This review of the ending of "Pai in the Mist" includes a simple cycling program for those who are not hardcore cyclists or overweight like me. It also recommends three beautiful resorts. For more information, please scroll down.
Readers who missed parts 1 and 2 can access them through this review.
http://pantip.com/topic/34176974/comment5
Link to a comment on the Pantip website.
Photographic equipment throughout the trip is:
Sony A7Rii
Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS
This is a wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras. It offers a versatile focal length range of 16-35mm, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including landscape, architecture, and street photography. The lens features a constant f/4 aperture, which provides consistent performance throughout the zoom range. Additionally, it incorporates several advanced optical technologies, including:
- Vario-Tessar lens design for excellent image quality and minimal distortion.
- T* coating to reduce flare and ghosting.
- ZEISS optics for superior sharpness and contrast.
- Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization for blur-free images.
The Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS is a high-quality lens that is well-suited for both amateur and professional photographers.
Before we delve into the details, let's take a quick look at the itinerary for Day 3.
[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden textDay 3
Medio de Pai GPS location N19°21.42702 E098°26.41524
Baan Pai Restaurant (GPS location: N19°21.59136, E098°26.49126)
Love Strawberry Pai, GPS location N19°18.669, E098°27.19986
Historical Tha Pai Bridge, GPS location N19°17.84226 E098°27.9084
Chinese Village Santichol, GPS location N19°22.2636 E098°24.15834
Windy Viewpoint (GPS coordinates: N19°26.28606, E098°19.08102)
The Barn Phuri Pai Villa, GPS location N19°23.289 E098°26.0766
The Ia Pai Resort is located at GPS coordinates N19°21.18042 E098°26.82084.
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This morning's program is very interesting. It is a cycling tour of Pai.
Many thanks to the beautiful Ms. Ni for organizing this cycling program. I must say, it's a truly fascinating program.
The total cycling distance was 6.4 km, which is not very far. However, it took us about 2 hours to complete the ride because we stopped frequently to take photos. The actual cycling time would be shorter.
Let's take a look at the cycling routes and see what they offer.
The bicycle path program is as follows:
Medio de Pai GPS location N19°21.42702 E098°26.41524
Fresh Coconut House, GPS location N19°20.88276, E098°27.0696
Straw bale photo point 1, GPS location N19°20.72904, E098°26.96574
Second photo point at Wat Sai Khao, GPS coordinates N19°20.40954 E098°26.74554.
The third location for photographing the wooden house in the middle of the field is at GPS coordinates N19°20.70612 E098°26.60844.
Our starting point was Medio de Pai. As you can see from their faces, everyone was energetic and in good shape.
Like a bicycle riding on its own, without anyone pulling it.
Each to their own path.
And you and I will go together.
Ride together, red bicycles...
A sudden realization struck me as I chose my bicycle. Yes, I chose a red bicycle, perfectly matching my youthful spirit. Why am I being sarcastic?
The route on the second day was the same as the one to Phra That Mae Yen. The terrain was a mix of ups and downs, with some sections so steep that some of my friends had to push their bikes uphill. Those who were strong and fit could ride through without much difficulty, but I had to walk and push my bike in some places. I guess I need to lose some weight after this trip!
We have finally arrived at our first rest stop, the Baan Kati Sot.
After cycling the first 2 kilometers, we stopped for a drink at Baan Kati Sot. The owner, Kati, volunteered to lead our cycling trip, pointing out photo spots and the cycling route.
Take a 20-minute break and continue cycling to the three piles of cotton.
Continuing on, you will eventually reach the back of Wat Sai Khao. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was only able to take photos from the back and could not enter the temple itself. If you have some time to spare, please visit the temple on my behalf. My schedule was a bit tight.
While cycling to the third photo spot, a wooden house in the middle of a field, one of our friend's bicycle tires burst. It could have been due to the weight or the tire being old. We shouted to Patch to run into the field, pretending to chase away a buffalo, resulting in this photo.
Waiting for a long time, so I took a picture of it in action. 10 baht for the photo... hahahahahaha
This is the best Mission Impossible pose I could manage.
Taking a break at the pavilion, waiting for my friends who are behind to arrive before cycling back to the starting point to return the bikes. Nothing to do, so I took a playful photo of my shoes with a leaf. (Is it a betel leaf...? Hmmm, anyone know if I'm right?)
After waiting for a while, all my friends arrived. We rode our bikes back to return them, and then headed back to the resort to shower before going out for dinner.
Upon returning to the resort, I immediately took a shower and went out to take pictures of the resort. As I mentioned earlier, I was too tired and it was too late to see anything when I checked in each day. So, this morning, I decided to take pictures of the resort in the morning.
As a child, did you ever dream of sleeping in a treehouse?
Here it is, the Pai Treehouse Resort, where your childhood dreams come true! Hooray! I didn't know they had this type of room last night, otherwise I would have asked to sleep in it.
At first glance, I was captivated by the sight of three small houses perched atop trees.
With permission, I climbed up to take a look at the accommodation. My friends noticed that I used the word "climb" because the path up really required climbing, even though there were some stairs. It was like climbing a tree again, but my chubby body didn't look so mischievous anymore. It was quite difficult, haha!
If you're an adventurous type, then you should definitely try treetop climbing and sleeping. I'm sure you'll love it! However, you'll need to book quickly, as the resort only has three rooms available. Each room can accommodate two guests.
