Pai – Thailand’s bohemian hang out

Pai is a small town that most visitors agree has a unique character that is different from anywhere else in Thailand. This seems to be based on the special atmosphere that it has rather than any major sites or attractions. The town is located in a flat and mostly dry valley that is no different from many other rural farming communities in this part of the country.

It has a remote location with the nearest town being Mae Hong Song, one of Thailand's northernmost towns, next to Burma's no-go Shan State. It's a wonderful place to escape the world and its problems. Reaching Pai by car or bus is part of the enjoyment, as the narrow road winds over the top of mountains amid lush forests with spectacular views.

The appeal of Pai means different things to different people. Some visitors love the basic facilities and undeveloped town. There are no upmarket hotels or lavish resorts to make you feel uncomfortable. The rustic bungalows beside the river are the ideal place to stay and will provide you with all you need.

Many of the tourists who venture here are free-spirited travellers who know about the town's new age character, and are looking for a place to chill. What could be better than floating along the river on a rubber inner tube and sipping a beer with your head in the clouds?

There is however more to do in Pai than sitting around listening to Bob Marley CDs. Some of the local agents offer a range of activities including trekking, white-water rafting and enduro motorcycle excursions. If you're looking for something to do by yourself, then take a daytrip to Pai Canyon or the waterfall to the northwest of the town.

Renting a bicycle is also a popular option, and although most people don't make it out of town, there are some good roads to discover and even some off-road trails. If your idea of relaxation is just sitting in a café and people-watching then you won't be disappointed either. If you're prepared to venture a little farther afield, then there is a small elephant camp just out of town and some hot springs which are great during the cool winter months.

As well as a regular stream of visitors, Pai is also home to a small contingent of expats who have shunned the security and dreariness of their lives back home for something totally different. They manage to get by with a minimum amount of work and appear quite content with their alternative lifestyle. The monsoon season is much quieter and it's usually only the backpackers and long-term travellers who can be found in town during this time of year.

It's not just the foreigners who love Pai; the Thais also appreciate the special atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. Teenagers and university students are regular visitors, especially as the lodgings and restaurants are such good value for money.

The town also benefits from tour buses that make their way through to Mae Hong Song. For first-time visitors short on time, the 'Northern loop' is a great way to see this part of Thailand as it takes in Pai, Mae Hong Song and returns to Chiang Mai via the beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park. The caves at Soppong are particularly recommended.

Pai has seen a significant amount of growth over the last several years, partly because of its inclusion in guide books and as a recognised stop-off on the backpacker trail. The benefits for the locals have been considerable, as they have opened new guesthouses, restaurants, bars and set up tour agencies.

The international hotel groups have so far stayed away, despite there being some attractive land running along the river. The seldom-used grass airport has recently undergone a major transformation and is now fully paved. Whether or not Pai can remain a sleepy, idyllic town remains to be seen. Those who manage to arrange a visit soon won't be disappointed with the wonderfully relaxed pace of life, traffic-free roads, rustic guesthouses and abundant restaurants and bars.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Often in Northern Thailand, Andy Burrows visiting Pai regularly to chill out. He is a travel web writer who recommends; Pai Northern Thailand travel information and Thailand travel information Mae Hong Son Province

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated