Day 7 #MHS. Pai : Going Round Little Pai-radise / How To Get Here

Apart from riding on the road, admiring the landscapes around me, one of my most favourite part of touring trips are the rest days! Where I can stay a day or two, take my own sweet time to really enjoy the place I've ridden to. I'm not really a fan of "touch & go" trips.

Woke up comfortably at 11:00 in the morning and went to greet my baby that's covered in different shades of muddy dirt. So wanna give it a good wash down but the thought of getting it dirty tomorrow all over again..

Mmm.. Nnnahhhh. Forget it, hahaha.

Lying on the Pai River, Pai is a small town with a population of just over 2,000 people.

Did a quick search on where to go in Pai, pinned them down on my map and there you have it! Pai's a place full of artsy cafes, perfect place if you love cafe hopping, snapping pictures, and uploading them on Instagram ;) Most of the cafes are located in town too, all within walking distance.

According the reviews on TripAdvisor, seems like many people recommended having breakfast at Big Little Cafe, which turns out to be this cute little hut.

Their menu is in English, serving mainly Western dishes and as I've noticed, many locals here can speak basic English too, due to the flourishing tourism here.

We ordered our first meal of the day and watched the chef work his magic.

Breakfast is served

Is this my first food review in my entire blog? LOL, feels like it cuz so far all I remember is bikes, travel and beautiful scenery. Anyway I'm sorry to say that it was disappointing. Nothing great, flavours doesn't burst in your mouth or whatever. It's just as plain as.. it looks.

Moving on!

You won't miss this sign :) It's actually part of Madame Ju Coffee place, located at a busy cross junction in town. The atmosphere and crowd here is similar to Khaosan, Bangkok, home to backpackers from around the world. I started backpacking since 18 and have always loved it. You see alot more, and experiences are always so enriching.

In case you didn't bring enough Thai Baht, there are Money Changers around in Pai. But most of them are closed on Mondays. Rates are not as high as the altitudes in the mountains here, but it's better than not having any cash.

Next, we went onto hunt for some artisan coffee at Cafecito.

Lovely place with a lot of wood, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans is eminent the minute you step in. The owner of this place is really friendly and speaks fluent American English because she lived in USA for years (if I recall correctly).

So, being able to accurately describe how we want our coffee to her was a breeze. Omg imagine having to describe in Thai. I think we'd end up with a bowl of noodles instead.

Ah, this is where they brew their own beans! So we can enjoy our very own customized coffee.

Credits to @kevinstry

Cafecito is located away from town but not that far out either, on the sleepy side of Pai, down a small quiet alley. But it's not that difficult to find, my Tom Tom GPS managed to navigate us there in one try.

It's right next to this interesting-design house. Not sure if it's a hotel, didn't see any name.

On to one of the most prominent cafe in Pai, we found ourselves in love with "Coffee In Love" where the view here was fantastic.

Situated on top of a hill, Coffee In Love offers a vast ocean view of valleys and majestic mountain ranges. It's so popular that when you approach tour companies to take you around Pai, Coffee In Love is in the list. This place is like a must-visit in Pai.

All you hear is that peaceful quietness and the sound of nature, as we sat around, completely immersed in the tranquil atmosphere..

Actually I was busy taking photos haha and somebody is annoyed :p And he took a photo of me as evidence just to prove his point. LOL. Tsk.. view so nice must take more photos maaaa.

We got here at the perfect timing - Sunset! Where the skies went from peachy orange, mixing with royal purple, to sea blue. I'm mesmerized! Definitely coming back here again tomorrow for an early morning coffee fix!

The sun was setting real quick (again) as we raced against time to Pai Canyon.

Just a short 7 minute ride from Coffee In Love, we arrived at Pai Canyon.
There are no entry fees, you just need to walk up a few flight of stairs to get to the viewing platform.

After running up the set of stairs, I was trying to catch my breath, only for it to be taken away immediately by the breathtaking view of narrow red ridges and steep valleys. This is Pai Canyon.

Not many people are left here at this hour, which was a great opportunity to enjoy the feeling of nature embracing you, without any distractions.

The ridges are extremely narrow (enough for only one person to walk through at one time), and both sides is a steep 50 metre drop into pine trees and dipterocarp forests. I tried not to look down as I walked, and even scrambled through some tight ones when the strong wind blows. 

This wraps up today's exploration in little Pai-radise, and what a lovely day spent in this enchanting town deep in the mountains.

Will definitely recommend you to visit this place!

How To Get Here

# Ride - Just like I did!

1) From Singapore, cut through Malaysia via North South Highway
2) Take the train from Hat Yai - Bangkok
3) Ride from Bangkok - Chiang Mai via AH2
4) Continue 150KM from Chiang Mai - Pai

# Fly By Plane & Drive

1) Hop onto a plane and fly to Chiang Mai International Airport
2) Take a 3 - 5 hour bus ride to Pai from the airport

# Fly By Plane All The Way  

1) Fly to Chiang Mai and take domestic airline Nok Air / Kan Air to Pai Airport






[Singapore.Malaysia.Hat Yai.Bangkok.Lopburi.Chiang Mai.Pai]

[Mileage Clocked: 2,271KM]

[Weather/Temperature: Sunshine With Blue Skies/Cool 19°C]

[Terrain: Mountainous roads, corners, tarmac]

Next: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Thailand