Huay Pu Keng Kayan Village
Experience the authentic culture of the Kayan people in Huay Pu Keng, a self-administered village accessible by boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively village atmosphere
Huay Pu Keng Kayan Village
Best Time
Lively village atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the authentic culture of the Kayan people in Huay Pu Keng, a self-administered village accessible by boat.
"A genuine cultural encounter, supporting a community that welcomes you into their lives."
🤝 Respectful Interaction
Always ask permission before taking photos of residents.
💰 Support the Community
Purchase local handicrafts; your contribution directly aids the village.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kayan Long Neck Women
Village entrance
Witness the iconic brass neck rings worn by Kayan women, a tradition passed down through generations.
Authentic Village Life
Throughout the village
Observe daily life, from farming to community activities, offering a glimpse into the Karenni culture.
Handicraft Market
Village entrance
Browse and purchase unique, handmade crafts directly from the artisans, supporting their livelihoods.
Pai River Journey
Access to the village
Enjoy a short, scenic boat ride along the Pai River, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Boat or Direct?
Respectful Visit & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Respectful Interaction
Always ask permission before taking photos of residents.
💰 Support the Community
Purchase local handicrafts; your contribution directly aids the village.
🚤 Boat Access Options
Choose between a dedicated boat from Huai Dua port or a shorter crossing upon arrival.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the village paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Respectful Interaction
Always ask permission before taking photos of residents.
💰 Support the Community
Purchase local handicrafts; your contribution directly aids the village.
🚤 Boat Access Options
Choose between a dedicated boat from Huai Dua port or a shorter crossing upon arrival.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the village paths.
📶 Limited Connectivity
Expect minimal to no internet signal; enjoy being present.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huay Pu Keng Kayan Village is praised for its authenticity and the genuine warmth of its residents, offering a respectful cultural experience. Visitors appreciate that the community is self-administered and benefits directly from tourism, unlike more commercialized attractions. Some find the tourist area limited, but exploring beyond it reveals the true village life.
"We stayed in this village overnight and definitely recommend to visit it. There is an entrance fee - money that goes to fund this community (the village is self-administrated), so it's actually good that they are empowered to manage their tourism unlike the human zoos around Chiang Mai. This village is actually lively and people live normally (when we visited, there was a multi-day football tournament going on, with other people from nearby villages coming in too!)
There is also a common misconception that this village is karen long-neck only, which is not - there are also white karen, red karen, karen big ears and some shan, which is the way Karen people have always lived, even better if you are interested to discover different tribes and cultures.
We got to discuss with some of the Karens in the village, very warm and welcoming people that can speak English.
If you wish to stay there, ideally contact a homestay a bit before, but you can also ask around on site (which we did).
Most handictafts are handmade by the women of the village, hence great souvenirs."
Anastasia
"This is 100% legit Kayan village which has kindly opened their doors to tourists visiting. The village has 300 inhabitants, of varieties of Kayan women (long neck, white, red) and men.
They have created a small walking street as you exit the boat where many long neck women will show and sell their local crafts. We saw about 6 long-neck women. We asked respectfully if we could take their picture which they were happy with. We also bought crafts from their stalls as well and bought a soda from their small shop.
As soon as you walk away from the craft street you can see this is a village with lots of local people living there wearing other traditional clothing and going about their daily lives.
We spent approximately 45min-1hr visiting the village and walking around.
It costs 200 baht per person to visit the village and an additional 20 baht per person for the very short boat ride to cross the river to the village. You will get a ticket receipt. This is not a lot of money but makes a huge difference to their beautiful community."
Sarah Abbott
"This place gets mixed reviews. This is not a fake “tourist” village, the women don’t fake wearing the brass rings, these people are not zoo animals and nobody is being exploited.
This is an ethnic Karen village, they still use the Karenni language and practice their traditions 35 years after fleeing Myanmar. The longnecked ladies are mostly older women who sell crafts and pose for photos, they are friendly and warm and there is little pressure to buy anything.
These are relatively poor people who farm and produce products from available materials. The village has a school, a small clinic and a church.
There were a few other visitors when we were there, limited English in the village. You have to take a 1 minute boat ride across the Pai Rover which is 20 Baht round trip and pay 200 Baht to visit the village. The money goes to the village!
