Pai
A very hippie city in Northern Thailand, perfect if you want a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
Pai is the whimsical, "hippie" soul of Northern Thailand. Tucked away in a valley at the end of a very 'car-sick inducing' road with 762 curves (two people on our bus here were vomiting the whole ride!) it has evolved from a quiet Shan village into a sanctuary for artists, backpackers, and digital nomads. It’s where many people go for a few days but end up staying for two weeks because the "Pai Hole" is very real. For us, we only spent two days here and that was enough. It was probably the most touristy place we've been on our trip so far, which, don't worry, we see the irony of.
Things to Do:
Sunset at Pai Canyon: The most iconic spot in town. It features narrow, winding red-dust ridges that drop off into deep forest on both sides. Walking out onto the "fingers" of the canyon for sunset is a rite of passage, offering panoramic views of the entire valley.
The Pai Walking Street: Every evening, the main road transforms into a bustling night market. It is a sensory overload of "Pai-style" fusion food (think Khao Soi tacos), handmade jewelry, and local art.
Soak in Sai Ngam Hot Springs: Located in a lush green forest, these "secret" springs are crystal clear and perfectly warm. Unlike the more developed springs, these feel like a natural jungle pool.
Yun Lai Viewpoint: Visit at sunrise for a stunning view of the "Sea of Mist" covering the valley. Located in the Chinese Santichon Village, you can sip hot oolong tea while watching the sun come up over the mountains.
Tham Lod Cave: A massive limestone cave system a short drive from Pai. You hire a local guide with a gas lantern to take you through on a bamboo raft. The scale of the caverns and the thousands of swifts and bats living inside is incredible.
The Big Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen): You can see the gleaming white statue from almost anywhere in town. Climb the 353 steps for a meditative view of the sunset and the surrounding peaks.
Pai Memorial Bridge: A historical landmark built during WWII by the Japanese. While the history is somber, the bridge offers a great vintage aesthetic for photos overlooking the Pai River.