ilovePai: sleepy heads

Lazy days in a hammock are a favorite in Pai....

.."Lazy days in a hammock are a favorite in Pai, along with just staring at the mountains and rivers... "
pronounced as "bai" or "bye"

The sleepy hippy town of Pai is situated 135kms northwest of ChiangMai, halfway to MaeHongSon. As you enter Pai area, the mountain road makes a meandering decline into a large green valley of padi fields and fruit groves. Pai is a tiny place with 4 main roads but offers a rich bohemian atmosphere where you can collect your thoughts and commune with nature. Trendy cafes and boutique B&B, slow pace of life and lots of cyclists and motorcyclists..

A decade ago, Pai was virtually unknown and today it has developed into a thriving, multi cultural town. Fortunately it has retained its down-to-earth feel and prices are still reasonable, making it especially popular with backpackers and free-spirits...who sometimes stay for months. Recent consciousness of health and environment has largely reduced the open consumption of opium or marijuana and even normal cigarettes are a rare scene !

Pai can be reached by bus, 3 - 4 hrs from ChiangMai and less from MaeHongSon. We rented a little car (we would recomend a 4wheeldrive) and it takes less than 2 hrs fr ChiangMai ..very good roads on highway. However off highway, watch out for the thousands of pot holes. Contrary to the many write-ups in the Net regarding the weather & road conditions on this "MaeHongSon loop" , we assure you it is totally safe even in our normal city wheeler ! thanks to our Asian upbringing, we are much "toughened up" and can eat practically everything!

so Peterpatterpot takes to the road ... 1180km road trip, 1864 curves or even more..

Where to sleep?? Not to worry ..
" Sawadee ka..."

many many many Guesthouses, Inns, hotels, B&B and even 5star resorts in bigger towns.
we went with no plans, no bookings... no problems. Walk around and you will find something you like.
Outside city of ChiangMai, the language is a problem.
in ChiangMai we opt for a quaint pink boutique hotel , The Small Hotel, located along TaPae Road. Very convenient - 10 min walk (our slow & easy pace ) to the overrated Night Bazaar and 15 min walk to the very yummy Thai restaurant, Riverside.

THE SMALL HOTEL, TAPAE ROAD
at 950baht per rm (internet booking) breakfast incl, plasma TV, hot shower, very trendy art decor style, very clean. highly recomended.

another boutique hotel along TaPae Road - MoRooms Boutique. Very arty farty.. more expensive walk-in rate 1800baht (d/b) ! but looks really cool.

and driving towards Pai, you cant miss it, is this little cottage (hotel) set on the hill overlooking vast rice fields and mountain scenery.

at the side is a attractive coffee cafe - "COFFEE IN LOVE"

in Pai we arrived late evening. The most attractive hotel that caught our eyes is this Hotel deArtist , at the end of the road in Pai village.

very comfortable, latest fittings and 5 star rating, more pricey (1800baht) .However we concluded that it must be newly opened as the hotel staff does not seem to know what to do most of the time !

and this is Li Lu, the Pai's gentle charming guesthouse that offers concept of boutique and Pai local home cafe. in the center of Pai, surrounded by cafes, shops, eatery. Li Lu average room rate is 1200baht. it also has an upmarket hotel called Yoma set up the hill with a resonant landscape overlooking the spectacular view of the hills and mountains. Features a contemporary architecture with natural surroundings.

and this is disappointing hotel - Priya Guesthouse in MaeHongSon village. Upon late arrival (again) we asked a "fralang" traveller who recomended this place. At 650baht per rm we badly in need to hang up our feet and rest our tired bones. Very basic. Very smelly. Didnt sleep well. Checked out early morning in search of a better bed.

Peterpatterpot on Guard duty !

Next morning in MaeHongSon, we drove around and by accident, found this clean highly recomendable guesthse called The Residence. Also mentioned by Lonely Planet. Room rate is 900baht d/b. (no bfast)

In MaeSariang, Riverside Guesthouse was recomended but was fully booked out, so we had to stay at The Giant Toilet - Mitaree Hotel . in Mae Sariang. (650baht d/b), not too bad, located in center of village. very basic and simple.