People (usually young backpacker types) that Pai is incredible and a must visit. But from what I've read there's not really that much to Pai, a mini Khoasan road apparently with some activities nearbye. Opinions?
I'm in CM and considering doing some sort of day trip that involves going to see some hill tribes, are these trips any better / cheaper in Pai, as I suppose that could give me reason to go.
Cheers!
Pie is cheapish. One big street full of shops u can get in cm or bkk. Its cheap for nice accomodation with good views. Most of people in pai are toursits. U have hot springs pai canyon n a few other things. I would call pai a toursit traps
It is still beautiful, worth a visit, but don't expect too much. As harvie says, it is definitely a tourist trap.
The crap hotsprings are 400 baht. A puddle with some rocks. Before the masses arrived it was free. Tribes ? Last time i had to pass through there I saw two drunk Lisu women. That was a first. Nothing more than Khao San Road north. Read the interesting articles on the web about the bar brawls. You will be shocked if your seeking quiet. It really does,nt look any different than some tourist trap you would see in the states. The main drag is wall to wall signs. A mini Las Vegas . Really sad how such a once beautiful peacful place got soooo screwed up..The only difference there are Thais and far more rip offs. Hill tribes forget it. Go see for yourself and report back. Take the red fan bus from the Chiang Mai bus station. Last i checked it was 68 baht. Get there early. The bus ride will be a good example of the collection of freaks you will experience in Pai.
Doesn't sound too promising. It being beautiful isn't reason enough for me to go I don't think. Linguise, I don't drive. Cheers for the information so far.
Pai valley is ok but the major highlight is tham lot cave
Personally I rate Khong Chiam in the Ubon province much higher. That's one cool village/town.
Sorry it ain,t that beautiful .If you consider a valley now full of guesthouses. Take a look at some before and after pictures. and see for yourself what a zoo it has become. Trust me you will not like it. If you don,t care for the Khao San Road/FMP/Koh Phi Phi crowd you will hate it.
The hot springs are 200 baht a person if you don't speak Thai. If you do, they'll let you in for 40 baht.
During the peak season, Pai is a bit over run by hippie tourists. If you go later when it is the low season, it can be very pleasant. I don't think of Pai as the city. There are a few good restaurants, but it's not the reason to go. It's the surrounding ares that make it wonderful. There are countless places a bit out of town that are quiet and serene to stay as well.
Mae Hong Son is 80% hill tribe. Just because they aren't dressed in traditional outfit doesn't mean they are Thai.