021

Pit beef sandwich half eaten on a roll

A Guide to Baltimore’s Best Sandwich: The Pit Beef

May 2, 2021

Sunshine-Blogger-Award
logo
Food Advertisements by

Footer

Inspiration

"Travel is a gift to your children, at every age. We highlight the adventures with our children at all ages. Providing our pearls and (sorta) wisdom gleaned from trips with a family of five."

Be A Better You

Recent Posts

hummingbird on branch5 Amazing Things to do in Boquete Panama
Boat sailing down canal in Amsterdam7 Fun Activities in Amsterdam for the Little Tourists
image of the sun setting over lewes beach14 Essential Beach Vacation Must-Haves
Pit beef sandwich half eaten on a rollA Guide to Baltimore’s Best Sandwich: The Pit Beef
11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Edisto Island, South Carolina
mom and daughter at TikalBest Mother’s Days Gifts for the Moms Who Travel
Blog Meets BrandFTA Media Member Circle

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Get Updates
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer

Copyright © 2023 Five Family Adventurers · All Rights Reserved