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Not lonely in Pai, because he is by my side.

Our first encounter with Pai was in social studies class during middle school. The textbook described Pai as a small district in the northern part of Mae Hong Son province, inhabited by a diverse population of Lanna, Tai Yai, and hill tribe people. The landscape of Pai district is a basin plain surrounded by mountains.

As we grow older, we realize that Pai holds secrets that textbooks never reveal. Pai is the place that has preserved its natural beauty the most, and no matter how many books we read, it will never be the same as experiencing it firsthand. Besides the mountains, nature, and the sea of mist, the thousands of curves are another charm that lets us know we have arrived in Pai.


Tips before preparing to travel to Pai

1. Traveling to Pai

Most tourists will use the Prem Pracha van service, which can be booked online. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to sit in the front seat to reduce symptoms.

Some foreign tourists prefer to rent motorcycles from Chiang Mai station and drive to Pai because the scenery along the way is quite beautiful and the view is very good. For this trip, we went with two other friends, so renting a car was the best option for this trip. The car we rented was a white Vios with a 1500 cc engine, which I must admit, was very fuel-efficient.

Our four-day, three-night journey took us from Chiang Mai to Pai and then on to Mae Hong Son. Throughout the trip, we only spent one thousand baht on fuel. If you're traveling with a group, renting a car is a great option to consider.


2. Tourist Season

Many people prefer to visit Pai during the winter season due to the ideal conditions for admiring the sea of mist. However, our visit in late October revealed that Pai's beauty is not exclusive to the winter months. The daytime offered sunshine, while the nights brought a pleasant chill, with temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius. This period, marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of winter, presented lush green rice fields, creating a picturesque landscape.


3. Attire

When venturing into the wilderness of Khao Lamnao National Park, sturdy sneakers are essential. While sandals may be a convenient option, high-heeled shoes are best left at home. The terrain can be challenging, with sections of red clay, landslides, and steep staircases that could damage delicate footwear.



Embark on a journey

This trip will fly with Nok Air from Don Mueang to Chiang Mai International Airport, taking approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival, we looked for the car we had booked. The person who brought the car was punctual and friendly, which we appreciated. The car rental fee was 1,100 baht, and the scratch insurance was an additional 400 baht. While the insurance was optional, we opted for it for peace of mind in case of any minor accidents.

The journey from Chiang Mai Airport to Pai covers approximately 130 kilometers. However, due to the winding nature of the roads, the trip typically takes around three hours.

As the road to Pai unfolds, the straight path gives way to a winding journey. With each bend and curve, the destination draws closer, immersing travelers in the embrace of nature. Mountains rise majestically, rice fields stretch endlessly, and the sight of grazing cattle paints a picture of tranquility. The journey itself becomes a testament to the simple joys found in the everyday, reminding us that while home offers comfort, Pai unveils the hidden treasures of happiness that surround us.


Hostel

We arrived as backpackers, and our heavy backpacks reminded us of snails. Wherever they go, they carry their homes on their backs, and at that moment, we were no different.

While many visitors to Pai prioritize finding romantic and aesthetically pleasing accommodations, the area's natural beauty offers a more authentic and captivating romantic experience. Numerous hostels in Pai preserve the traditional architectural style of local houses, often nestled amidst mountains and rice fields, providing a unique and immersive cultural experience.


Spicypai

Our home for 3 nights in Pai. Most of the guests here are foreigners who come as backpackers, some alone and some in groups. There are two types of rooms available: mixed dorms and female-only dorms.


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Breakfast here includes bread and coffee, which we can prepare ourselves. This area is a common room where people often gather for activities. The mornings are relatively quiet, while the afternoons tend to be more crowded. If you don't have any plans to go out, I recommend coming up here. I assure you that the air is cool and the atmosphere is very pleasant.




I stepped out for a quick coffee break and came back to find my seat taken. Could this be the origin of the saying "He who gets up loses his horse"?



