Pai

I love Pai...(cheesy...but eventually...You Do)

Pai in the Sky, As High as Pai, Heart of Pai are all but a few of the tacky names of guesthouses here in Pai. Its a very cute and very quaint little town. A rapidly growing small town where travelers flock to get away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

When I arrived, I was quite shocked by how commercial and tourist orientated it was. So many, if not all of the vendors selling, Pai merchandise donning a love heart. It can be a little too much, if your a traveler but I guess if your a traveler, you have seen lots and aren't taken a back too much.

Thailand seems to be a travelers haven. Compared to the rest of Asia, Thailand is as easy as "pie" to travel (excuse the pun). Its sad to see the changes happening before your very eyes, but on the other hand...coming here can be the biggest relief after a hard year at work or when you have been traveling a while and don't want to think too much. Thailand has been done, many many many times before and as a result the Thai culture has become very tourist orientated. Guesthouses and delicious little restaurants everywhere you turn. You would be hard pressed to find really bad food here in Thailand. Even when you opt for western food, they do that pretty well too. Fresh ingredients and skilled cooking methodologies and your in business.

Pai is a smaller town located some 3 hours out of Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand. It is a very diverse community where local artists and foreigners come together to create a unique atmosphere that makes you feel at home. 

If you want to chill out, there are guest houses around the main centre that are set in the hills with mountains as your back drop. Or if you are into nightlife, there is a mini Koh San Road where all the bars and restuarants sit and you can pick up buckets of any alcohol you like for around 300 Bhat or less than $10 AUD. Its pretty insane and goes against every RSA law in Oz :) If your into more spiritual activites there is loads of Tai Chi, Yoga and meditation going on. Or if your like me and into some intesnse training, there is a great Muay Thai school called Charn Chai. The trainers are awesome, they speak good English and really kick your ass, if you want it. Perhaps, you may want to learn a new skill, then there are loads of practitioners offering short courses and classes in anything from permeculture, to thai cooking classes to learning the art of Thai massage. 

In the evening there is loads to do even if your not up for a boozey night. Heading to places like Buffalo, Edible Jazz or Pai Post, you can sit, chill and listen to live music, eat some good food or even indulge in an over priced glass of wine. (100 bhat) :)

If your into street food, then Pai is most certainly the place. You can barely walk 5 metres without being tempted by the amazing smell of BBQ's and desserts. Vegetarian and Meat Lovers heaven and Sweet tooth hell!...