Hi, I wish to get suggestions as to whether to go to Pai or Chiang Rai region for trekking. We are doing a 3-day trek in Mae Wang area from Chiang Mai and wish to head north after this. My interest is trekking and realise that the entire north caters for this. Would either Pai or Chiang Rai province's scenery differ from areas around Chiang Mai? Also how hilly and winding is the road trip to Pai? I know it shouldn't deter me from going there but I am prone to being carsick!
Thanks.
Pai is relatively closer to Chiang Mai than Chiang Rai, the road is equally winding. I know I hate being sick of the car but I still love to go Pai but it is kind of busy. Chiang Rai is of course a road less traveled but still I love Pai better because it has a variety of activities to do.
I don't know if its true the entire North caters for trekking , since the nth has become so deforested and many hilltribe villages over trekked .
Pai itself has become over commercialised tourist town , the scenery around its is pleasant , but not as good as scenery further west . The village of Tham Lod near Soppong (40kms west of Pai) has many walking possibilites as well as caves . Stay Cave Lodge , its in guide book .
The bus journey is windy , but not so bad if you take the ordinary public bus with the windows down .
Here is picture. of scenery around Tham Lod.
Trekking in the Mae Wang (Sanpatong) area is very touristy many daytrippers. Better to trek north and/or west of Chiang Mai (Samoeng, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao). Chiang Rai area is more flat and boring. Pai area out to Mae Hong Son would be much better. Bring a bucket for the Pai/MHS roads.
Agree with that.
(Though some areas of Chiang Rai are mountainous too; can't really compare a whole province like Chiang Rai to a small district like Pai. ) Overall I'd pick Pai / Mae Hong Son though.
Have you thought about Mae Sariang (Mae Hong Son province?). It's 4 hours south west of Chiang Mai. The road does have a few bends but nothing compared to the Chiang Mai - Pai route. Mae Sariang is mountainous and popular for trekking because its one of the least unspoilt areas in the North, and has the least 'touristy' treks. This area has Lawa and Karen hilltribes. I can recommend some guides/trekking companies if you like