Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Need to Know
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to February when the weather is cool
TOP
TIP
Take time to watch, listen and enjoy the natural environment
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coverage,
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Pai Don't Miss List
BY PAYOONG (PIN) ZATHU, OWNER OF PAIRADISE RESORT
1 PAI RIVER
Rafting and kayaking (
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) down the Pai River to Mae Hong Son is a
wonderful experience. The river is so peaceful, the landscape is beautiful and
camping in the jungle reminds me of my earlier life when I used to travel with my
father and our elephant (he worked for a logging company before the ban and
then found replacement work taking tourists on elephant treks). I also used to be
a trekking guide so I know a little about these woods.
2 PAI VALLEY
The whole of the Pai Valley is an attraction in itself. Travelling around on a mo-
torbike provides an opportunity to explore the countryside and witness the
change of seasons. In the rainy season, the forest sprouts mushrooms and bam-
boo shoots. There are forest treks (
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) that give a different perspective
of the valley. And outside of Pai town are hot springs (
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) and waterfalls
(
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), but you don't have to have a destination to enjoy it.
3 HILL-TRIBE VILLAGES
There are seven different ethnic groups living together in one small valley - it is a
cultural accomplishment. My father is Karen and my mother is Shan so I'm a
product of Pai's ethnic harmony. Since my father had elephants we know many
of the local hill-tribe villages and I'm happy to visit with old friends there. For tour-
ists, a visit to Ban Santichon (
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), a Yunnanese village, is just one way
