Page 68 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

popular myth, the hefty coils - up to 20
pounds or more - don’t stretch the neck.
Instead, they press down the collarbones,
giving the illusion of an elongated neck.
Girls start wearing them as young as five
years old, adding more coils over time as
part of centuries-old traditions of beauty
and cultural identity.
We wandered slowly uphill through the
village, flanked by colorful open-air craft
stalls where the women weave, wood-carve
or embroidery goods for sale. Unlike the
photo-op feel of some tourist stops, these
women were genuinely welcoming, happily
posing for photos without pressing for tips
or payment. In return, Mary and I purchased
a beaded and belled tribal hat, woven scarf
and a beautifully hand-carved wooden
statue wearing the signature brass neck
rings - a one-of-a-kind piece now displayed
in our breakfast nook.

68 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025