Pai - small but nice

From Chiang Mai, buses depart daily to Pai. After 3-4 hours, you reach a village with about 2,300 inhabitants (by the way, Forth has about 1,000 more) via a small road through the mountains. The picturesque village is nestled in a valley between green mountains. The majority of tourists here are young backpackers who just want to relax. There are small cafes and bars everywhere on the streets, and there is a night market in the evenings. Despite the many people, it is quite calm in Pai - no noisy traffic, no hustle and bustle. During the day, the surroundings are perfect for exploring nature. The waterfalls are ideal for swimming (they should probably be visited in the rainy season or shortly after). The Mea Yen Waterfall can only be reached after a long hike. The Pam Bok Waterfall offers swimming opportunities almost all year round. On the way there, you pass the Landsplit. An earthquake in 2008 (and again in 2011) created a crack in the ground. Vegetables, fruits, and roselle (a hibiscus flower) are now grown on the slope. Visitors can freely explore the site. At the entrance, you can get a fresh roselle juice (for free), buy fruits or vegetables, or relax in a hammock. If you want, you can also talk to one of the farmers about the project and the surroundings. The people there also appreciate a small donation. The third waterfall is Mo Paeng, which only has a little water flowing during the dry season. However, on the way there, you will find a top viewpoint. Through Chinatown (northwest of the city), you can take a steep road to Yun Lai Viewpoint. Although you have to pay 20 baht, you will get a pot of fresh tea in return. It's absolutely worth it, as not many tourists come here, and you can enjoy the landscape with a cup of tea. If you want, you can also get Chinese breakfast rolls and even camp there.

A bit further away, there is a large stalactite cave called Lod Cave. With a local guide and a gas lamp, you walk in groups of three through the darkness. After that, you will be taken on a bamboo raft through the river in the cave. You can observe many bats on the ceiling. A few kilometers further, you can bathe in the Sai Ngam Hot Springs for 20 baht (~50 cents). You can watch the sunset at Pai Canyon. Although there are many other visitors there, it's a beautiful backdrop. If you manage to climb the many steps at Chedi Prat That Mae Yen (there is also a small road), you will have a great view of the setting sun behind the mountains.

Our conclusion: The small hippie village of Pai is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.