Pai River Corner

in between tradition and modern western days

by call_me_rhia

Pai is another non-descrptive northern town (village actually) that is restricted to about 4 streets... most of them taken over by the growing tourist industry. There are several agents organizing day trips to neighbouring tribal villages, or multi-day trekking adventures in the surrounding hills and mountains. Pai is also a place with several natural hot springs... so this is definitely my fondest memory: after nightfall, speing a few hours in and out of a hot pool with an Israeli traveller I met. The second fond memory are some funny shop windows in town: thai things side-by-side with western things... looked so out of place.

Looking for the green crested lizard

by call_me_rhia

my suggestions is to go hiking in the forest, not to reach any particular place, but to observe the magic of nature. After seeing one green crested lizard in the grassland surrounding the place where I was staying, I went for a forest walk to see more of them. They are shy reptiles with a green body and a blue-ish head that can be found in south-east asia, in remote and quiet areas. I did not succeed in taking a photo, so pls my apologies for the drawing and pc work: i'm by no means an artist. sturdy hiking boots and insect repellent (plenty of it)

Thai-Yunan cultural centre

by zazatann

Yunan is small migrated group from China. They speak Chinese and also Thai language. I take a ride to north part of Pai, same route as Wat Nam Hoo. Glad to find this place because it?s not different as visit China. You can feel the way of their living, building with soil or clay, food and traditional cloth that they wear. I heard that there?re many local use this place to have a party and meeting. How nice?..

Pai

by gib157

I caught the bus from Chaing Mai to Pai with Stuart from the trek. The bus was very uncomfortable and I was glad to get off. We stayed at Blue Guesthouse (250b for double room)for a couple of nights then Stuart left and I stayed for another night.
Pai is a very small town nestled in the hills with great scenery, watefalls and many trek type opportunities close by. The town seemed very laid back to me with some very cool little art shops and cafes, as well as a small music scene. We went to a very cool bar called Be Bop on the outskirts of Pai which had good live music- was VERY quiet though until about 10.45pm The locals were as always very friendly and we were invited to a free bbq where we were given an endless supply of kebabs and some dried fish whilst we played cards all night long. Pai is also a great place to rent out a scooter so you can visit the wateralls, hot springs and whiz through the local scenery.

At the temple on the hill there were some amusing signs like this one and another which said ' do not spit in the garden please'. Why would you do that anyway.

Thursday 22nd July 2004

by gib157

Oh I’ve just bought a new pen and it’s lovely. Only 7 baht, and some cool Thai ‘fisherman’ trousers for 80baht. Stuart left at 8am to go back to Chaing Mai and on to Bangkok to meet his girlfriend. I said a very tired goodbye and he said it had been ‘emotional’. Ha-ha. I felt a bit bad that I just lay there and didn’t really say bye. Found that I had lost the key to the bike lock. Spent 30 minutes on the Internet then the email froze when I sent it – that’s really starting to annoy me by the way. Went to a rafting centre and found out about a good sounding 2 day course for 1800 b. The man was really friendly and helpful.
Had an American breakfast there, which was good. Got my bike sorted out with no hassle or fine. Walked around a lot and then went for a foot massage at a place which sounded professional. I was the only one there. Washed my feet then went into a very airy floaty room and sat down on a far too comfortable chair. The massage was amazing, a bit tickly at first but after a while it was great, but I fell asleep because I was so relaxed!
Had fried ice cream (hmm) and coconut shake, cameback and shaved for the first time in 4 weeks. Nice! Read lots of book and then fell asleep.