Pai, Thailand

I have been to Pai twice on my first Southeast Asia trip in 2014/15, so I knew what to expect on the way there. The road winds up the mountains with over 700 curves. Normally, the minivans pass each other in these curves. Fortunately, it was low season, so there wasn't much traffic, and with a motion sickness pill, the ride was bearable for our sensitive stomachs.

Pai is a small mountain town north of Chiang Mai. The place is known for its hippie vibe, which is evident in the many Thais with dreadlocks and the organic food restaurants and small jewelry shops.

Pai also has a night market that goes through the whole town. Actually, it's more of a street food market where you can eat all kinds of Thai, Chinese, and Western food.

Three years ago, on the evening before river rafting, I got a 'stomach upset' there. For my fellow travelers, it was definitely a funny trip, but not for me. However, despite this experience, I was able to enjoy the food there, and it didn't have any consequences for my digestion. :)

We took the obligatory trip to the waterfall and Pai Canyon with Cyra and Sjaack, a Dutch couple we met in Chiang Mai. Even the third time, both are still worth it. We also indulged in our favorite travel activity with them, mini golf.

After 4 nights, we returned to Chiang Mai and from there took another bus directly to Chiang Rai. This is our last stop in Thailand before going to Laos.

Text Oli

Image processing Rahel