From Chiang Mai, a four hour journey through beautiful mountainous countryside on incredibly curvy roads. (762 curves to be precise – you can buy the T-shirt when you get there to prove it!) will bring you to Pai. Pai itself is nestled nicely in a valley with the ever present Ping River flowing through. Surrounding mountains on all sides means the only way out is over them. In the valley there’s fertile farmland, rice fields, orchards, banana plantations, teak tree plantations; a true organic living scene.
The town itself is infused with a real bohemian vibe that attracts lots of new age travellers; with an artsy scene, live music and opportunity to take reiki, yoga and spiritual healing courses. Pai is not just a favourite with hippy backpackers, it’s also becoming a chic weekend destination for the Bangkok cool brigade; youngish, well dressed middle-class types float around.
Away from the laid back lifestyle of the village, out in the stunning countryside around Pai is a total adventure playground. Biking, kayaking, white water rafting, trekking, caving, climbing, elephant trekking, waterfalls and the visits to the hill tribe villages around make for interesting day trips. A day out exploring on a mountain bike is an ideal day spent travelling. There are intriguing lanes and tracks to investigate, where you can ride miles and lose yourself amidst the beautiful countryside.