Eating places

In Pai, you can find cafes that allow you to both eat and relax at the same time. Many cafes offer hammocks for lounging, such as "Khun Nai Tuen Sai," located on the side of the road near Wat Phra That Mae Yen. The cafe is on the left-hand side next to Spicypai. In addition to delicious food, they also offer a variety of cute souvenirs.

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Meet the Karen people

While we often associate the Karen people with living in mountainous regions, there are also communities that reside in other areas, such as the Suan Phra Inthara community.

Once Karen people have settled in a particular location, they tend not to relocate unless they get married and start a new family. In such cases, they typically build a new house near the wife's family home. However, before moving out, the husband must first live with the wife's parents for a period during the harvest season before they can establish their own separate household.



Brass ring

Karen children traditionally wear brass rings between the ages of 5 and 9. In the past, these rings were only worn by girls born on a Wednesday during a full moon. The rings had to be worn by a true Padaung girl. The rings were placed on the girls by the tribal shaman during a ceremony. In recent times, the rings can be worn by girls born on any day.



**Karen Village of Suan Phra In**

The entrance to the small family village is marked by a bamboo bridge. Visitors can park their cars at the entrance and walk for just 3 minutes to reach the village. There is an entrance fee of 50 baht for Thai citizens and 150 baht for foreigners.

The interior features souvenir shops and woven fabrics. We were able to take photos with the Karen people, who were not only smiling but also very hospitable.


Temple of the Holy Relics of Mae Yen

Near the Karen village, there is a white Buddha statue. This temple is called Wat Phra That Mae Yen. There is no clear historical record of when it was built. The Phra That Mae Yen stupa is a bell-shaped stupa with a round base and a Burmese-style umbrella-shaped stupa top.


The most striking feature of this temple is the large white Buddha statue, known as Phra Phuttha Lokutara Mahamuni. A white staircase stretches from the bottom to the top. Those who visit during the day may be discouraged from climbing due to the hot weather and the tiring climb to the top. However, we may not have the opportunity to visit this place often, so it is worth trying.

Apart from the beautiful Buddha statues, the view from the top is equally stunning. We can see the mountains surrounding us, the cool breeze blowing, but the floor is quite hot as it is made of tiles.



Golden Temple

This temple is located off the beaten path and resembles Burmese sculptures. While its history is uncertain, it appears to be a relatively large temple.


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Pai is home to many elephant camps, some of which allow visitors to change into traditional clothing and bathe with the elephants. Alternatively, visitors can simply feed the elephants for 20 baht per basket.



Tha Pai Historical Bridge

The historic Tha Pai Bridge serves as a gateway to Pai district. The bridge is constructed of green steel beams arranged in a continuous pattern. While not heavily crowded, it remains a popular attraction for both domestic and international tourists.



Witness the Sunset at Khao Laem

This sentence translates to "Witness the Sunset at Khao Laem" in English.

I was unaware of the breathtaking beauty of nature created by God. Kong Lan, a local name, translates to "small road" and "Lan" refers to a reptile resembling a water monitor lizard. Most tourists know it as **Pai Canyon**.

Pai Canyon: A Natural Wonder

Pai Canyon is a breathtaking geological formation created by the erosion of a mountain's soil, resulting in a deep, cliff-like ravine. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy sneakers with good traction, as the terrain consists primarily of red clay, which can be slippery. Some sections of the path may be eroded or prone to landslides.

The canyon is a popular destination for sunset viewing, offering a spectacular display of colors as the sun's rays illuminate the canyon walls. The romantic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for couples to enjoy the scenic beauty.



Pai Canyon: A Captivating Destination for Travelers

Pai Canyon, a renowned attraction in Thailand, draws a multitude of international visitors. As the sun begins its descent around 6 pm, casting a warm glow on the landscape, tourists gather, some with books in hand, eagerly anticipating the breathtaking sunset. This captivating location offers a unique experience, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the wonders of Pai.



