Pai - Thailand's Bohemian Hang Out

Pai is a small town that most visitors agree has athere is a small elephant camp just out of town
unique character that is different from anywhereand some hot springs which are great during the
else in Thailand. This seems to be based on thecool winter months.
special atmosphere that it has rather than anyAs well as a regular stream of visitors, Pai is also
major sites or attractions. The town is located inhome to a small contingent of expats who have
a flat and mostly dry valley that is no differentshunned the security and dreariness of their lives
from many other rural farming communities in thisback home for something totally different. They
part of the country.manage to get by with a minimum amount of
It has a remote location with the nearest townwork and appear quite content with their
being Mae Hong Song, one of Thailand'salternative lifestyle. The monsoon season is much
northernmost towns, next to Burma's no-go Shanquieter and it's usually only the backpackers and
State. It's a wonderful place to escape the worldlong-term travellers who can be found in town
and its problems. Reaching Pai by car or bus isduring this time of year.
part of the enjoyment, as the narrow road windsIt's not just the foreigners who love Pai; the Thais
over the top of mountains amid lush forests withalso appreciate the special atmosphere and
spectacular views.relaxed lifestyle. Teenagers and university
The appeal of Pai means different things tostudents are regular visitors, especially as the
different people. Some visitors love the basiclodgings and restaurants are such good value for
facilities and undeveloped town. There are nomoney.
upmarket hotels or lavish resorts to make youThe town also benefits from tour buses that
feel uncomfortable. The rustic bungalows besidemake their way through to Mae Hong Song. For
the river are the ideal place to stay and willfirst-time visitors short on time, the 'Northern
provide you with all you need.loop' is a great way to see this part of Thailand
Many of the tourists who venture here areas it takes in Pai, Mae Hong Song and returns to
free-spirited travellers who know about theChiang Mai via the beautiful Doi Inthanon National
town's new age character, and are looking for aPark. The caves at Soppong are particularly
place to chill. What could be better than floatingrecommended.
along the river on a rubber inner tube and sippingPai has seen a significant amount of growth over
a beer with your head in the clouds?the last several years, partly because of its
There is however more to do in Pai than sittinginclusion in guide books and as a recognised
around listening to Bob Marley CDs. Some of thestop-off on the backpacker trail. The benefits for
local agents offer a range of activities includingthe locals have been considerable, as they have
trekking, white-water rafting and enduroopened new guesthouses, restaurants, bars and
motorcycle excursions. If you're looking forset up tour agencies.
something to do by yourself, then take a daytripThe international hotel groups have so far stayed
to Pai Canyon or the waterfall to the northwestaway, despite there being some attractive land
of the town.running along the river. The seldom-used grass
Renting a bicycle is also a popular option, andairport has recently undergone a major
although most people don't make it out of town,transformation and is now fully paved. Whether or
there are some good roads to discover and evennot Pai can remain a sleepy, idyllic town remains
some off-road trails. If your idea of relaxation isto be seen. Those who manage to arrange a visit
just sitting in a café and people-watchingsoon won't be disappointed with the wonderfully
then you won't be disappointed either. If you'rerelaxed pace of life, traffic-free roads, rustic
prepared to venture a little farther afield, thenguesthouses and abundant restaurants and bars.