Pai

ss="articletext">Pai is a small town that mostyou won't be disappointed either. If you're
visitors agree has a unique character that isprepared to venture a little farther afield, then
different from anywhere else in Thailand. Thisthere is a small elephant camp just out of town
seems to be based on the special atmosphereand some hot springs which are great during the
that it has rather than any major sites orcool winter months.
attractions. The town is located in a flat andAs well as a regular stream of visitors, Pai is also
mostly dry valley that is no different from manyhome to a small contingent of expats who have
other rural farming communities in this part of theshunned the security and dreariness of their lives
country.back home for something totally different. They
It has a remote location with the nearest townmanage to get by with a minimum amount of
being Mae Hong Song, one of Thailand'swork and appear quite content with their
northernmost towns, next to Burma's no-go Shanalternative lifestyle. The monsoon season is much
State. It's a wonderful place to escape the worldquieter and it's usually only the backpackers and
and its problems. Reaching Pai by car or bus islong-term travellers who can be found in town
part of the enjoyment, as the narrow road windsduring this time of year.
over the top of mountains amid lush forests withIt's not just the foreigners who love Pai; the Thais
spectacular views.also appreciate the special atmosphere and
The appeal of Pai means different things torelaxed lifestyle. Teenagers and university
different people. Some visitors love the basicstudents are regular visitors, especially as the
facilities and undeveloped town. There are nolodgings and restaurants are such good value for
upmarket hotels or lavish resorts to make youmoney.
feel uncomfortable. The rustic bungalows besideThe town also benefits from tour buses that
the river are the ideal place to stay and willmake their way through to Mae Hong Song. For
provide you with all you need.first-time visitors short on time, the 'Northern
Many of the tourists who venture here areloop' is a great way to see this part of Thailand
free-spirited travellers who know about theas it takes in Pai, Mae Hong Song and returns to
town's new age character, and are looking for aChiang Mai via the beautiful Doi Inthanon National
place to chill. What could be better than floatingPark. The caves at Soppong are particularly
along the river on a rubber inner tube and sippingrecommended.
a beer with your head in the clouds?Pai has seen a significant amount of growth over
There is however more to do in Pai than sittingthe last several years, partly because of its
around listening to Bob Marley CDs. Some of theinclusion in guide books and as a recognised
local agents offer a range of activities includingstop-off on the backpacker trail. The benefits for
trekking, white-water rafting and endurothe locals have been considerable, as they have
motorcycle excursions. If you're looking foropened new guesthouses, restaurants, bars and
something to do by yourself, then take a daytripset up tour agencies.
to Pai Canyon or the waterfall to the northwestThe international hotel groups have so far stayed
of the town.away, despite there being some attractive land
Renting a bicycle is also a popular option, andrunning along the river. The seldom-used grass
although most people don't make it out of town,airport has recently undergone a major
there are some good roads to discover and eventransformation and is now fully paved. Whether or
some off-road trails. If your idea of relaxation isnot Pai can remain a sleepy, idyllic town remains
just sitting in a café and people-watching thento be seen.