For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.paitreehouse.com
The picture shows a treehouse bedroom located on the top floor. Access is via a ladder from below.
This room is a regular bedroom where I slept last night. It is a spacious room, not located in a tree. The room is fully furnished and more comfortable than the treehouse.
While walking around the resort, I saw an elephant walking towards me. I started talking to some people nearby and learned that the Baan Mai Pai Resort is a designated spot where elephant handlers bring elephants and tourists to play in the water.
I spent a considerable amount of time observing Chinese tourists before packing up and moving to a new location for the fourth night. However, before doing so, I was famished from cycling and needed to find something to eat. My companions suggested we dine at Baan Pai, a restaurant renowned for its delectable local cuisine. One of my companions recommended trying the "Hoh Mok Luk Aod," a steamed dish wrapped in palm leaves. Fortunately, it was not the season for this dish, so it was unavailable. I narrowly escaped having to consume it, as I would have undoubtedly tried a bite if it had been available.
I was so hungry that I forgot to take a picture of the restaurant's facade. Thankfully, I managed to capture some photos of the food. The dishes were quite spicy, and my personal favorite was the spicy minced fish salad. Another interesting dish worth mentioning was the "chicken hug," which was also delicious.
After a satisfying meal, we embarked on a quest for delectable desserts at Love Strawberry Pai. Naturally, our first order of business was to indulge in a refreshing strawberry drink, a fitting tribute to the establishment's namesake.
The interior of the shop is decorated with adorable strawberry-themed elements, providing customers with a variety of photo opportunities. The highlight, however, is not just the photogenic corners but also the new "Giant Swing" ride.
Let's give it a try since we're already here.
I let go of both hands and floated down. It was so much fun!
The heavier Paul is, the greater the centrifugal force, the more fun it is.
After enjoying a thrilling ride on the Giant Swing, we headed to the nearby historical Pai Bridge. Our guide, Boy, explained that the bridge was originally part of the Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai and was relocated to Pai during World War II to facilitate crossing the Pai River. Today, the bridge has become a popular photography spot for visitors to Pai. We couldn't resist capturing a few photos ourselves.
After taking photos to your heart's content, head to Santichon Village, a Chinese village. I visited here a long time ago and remember it being incredibly crowded, with long lines for the Santichon Village swing ride. However, on this visit, it was surprisingly quiet. I barely recognized it! There were only shops selling goods. Visitors are welcome, and shops are open as usual.
Departing from Santichon Village, we headed to the Giw Lom viewpoint. I wouldn't recommend driving yourself up there, as the road is very narrow and passing oncoming vehicles can be nerve-wracking. Upon reaching the top, we were greeted by a cool and refreshing breeze, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat below. It seemed like rain was imminent, but it never materialized. Ever since arriving in Pai, I've felt like a child of the sun. Visiting Pai during the rainy season, yet encountering neither rain nor mist, has left me feeling a tinge of sadness. I long for the embrace of the rain.
After taking photos for a while, we had to go down for dinner at Phuri Pai Villa, one of the resorts I most want to return to during this trip to Pai.
A panoramic view of Pai town. Witnessing the morning mist from this accommodation would be an unforgettable experience.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the resort's scenic viewpoint, admiring the sunset and engaging in conversation before our return to Chiang Mai tomorrow.
After an enjoyable conversation and a hearty meal, I spent the night at the stunning The Oia Pai Resort, which rivals the beauty of Phuri Pai Villa. Fortunately, each of my friends received a unique accommodation for each night, rotating through the resorts like a lucky draw.
It was very late when I arrived at my room. I wanted to open the door, jump into bed, and go to sleep. But when I saw the resort, I had to come out and take some pictures. Even though it was late, the resort was still beautiful and worth capturing.
I personally appreciate the resort's lighting design. It seems they have carefully considered the placement of lights to enhance photography.
The bedroom is simple and beautiful, with a comfortable white color scheme that makes it bright and clean. Next to the bed, there is a door that leads outside, where there is a hanging chair and a canoe. It looks very stylish and I really like it.
The outdoor shower was my favorite part of the night. I could gaze at the stars while listening to soft Bossa Nova music. It was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep in the tub.
After waking up in the morning, I had breakfast and took a few more pictures before heading home.
The breakfast menu impressed me most with its fruit service. Usually, there are peeled fruits ready for us to choose and eat ourselves. But here, we choose the fruit and give it to the staff who prepare to peel it for us. Once peeled, the fruit is plated and served to us. This is something I found different from other resorts I've stayed at this time around.
Unfortunately, I only saw the resort's fruit service later, so I only ordered a small amount of fruit. I wish I had ordered more, but I was worried about not being able to finish it all.
The journey to explore Pai during the rainy season has come to an end. Unfortunately, as a sun-loving person, I didn't encounter any rain, resulting in a lack of mist. Consequently, the photos didn't capture the breathtaking beauty I had envisioned. However, the tranquil atmosphere of Pai, reminiscent of its past, provided an equally enjoyable experience.
I plan to return to Pai during the rainy season next year.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to the Pai Tourism Business Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mae Hong Son Office for inviting me to explore the beauty of Pai during the rainy season.
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Friday, October 4, 2024 3:14 PM