Day 8: The journey to Pai
13:00
Claire: So we survived the 762 sharp corners on the mountain road to Pai (I didn't count them, Google told me that!). During our research for this leg of the journey, we read this road is notorious for accidents but thankfully neither of us suffer with travel sickness (it’s not one for the light hearted). Greeted by sunshine, our accommodation was just a 5 min walk from the bus station. The hut is rustic, but cute, with a hammock for lazy days.
Pai is 90 miles north of Chiang Mai and is very small with a beach village vibe (despite it being miles from any beach). It’s a well trodden destination for backpackers and we can understand why... it’s very bohemian with its coffee shops, craft markets and independent shops. I’m even tempted myself to purchase some of those elephant hippy pants!
Our peaceful hut dwellings are located just over the river from the town. Close enough to stumble home but far enough away for tranquility.
Gav's day takeaway
- Dragged a sleepy Claire out of bed to hotel breakfast because I love the breakfast! I had a solid egg and toast (not stupid chicken sausages like yesterday).
- In getting to the bus station, we first flagged down the moodiest songthaew man who listened to our plea to take us but decided to just ignore us and drive off! But found a nice guy after and got there in the end.
- The main bus to Pai also had a right moody son of a bus driver but journey was a-ok and despite crazy road we arrived in the cuteness of Pai in 3 hours.
- We found our quaint little Centre Parcs / Caravan Park / hut over a beautiful little river bridge. Basic, but nice.
- By the time we ate we were starving so settled for tourist burger but it was decent and finished off the night with a G&T on the riverbank.
