Pai is a town in the north of Thailand, about 4 hours away from Chiang Mai. It's known not only for its nearby gorges, hot springs and waterfalls, but also for its lively downtown. In the main walking street you can find dozens of food stalls, bars and pleasant cafés, handicrafts shops and massage parlours (Thai massages!!!). Sadly in Pai the tourism took an overturn and most locals started to show rudeness towards visitors. I can understand it, since most tourists that come to town behave like "animals", show lack of respect for the people and temples, and pretend to be superior (part of my observations).
The Pai Canyon was my personal highlight and a nice place for trekking lovers. It is a quiet, scenic canyon with narrow, ledgy hiking trails (not difficult when you have good shoes) that offer beautiful panoramic valley views, specially during sunset.
On the way to the canyon, there's a farm called Love Strawberry Pai where everything strawberry-related can be bought. The café, perfect for a romantic afternoon, also serves delicious cakes in which the special ingredient is of course strawberries.
Note: pay attention to what you wear when visiting temples or religious spaces in general. There's a proper way to dress without showing disrespect. Always be prepared with a long scarf to cover your legs or arms.
The Pai Canyon was my personal highlight and a nice place for trekking lovers. It is a quiet, scenic canyon with narrow, ledgy hiking trails (not difficult when you have good shoes) that offer beautiful panoramic valley views, specially during sunset.
On the way to the canyon, there's a farm called Love Strawberry Pai where everything strawberry-related can be bought. The café, perfect for a romantic afternoon, also serves delicious cakes in which the special ingredient is of course strawberries.
Not far from the walking street, there's the river and with it local restaurants by the water.
The Wat Phra That Mae Yen, better known for its white-marble giant Buddha, is located about 2km from the city centre and since finished, it is one of the most visited places in Thailand. Due to its location on top of a hill, it is possible to see it from town, but the most stunning thing about it is the mountainous background and views. Many locals and tourists await for the sunset there after climbing its steps.
Note: pay attention to what you wear when visiting temples or religious spaces in general. There's a proper way to dress without showing disrespect. Always be prepared with a long scarf to cover your legs or arms.
Next Stop: Hpa-An, Myanmar
For more information:
https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Pai--6051
https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Pai--6051
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