Pai (pt I)

Pai is a sleepy mountain town Northwest of Chiang Mai. With its Bohemian feel, it has made its way on the backpackers’ map in the last 10 years. Although I was apprehensive to like it when I first realized how tourist it felt, I fell in love. Since backpackers overran the town, it was easy to make friends. The only way to see the surrounding area is by motorbike. I was advised not to ride a motorbike the entire time I was in SE Asia for good reason—about 50% of Westerners get injured. However, I did rent one, was a natural at driving it, and had a blast! Thanks Mom and Dad for teaching me how to drive when I was 12.

I shared a bamboo bungalow on the Pai River with 3 Dutch girls, and we explored the Thai countryside via Honda’s version of the Vespa. We rode to Mo Paeng Waterfall, WWII Memorial Bridge, Pai Canyon, and watched the sunset from Wat Phra That Mae Yen ("Temple on the Hill"). What a day!

Mo Paeng Waterfall

Mo Paeng Waterfall

Notice the leaf to tree trunk ratio--the leaves are huge

Pai Canyon

Pai Canyon 

Pai Canyon

WWII Memorial Bridge used by the Japanese

I might look like a big nerd, but it was fun.

Sunset from Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Sunset from Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Sunset from Wat Phra That Mae Yen