| Just 4 hours by bus from Chiang Mai Thailand, Pai is a | | | | you can get a good view of the sleepy town and |
| quiet, laid-back small town nestled in a beautiful valley. | | | | rice paddy fields below and the misty mountains. |
| It is a favourite among both Thai and foreign | | | | Further away are Mo Pang Falls where you can swim |
| travellers seeking escape from the city. There are | | | | or even water slide during the dry season. Worth a |
| many lovely traditional buildings in this town and there | | | | visit too is the Pai Canyon, located on the road |
| a few guesthouses that are just bamboo huts - | | | | approaching Pai from Chiang Mai. A short climb up the |
| great for those who are sick of concrete walls. | | | | hill and you'll get a panoramic view of the Pai valley |
| The first time I stepped foot onto this town, the | | | | and mountains. This is a good place to catch the |
| guesthouse owner shared with me that many | | | | sunset as it sinks below the mountains. Both places |
| travellers come and stay longer than they had | | | | are best reached by motorbike. |
| planned. Some even stayed behind for years! They | | | | Elephant rides and river rafting are other popular |
| just fell in love with Pai. | | | | tourist activities in Pai. Most of the elephant camps |
| Getting Here and Around | | | | offer riding bare back on the elephants either through |
| You can either take the orange public bus or the | | | | the river or jungle or both. If you're heading to the |
| private mini-van from Arcade Bus Station in Chiang | | | | river, be careful to get wet as part of the program is |
| Mai. Careful about the mini-vans though: many of | | | | a rodeo ride on the elephant! For rafting, you can join |
| these drivers think they are rally racers. Not good to | | | | a two day expedition on the Pai River rapids. |
| have a heavy meal before your journey! But this | | | | Or just do nothing, sip Chai tea, relax and watch the |
| journey will take you through many winding and | | | | day go by. That is also a favourite tourist activity in |
| twisting roads, passing through breathtaking views of | | | | this charming town. |
| the mountains. In and around Pai town, you can walk, | | | | Urban development in recent years has seen Pai |
| cycle or rent a motorbike. | | | | losing its small town charms somewhat. Get here fast |
| Activities and Sights | | | | before it becomes another over-developed tourist |
| Wat Mae Yen is an easy walk from the centre of | | | | spot. |
| town. From this temple located on top of a small hill, | | | | |