Kiew Lom Viewpoint

The peak of Route 1095 from Pai to Pang Ma Pha, Kiew Lom Viewpoint is a scenic spot on the route from Pang Ung to Pai. If you come in the evening, you may see the sunset and the moonrise on the opposite side at the same time. In addition to the beautiful view, the lovely thing about this place is that there are hill tribe children for us to take pictures with.



This area also offers a variety of food stalls and restrooms for the convenience of tourists. The most striking feature is the giant swing. If you haven't tried it yet, don't miss it because it's a lot of fun. It may not look high, but once you're up there, it's exhilarating. Highly recommended to try it when you visit Pai.




Visit Baan Rak Thai.

Baan Rak Thai is located in Moo 6, Moeng Jam Pae Subdistrict, Mueang District, Mae Hong Son Province. Most tourists come here because it is a viewpoint with beautiful resorts located on the hills. In addition to the beautiful resorts, there are also small beautiful things hidden. When we enter the village, we will find a small Chinese village. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. Everyone smiles and welcomes visitors warmly.

Some people can tell the history of this place very well. The person in this picture is named Ferin. He has a small shop at the entrance of the village. He briefly told the history of this place. This is a historical place to remember. Most of the people here are descendants of the 93rd Division. The 93rd Division has made contributions to Thailand by eliminating terrorists at Khao Kho. After that, the Supreme Command Headquarters changed their nationality to Thai and gave them land to make a living for their descendants. If anyone is good at studying and can speak Chinese, they will receive a scholarship from Taiwan. And when they graduate, they can work with Taiwan, which is mostly as a language interpreter.





A short walk away, there is a shop opposite the one I was just at. There, I met a young boy named "Noi". He sells tea and is very kind, offering free samples. Noi told me that if you come here and don't try the tea and eat the pork leg rice, it's like you haven't been here at all. I looked around and realized that Noi also sells pork leg rice.


The tea here has a very delicate aroma. There are many varieties to choose from at affordable prices. If you pass by here, don't forget to stop by and try the tea and eat the pork leg rice. Otherwise, it means you haven't arrived at Chaonoi yet. I can confirm that.



Following Baan Rak Thai, you can also stop by Liwaine Rak Thai for scenic views. Upon arrival, the first thing you'll encounter is a Chinese restaurant. The restaurant's decor is charming, and during our visit, they were playing Chinese instrumental music. Below, you'll find a shop selling souvenirs and mementos.




From above, you can see the Liwaen Rak Thai Resort, with some extensions added. From this angle, the view is truly breathtaking.




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Trip to Pai: A Summary

The wonders of visiting Pai

  • The road to Pai is incredibly winding, with over 500 curves. However, once you've passed them, the curves seem to disappear.

  • Food: The food here is excellent. Most restaurants are delicious and you can also relax without being disturbed.
  • Location and People: This is perhaps the most exciting part, and it is also the most heartwarming. We love the hostel at Spicypai because we can meet the people who come to stay. Rest assured that making new friends is not as difficult as you think. Because most of the guests are solo travelers, backpackers, they are ready to be friends with us.

The fact that when we meet new people, it is a wonderful experience, allowing us to talk and exchange cultures with fellow travelers, from one destination to another, and from one region to another country. Talking to people from different countries is a truly beautiful experience.The only bad thing about coming to Pai

Time is of the essence, as Pai is a place worth exploring. We only explored 20% of it during our 4-day, 3-night trip. If you enjoy adventure or escaping the mundane, Pai is an excellent choice for exploration.

Beyond sightseeing and nature, travel can enrich our understanding of different lifestyles and help us understand ourselves and the world better. It allows us to see why cultures differ and how interconnected everything is. Ultimately, travel helps us grow. We learn about ourselves, the world's vastness, and our close connection to everything.

So, don't forget to take yourself on a date with the world. It's much bigger than what you read in books.

Our mountain trip has come to an end. For our next adventure, let's head to a secluded island. I would love for you to join me on this island getaway.

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