The road to Pai begins at Mae Malai, a small market town, and twists and climbs through increasingly beautiful upland scenery onto a high ridge line (km6O-75). Hill tribe villages may be found along dirt roads that lead off the main road. Pai is a small town in a narrow valley surrounded by high hills.

Muang Kut

(km3 north turn - 1 7 km) A road through rustic scenery leads to this small wooden village on the south bank of the Mae Taeng River. A dirt track continues a short distance into the uplands.

Wat Ta Kham

9km S 1km

A lane through a simple decorated arch goes to Wat Ta Kham. The viharn has some fading murals done in a primitive style. The lane going south from Wat Ta Kham is a quiet rural route that joins HIO7 at km18.

Mok Fa Falls

23km S 1.5km

The falls tumble into a deep pool at the end of a ravine nice for swimming and a picnic. Pong Duet Hot Springs (km 42 north-east turn on dirt road - 6 km )

These are some of the nicest hot springs in Chiang Mai province. The well-maintained park is in a pretty wooded valley and is not over-commercialized. Rock dams form shallow pools for a hot soak 250 metres downstream of bubbling geysers. The park offers walks to nearby hill tribe villages and camping.

Huai Nam Dang National Park

65km N 6km

(Accommodation available by advanced booking)

At one of the highest sections of the road a sealed road north leads to the park headquarters and a viewpoint. The park site is famous for its dawn view over the Mae Taeng Valley towards Doi Chang Dao. The dirt road (4WD) beyond the view point continues far through high country, passing Lisu and Haw Chinese villages.

Pai is a small Shan town on the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province (MHS). The temples are all in the Shan Burmese style, but there is also a strong Muslim community. Many wooden buildings remain in the town except in the more modern south-west corner. Picturesque scenery, languid atmosphere and easy access to hill tribe culture has made Pai a popular destination for budget travellers.

Trips out of Pai:

The small size of Pai makes it easy to walk around, but bicycles and motorcycles may be hired for taking trips further out.

Elephant Camp

(Office: 513 Mu 4, Rangsiyanon Rd. Pai 58130) Elephant rides: 90 min. 500 Bt. per elephant. Longer rides and rafting trips available. Tel: 699286

The camp is located on the east side of the Pai River. The office in town also organizes other tours.

Mo Paeng Falls

Take the road past Pai Hospital to Shan and Lisu villages at the foot of the slopes on the west side of the valley. Tracks northwest along the foot of the mountains lead to the waterfall (8km). Alternatively, take the concrete road (H1095 km101 west turn 4km 4WD for 1 km) that goes to Pai Mountain Lodge before becoming a track to the falls.

Rafting to Mae Hong Son

(Thai Adventure Co., Ltd. 13 Mu 4, Rangsiyanon Rd., Pai 58130 (at 'Chez Swan')) 2 days & 1 night. 1,800 Bt. includes food and camping equipment. Tel: & Fax: 699111. email: rajtad@loxinfo.co.th)

Run to professional safety standards, this tour is an adventurous way to enter spectacular and otherwise inaccessible reaches of the Pai River. Highly recommended.

Wat Mae Yen & Thapai Hot Springs

If you go east across the river, you may walk to Wat Mae Yen (the temple on the hill) The route passes Pai's only public swimming pool (400 m. across the river 0900-1600 Adults 30 Bt). 6 kilometres past the temple are the Thapai Hot Springs in a pleasant forested area.

Where to Eat and Stay in Pai

Pai has several restaurants, all reasonably priced. 'Own Home' is popular with backpackers for the variety of foreign dishes on its menu For Thai food both the Nong Bia (Hrs: 0800-2100) and Phrik Wan Restaurants (Hrs: 1000-2300) are recommended The Rim Nam Restaurant (Hrs: 1000-2400) has an extensive menu in Thai, catering to a night crowd. Folk-blues can be enjoyed in the early evening at the Bee Bop pub lsan (north- eastern Thai) food is served at Lab Phet lsan (Hrs: 1000-2200 ) Two typical local Thai restaurants (Nuna & Kuai Tiao Pet Pai Hrs: 0700-2200. ) are situated near (see map) More up market places (all have hot water) are listed below

Chez Swan 13 Mu 4, Rangsiyanun Rd. Pai, MHS 58130 Hrs: 0830-2200 French restaurant in cosy wooden building Clean basic rooms in new building at back Tel: 699111.

Muang Pai Resort km101 south turn 4 km on road to Mo Paeng Waterfall 94 Ban Mo Paeng, MHS 5813O Restaurant hrs O600-2400 Comfortable cabins set around a large grassy garden Tel: for Chiang Mai Office 2709O6

Pai Mountain Lodge km101 south turn -42 km on road to Mo Paeng Waterfall 84 Mu 4, Ban Mo Paenge MHS. 58130 Restaurant hrs. 0600-2100 Established resort near Mo Paeng Falls Huts are arranged on a slope round a gully

Rim Pai Cottage 17Mu 3, Pai, MHS. 58130 Cabins at pleasant riverside location Restaurant service provided for large groups only. Tel: 699133.

©ChiangMai Mall 2001
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