Pai
Pai town situated in a valley between mountains near Pai river is one of the most touristy places in whole Mae Hong Son loop. Here you will find more hotels, villas, bungalows and other residential buildings built only with purpose of hosting tourists than actual houses for regular people. As well as, numerous restaurants, bars and night clubs situated in downtown area. City well known for its charm barely resembles the stories of its past days. Nevertheless, it still has a lot to offer including its hot springs, beautiful waterfalls, canyons, night market food stalls in its Walking street and a lot more. Truly a mountain valley resort with plenty of natural adventures around it and deep transnational history to Shan state in Myanmar. Even though we were not the like people who decide to abandon their plan and stay there for long time, we enjoyed it to the fullest and in the end were able to witness a fire show. Insane!
West of town lies Baan Santichon, a traditional Chinese village with clay houses and eateries serving Yunnan cuisine. A lovely half day trip destination, especially if you have not been to China and tried their national cuisine.
Sop Pong also sometimes called “Sappong” is just a small village in Mae Hong Son Province. So, why even bother coming here? The most important reason and attractions is the surrounding area which is filled with various gorgeous waterfalls and caves. One of the most well-known attractions is taking a bamboo boat and going into a Tham Lod Cave.
Helpful tips
Restaurants. There are multiple places in the city where you can find descent food. In most of the local restaurants you will find price and quality ratio alright and food fresh. Stop by and try local food in street markets, look for a cleaner place and enjoy! Everyday you can find huge variety of food stalls in the night market and we believe there almost every person can find what he or she likes.
Markets. In Pai as in almost every other city in Thailand you will easily find a lot of cheap souvenirs to put on your fridge or cloths which remind you of the country. Local markets will charge you less the less you look like a tourist and if you know some simple Thai phrases, that will melt their hearts away. In shops all over city prices vary around same level, thus, choose a more convenient for you. Tesco Lotus accepts card payment, even if you do not spend 300 baths as in every other shop like for instance 7/11. We found it particularly convenient when you just need something like a water bottle or some snacks.
Transportation. To get to Pai you can use car, bus a scooter if you go from Chiang Mai or close by areas. Pai is one of the most touristy town in north of Thailand, so you will easily find transportation to here and around. We traveled to Pai using hitchhiking from Chiang Mai. First, we had a lovely walk through whole city and when we got out of the city it was an easy task to reach our destination. Either way you choose, do not forget to enjoy the trip not only the destination.
Inside the city you will find yourself using local bikes and scooters which are one of the most convenient transportation devices used to get around. However, exploration is doable on foot if you decide to skip on it.
Best of luck planning your holidays in Thailand!
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