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"Limited cultural exposure"
I'm sure the OP means no disrespect to our Thai hosts. Yes Western Cultural experiences are limited but Thai culture is highly developed and has been around for a long time
Nanzhao (729 AD) attained a high level of culture. Skilled artisans taught the weaving of cotton and silk gauze. Salt and gold were mined in many parts of the kingdom, and a complex system of government and administration was developed.
http://ancientweb.or...ountry/Thailand
#5086837 Retiring In Thailand Pros And Cons
Posted
on 2012-02-25 16:22:50
#4994136 Pai
Posted
on 2012-01-21 08:22:24
All I can say is, it's a shame they had that movie there.
OP, Wikitravel is your friend:
See
The town itself has no special sights; most people come simply for the relaxed atmosphere. Nearby attractions include hot springs and waterfalls, villages and a hilltop temple.
Poi Sang Long is a famous Buddhist children ordaining festival, especially in Mae Hong Son. Thai Yai cultural dance show can be seen at the temple fair, in the night.
Do
Rent a bicycle or motorbike and riding around the countryside seems to be the most popular activity - you can easily create an itinerary to include visits to the nearby waterfalls and hill-tribe villages. Potential day trips include the Tham Lod bat cave 55km away in Pangmapha, best visited when the bats emerge just before sunset.
Pai is also a major starting point for organized trekking tours which are offered by every guesthouse and travel agent.
Go off road through the mountains of Pai on a off-road motorbike tour. Up here it gives you better off road possibilities and against better prices than in Chiang Mai. Ask your guesthouse where to book.
OP, Wikitravel is your friend:
See
The town itself has no special sights; most people come simply for the relaxed atmosphere. Nearby attractions include hot springs and waterfalls, villages and a hilltop temple.
- Chinese village (Santichon). Village settled by Yunnanese hill-tribes who crossed the border in the middle of the 20th century to escape Communist rule. Shops selling different Chinese teas with varying health properties, and other interesting oddities include a human-powered Ferris wheel. Well worth a look, even as a brief stop on the way to Mo Paeng waterfall
- Pai Canyon (Kong Lan), (signposted from the Chiang Mai road; approx 6km from Pai). Somewhat optimistically described as Pai's answer to the Grand Canyon, it could more accurately be described as a narrow red ridges with steep-sides valleys either side filled with pine and dipterocarp forests. The steep 50m drop either side and stunning views over the surrounding countryside are impressive, but you'll need to be careful here - the path is extremely narrow in some places and requires a scramble in others. A set of steps up to a viewing platform provides the safest way to admire the scenery and the canyon makes the perfect spot for a sunset
- WWII Memorial Bridge, (on the road to Chiang Mai, approx 8km from Pai). The original bridge here was built by the occupying Japanese. The current steel truss bridge which sits alongside the present main road was assembled in its current position rather more recently, but as with Pai's "canyon", the bridge invites very loose comparisons with the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.
- Mae Yen - 7 kilometers out of town with no bikes allowed for the last 6km of that. Head East over the bridge heading out of Pai and follow the signs.
- Mo Paeng, (west of Chiang Mai past Santichon). A little more accessible than most of Pai's waterfalls, this multi-tiered waterfall flows through a verdant green valley and is popular for its pools to swim in. The upper section of this waterfall is a natural water slide during the dry season. The rocks are smooth, just find a small section and slide on down like the locals do!
- Pam Bok - on the road to Chiang Mai before Pai Canyon. Nice secluded waterfall with high cliffs surrounding it, making this a very cool place to escape the heat. Go for a relaxing bathe in the shade during the dry season.
Poi Sang Long is a famous Buddhist children ordaining festival, especially in Mae Hong Son. Thai Yai cultural dance show can be seen at the temple fair, in the night.
Do
Rent a bicycle or motorbike and riding around the countryside seems to be the most popular activity - you can easily create an itinerary to include visits to the nearby waterfalls and hill-tribe villages. Potential day trips include the Tham Lod bat cave 55km away in Pangmapha, best visited when the bats emerge just before sunset.
Pai is also a major starting point for organized trekking tours which are offered by every guesthouse and travel agent.
Go off road through the mountains of Pai on a off-road motorbike tour. Up here it gives you better off road possibilities and against better prices than in Chiang Mai. Ask your guesthouse where to book.
- Pai Zip Line Adventure,Taking glamorous adventure in an extensive forest and fog tri-season. The exiting flight with the 14 station canopy 2-2,5 hours is ending at the beautiful Pam Bok waterfall 8 km out of Pai where you can cool down. 850 THB.
- Elephant Trek. For several years now, travellers have enjoyed riding an elephant and concluding the trip with a romp in the Pai River. For this 'adventure', take as little as possible - you'll be enjoyably wet as the elephant is encouraged to shower you. Some operators - and there are several - are willing to take photos of you while you enjoy the elephant antics in the river.
- Tha Pai hot springs, (signposted from the Chiang Mai road). Bathing here is supposed to have therapeutic properties but you'll want to save it for a cool day. Sulphuric water bubbles out of these hot springs at temperatures of up to 80 degrees celsius and simple baths have been created where the springs meet a stream which cools temperatures to bearable levels. A short marked forest trail takes you through the compact national park more noticeable for its smells than its sights. 200THB.
- Tubing. Floating down river on an inflated rubber tube has long been a favourite pasttime of South East Asian backpackers, and the gentle current of the Pai river and attractive scenery make this a good spot to try. Unlike the more famous Vang Vieng in Laos, the Pai river isn't lined with raucous bars playing loud music, which some may consider more a blessing than a curse.
- Whitewater Rafting. Some of Thailand's most spectacular rapids are found between Pai and Mae Hong Song, and a few operators offer both one and two day rafting trips. One and two day trips are possible.
