Enjoying outdoor pursuits in Pai
Posted by Northerner on October 21st, 2011 filed in AdventureThe northern Thai town of Pai is at the heart of breathtaking vistas and is noted for its ambient atmosphere and easy access to several outdoor activities. Visitors making the 100km journey from Chiang Mai are able to enjoy hill trekking, caving, elephant riding, white-water rafting, river tubing and bathing in hot springs.
The hot springs at Tha Pai are just off the main road from Chiang Mai and have a number of bath tubs where people can douse themselves in rejuvenating natural waters that are 80°C but can be mixed with cold waters. Several guest houses, including the Café Del Doi, run the spring water into their premises which offers the chance of showering under it.
Heading north on the road to Mae Yen Temple there are camps that offer short elephant riding tours around the district. A number of spots close to the town itself have vendors where visitors can rent a lorry inner tube and float lazily down a river. Those who would like to take a more exhilarating river trip can enjoy a one or two day rafting excursion on the River Pai that takes in around 60 white-water rapids.
Trekking companies in Pai run multi-day hikes through the mountains in the locality. Walkers visit mountain villages such as those populated by the Lisu or Akha hilltribes and very often stay overnight in them. The same companies can also organise trips to caves that include Tham Lod. The caves are full of majestic rock formations and in some cases ancient coffins.