Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
39
Lun Laa Bar
D2
Shopping
B1
Transport
41
aYa Service
C1
C1
43
North Wheels
B1
Sights
Most of Pai's sights are found outside the city centre, making hiring a motorcycle a neces-
sity. Motorcycle and bike hire are available at several guesthouses, as well as at aYa Ser-
vice (
Click here
)
.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
PAI BEFORE THE BUZZ
Today, Pai is an established stop on the backpacker trail and one of northern Thailand's most talked about destina-
tions. Yet according to Joe Cummings, author of the original edition of this guidebook, Pai in the early '80s was
little more than 'a string of wooden houses, shophouses and two wats'. Since those days, Joe has continued to live
in Thailand, contributing to more than 30 books on the region, and maintains a home in Pai.
When did you first go to Pai?
In early 1981 I rented a 250cc dirt bike in Chiang Mai and set out for Mae Hong
Son. I was researching the first edition of Lonely Planet
Thailand
and was warned not to be on the road after 5pm
because 'communists and bandits' came out after dark.
What do you remember of that visit?
I stayed at the only place that rented rooms, Wiang Pai Hotel, a two-
storey teakwood building with six rooms, a shared toilet and shower, and a one-room opium den out back. I liked
Pai but throughout the 1980s I assumed it would always be just a one-night stopover for people on the way to
Mae Hong Son.
What do you think of the Pai of today? Have you ever regretted including it in the guidebook?
Pai got pop-
ular for a good reason. It's the most beautiful valley in Thailand, for my tastes at least (and by now I've seen most
of them), it's still pretty chill and there's lots to do in the area. [I have] no regrets writing about Pai. Word of
mouth travels much faster than guidebook prose anyway, so there was no way to keep it a secret.
What are some worthwhile things to do, see or eat in Pai?
I still like hiking around Nam Tok Pembok. And the
Yunnanese cuisine in Ban Santichon makes a nice change from the Thai and
fa·ra
̀
ng
(Westerner) food in town.
Buddhist Temples
