Authenticity of Culture – Viewpoint of a Tourist

Maehongsan is definitely culturally authentic to its visitors. Showcasing its Karen-Padaung with their brass rings which had caused their ribs to be pushed down to achieve the elongated-neck appearance (Marshall, 1922), such outcomes could only have been possible by the daily wearing of the heavy rings that weigh up to 37kg over many years. (Chiangmai & Chiangrai Magazine, 2010) There is really no way to fake such physical realism, and tourists are aware because brochures containing such information are shown to them in the villages. (Siegel2001, 2009)

Also, the living quarters of the Karen-Padaung are on full display in the villages. There are no other local lodges near enough that they could possibly be the Padaungs’ real homes instead. Tourists can even go beyond the façade of these houses and into the interiors to take a look at their way of living (Morgan, N.D.)

Therefore, tourists would undoubtedly find Maehongson a place of authentic cultural value.