Chiang Rai Trekking

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We just returned to Chiang Rai, exhausted from a two day trek into the mountains of northern Thailand. It wasn't so much the distance we traveled, but the heat and the heavy dampness of the region that wore us down. Aside from the demanding hike, and the constant buzzing of mosquitoes in our ears, we felt the trip was worth the effort. Learning about the current lives of a number of displaced hill tribes, and the elephants of the region was enlightening. We had a guide from the Lahu tribe, originally from Tibet, but now a diaspora living all about the mountains of south east asia. Many tribes, including the Lahu and Karen (long-necks), have fled unstable regions, and persecution in countries such as Burma and ended up living in limbo here in Thailand. Most hill-tribe people are not allowed Thai citizenship and must make a living selling their hand made products, elephant rides, and services such as trekking and homestays to tourists. The long neck Karen tribe is a difficult case; where the women who will continue to wear the neck-elongating rings are given a subsidy by the local government so that the tourists will continue to come and gawk. Another sad reality is reflected in the lives of the elephants. The elephants of Thailand no longer roam, and most can't find work in the nearly non-existent logging industry. Today the elephants and their mahouts eke out a living selling rides and photo-ops to tourists. Robyn and I are often faced with a dilemma as to whether a tourism opportunity is helping or hurting the people and animals of the region.