You can purchase handicrafts or not, there is also a small noodle shop at the entrance to the village. You can also trek in the area to cave. The village itself can be covered in 1/2 hour"
Phillip Hockings
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Huay Pu Keng Kayan Village by boat from Huai Dua Tourist Port (approx. 20 mins, 800 THB round trip) or by road, which includes a short boat crossing to the village.
While there are road signs directing you, a short boat ride across the river is still necessary to reach the village itself. +1
The boat ride from Huai Dua Tourist Port costs around 800 THB for a round trip. The shorter crossing upon arrival at the village is typically 20 THB per person.
The boat ride from Huai Dua Tourist Port to the village takes approximately 20 minutes each way.
Yes, the 'Huay Dua boat port' is a key access point for the longer boat journey. Look for signs on the main road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 200 THB per person. This fee directly supports the community and their self-administration. +2
The fee contributes to the village's self-administration and community fund, making a significant difference to their lives.
Besides the entrance fee, there's a small boat ride fee (around 20 THB per person) to cross the river to the village.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the village. It's advisable to check for any specific booking requirements if you plan a guided tour.
Yes, the entrance fee is mandatory and is crucial for the community's sustainability and self-governance.
📸 📸 Photography & Etiquette
It's essential to ask for permission before taking photos of individuals. Many residents are happy to be photographed if asked respectfully.
While generally permitted with respect, avoid intrusive photography. Focus on capturing the essence of the village and its people.
Yes, you can photograph the handicrafts, and purchasing them is a great way to support the local artisans.
Be polite, smile, and try to learn a few basic phrases. Respect their privacy and daily routines.
Some stalls may offer the opportunity to try on traditional attire for photos, often for a small fee.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You can find a variety of handmade crafts, including textiles and traditional items, made by the women of the village.
Yes, most handicrafts sold in the village are handmade by the local Kayan women, making them unique souvenirs.
There is a small noodle shop at the entrance to the village where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
Prices are generally set, but polite negotiation might be possible. However, remember that these are handmade items supporting livelihoods.
Thai Baht (THB) is the currency used for all transactions within the village.
🎫 🏠 Accommodation & Connectivity
Yes, homestays are available. You can contact them in advance or inquire on-site upon arrival.
It's recommended to contact homestays beforehand, but you can also ask around upon arrival in the village.
Internet signal is very limited. AIS might provide a weak signal in some spots, but generally, expect to be offline.
The village has a school, a small clinic, and a church, indicating a functioning community.
It's a living, self-administered community with residents going about their daily lives, not a staged tourist attraction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The village itself is relatively small and can be explored within a few hours, making it manageable for younger visitors. Encourage children to observe respectfully and perhaps purchase a small, handmade souvenir. It's a great opportunity to teach them about different cultures and the importance of respectful travel. Ensure they understand the need to ask permission before taking photos.
🎒 Backpackers & Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Remember to always seek permission before photographing individuals, and be mindful of their privacy. The village itself, with its traditional houses and daily life, offers a rich tapestry for documentary-style photography. The scenic boat journey along the Pai River also provides beautiful landscape shots.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kayan People and Their Traditions
Beyond the 'long neck' tradition, the Kayan community in Huay Pu Keng is diverse, including women who wear different traditional adornments, such as white or red rings, and also men. The village is self-administered, with tourism revenue directly supporting the community's development, including facilities like a school and a clinic.
Visitors are encouraged to approach their visit with respect, understanding that they are entering a living community. Engaging with residents, learning about their culture, and supporting them through respectful tourism are key aspects of a meaningful visit.
Navigating Your Visit: Logistics and Costs
Upon reaching the vicinity of the village, a brief boat ride across the Pai River is usually required. This shorter crossing typically costs around 20 THB per person. The entrance fee to the village itself is 200 THB per person, which is vital for the community's upkeep and self-governance.
While in the village, you can purchase handmade crafts and enjoy refreshments from a small shop. It's worth noting that internet connectivity is very limited, so be prepared to disconnect and immerse yourself in the experience.
Responsible Tourism in Huay Pu Keng
When visiting, it's crucial to practice responsible tourism. This includes always asking for permission before taking photographs of individuals, respecting the privacy of residents, and understanding that you are a guest in their home.
Supporting the community through purchasing authentic, handmade crafts is a direct and meaningful way to contribute. This not only provides income for the artisans but also helps preserve their cultural heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit