The Enchanting Kingdom of Animals Elephants Galore

Travel which involves animals is always such a delight.

- FARZANA CONTRACTOR

With animals you also get abundant nature in all its glorious forms so that's even better.

I remember vividly, my trip to Chiang Mai, more than two decades ago. Those days not many holiday-makers ventured that far up in the north in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is the destination for those who enjoy nature and culture for here you can get acquainted with the heritage of the local people, many who belong to indigenous tribes, with who you could go foraging for medicinal plants and eat food that they cook in bamboo! Not everyone's cup of tea.

I went into the hills to meet up with the Karen tribe, also known as Kayin. The women, young girls and kids, all have these brass rings around their necks, from the nape down to their collarbones and are therefore referred to as the Long Neck Karen. These rings are a traditional form of adornment. They create the appearance of an elongated neck by pushing down the collarbone and compressing the rib cage. The significance of these rings vary but they are largely seen as a symbol of beauty and cultural identity. Some believe that the rings protect against tiger bites while others suggest they were originally intended to make women less attractive to slave traders. Today, it adds to the tourism factor.