For free spirits of all ages
Wild Thailand
Now the most popular highland destination in the country, Pai lies about 50 km east of Kanlaya’s, on the other side of the highest pass on the famed Mae Hong Son Loop. In a verdant valley, with the eponymous Pai River running through, the town is encircled by jungle clad peaks. From its early days as a Muslim trading post, on the Hippy Trail of the 70’s and 80’s, it has morphed into a relaxed, largely alternative, low key destination for free spirits of all ages. Famous for its live music, laid back bars, tattoo parlours, alternative lifestyle opportunities, recently legalized Cannabis, it’s especially popular with long haul back packers from all over the world. Recently though it has also been “Discovered” by a well-heeled rich young generation from Bangkok, a bit of the Wild West in their own back yard. The demographic is changing too as more discerning foreign visitors are increasingly drawn to the culture and topography of Mae Hong Son, the great Northern Wilderness, the
Province with the lowest population density, the greatest forest cover and where 80% of inhabitants are Tribal. There are masses of things to do in and around Pai, Elephant camps which specialize in river walks and splashes, piping hot springs to wallow in, waterfalls to visit, numerous trekking tours, abundant open-air bars with excellent live music, numerous cheap restaurants and eateries, two of real merit, and a lively, colourful, nightly Walking Street with native stalls and scrumptious street food. Hill Tribe weavings, edgy clothes, tattoo parlours, street food and lively bars.
Lively and Colourful
Walking Street
There are masses of things to do in and around Pai, Elephant camps which specialize in river walks and splashes, piping hot springs to wallow in, waterfalls to visit, numerous trekking tours, abundant open-air bars with excellent live music, numerous cheap restaurants and eateries, two of real merit, and a lively, colourful, nightly Walking Street with native stalls and scrumptious street food. Hill Tribe weavings, edgy clothes, tattoo parlours, street food and lively bars.
The bars mostly close at midnight but two on the other side of the river, Don’t Cry and Bamboo, are the edgy late- night spots, with funky and reggae music till nearly dawn, colourful clientele and often an astonishing Fire cabaret or similar. Even in Chiang Mai nothing comes close.
We can devise a trip to suit your wishes, the afternoon sightseeing, an elephant river ride and the hot springs, followed by Walking Street and supper and a nightcap listening to live music. Or go for the late option, arrive early evening and sit it out at Don’t Cry, and let us drive you home while you snooze in the back.