26.11. Pai's VIPs (very important places)

Yesterday in the early morning, we set off from the hostel located a little outside the city center of Pai. Along the way, we took a little detour and climbed a part of the local mountain range, which led us to a large white Buddha that overlooked the valley of Pai and was also a great viewpoint. Later on our day tour through the valley, this white spot was often visible from afar and accompanied us throughout the day.

Back in the city, we rented a motor scooter, just like the day before, and drove to a waterfall where we could swim because it was getting hot again, in the morning it's only around 15 degrees here. This waterfall had several basins connected by corresponding rapids. The water was incredibly cold, but it was a special experience to swim in (or under) a waterfall.

After the refreshing bath, we could warm up again in the sun on the stones lining the waterfall and watch a group of daring men climbing the slippery and steep rocks with pipes, trying to redirect the water so that it flowed over a smooth stone surface. This created a kind of natural slide, but it was really dangerous, and one of the builders slipped and would have fallen down the rocky waterfall if he hadn't gotten stuck in a narrow passage. After we helped him get free, he didn't stop, but happily continued jumping around - some people are just incomprehensible...

We continued through the countryside of Pai to a small village where we could stroll over rice fields on a long bamboo bridge. It was simply a beautiful area, and we enjoyed walking on the squeaky bamboo and watching the rice harvest in the fields. At the end of the bridge, there was a small temple used by monks for meditation.

On the way to our last stop of the day, there was another hidden waterfall, which was now more of a typical "fall" and not a series of rapids. Although the sun didn't reach into the gorge and I was a little cold, I - being responsible as I am - swam under the waterfall and even jumped from a higher ledge into the basin with the falling water. Of course, I checked beforehand how deep the water was, so you don't have to worry about me.

Afterwards, we soon continued because sunset was approaching and we wanted to watch it from a canyon. This canyon, with its red rock and size, definitely had more similarities to the Grand Canyon of America than the one in Chiang Mai and was accordingly beautiful to look at. The exploration was a bit "slippery" because the footpaths were often very steep and slippery due to the rock dust.

Once we found a cozy spot, we could admire another beautiful sunset. You can never get enough of this natural spectacle.

In the evening, we walked along the street over the night market, where there was an incredible amount of food and all kinds of jewelry. We also met a very nice German couple that we had met at a waterfall and spent a nice and relaxing time together.

Such acquaintances are among the most beautiful and valuable moments here on this trip, and you are always happy to meet and see new and friendly people again.