For a mix of authentic Thai culture, relaxed vibes and spectacular scenery, then look no further than Pai. Nestled close to the Burmese border, only a mountain range separating the two countries, expect an authentic South East Asian experience with Burmese and Thai cultures prevalent throughout the town.
The views around Pai are breathtaking, making the 700 twists and turns all the way from Chiang Mai worth it. Expansive rice paddies, beautiful waterfalls, immense forests and the secret Sai Ngam Hot Springs, are just some of the highlights of Pai, and a great way to get fully immersed in the local culture.
Pai itself still retains the quaint feel that it once had, but the Thai countryside meeting the tourism industry means that activities, retreats and classes are abundant. The town is the perfect place for travellers to learn about Thai tradition, in a relatively quiet and cheap setting.
We stayed in a hut overlooking some famous Thai rice paddies – although we weretechnically backed onto the jungle, there was almost an agricultural feel to the place. The hut itself was fully wooden, and sturdy, we got to know, as what felt like 100 mph winds rocked it, but didn’t break it. The sounds of the jungle at night echoed through it, and to our surprise, we had a different gecko guest every single night.
We spent a lot of time, doing what seems to be the best way to get around in pai – zipping about on a scooter. Apart from one or two hair raising rides up and down what seemed like mt everest, we found this was the cheapest (and most fun!) Way to get around. Aside from the near misses we had with other slightly unruly tourists, it went well, and we got to see things that i doubt we would have otherwise.
One of the highlights for me was our visit to sai ngam hot springs (but shhh, it’s a secret, apparently!) We were told that it was one of the best hot springs in thailand, and that hardly anyone knew about it. Upon arrival, it seemed that apart from another couple of tourists, they were right. But as if on cue, a group of local guys joined us, homebrewed whiskey in toe. I passed, although the other tourists got completely involved, and by the looks on their face i hadn’t missed out on much.
One thing we would have missed out on, if it wasn’t for our host noi at pura vida hotel, was the local papaya pad thai. This unique take on the classic pad thai used unripened papaya instead of noodles, giving this quintessential dish an edge on all of the other dishes i tried there. If you end up in pai one day, don’t forget to visit charlie and lek. You won’t regret it.
Pai in one word: surprising.
These Wild Journeys 