Although the cold season is still some months away, Pai remains a good choice for a quiet escape that allows you to get back in touch with nature. Plus the low season such as now during rainy season,allows you to the ultimate pleasure in Pai’s peaceful surrounding without having to worry about your wallet whether your prefered choice of accommodation is luxurious resort, mid-range or low cost hotels.

As you probably are aware, accommodation prices in Pai start from hundreds of Baht and can be as expensive as thousands. For those who fancy an economic stay, the top of Tesaban Road all the way to Chaisongkram Road through to the back of the alley behind Pai Wittayakarn School is the place to look. Accommodation in this area is mainly guesthouses with prices ranging between 200 and 500 Baht. Towards the back of Chaisongkram Road, however, stand two cozy resorts by the riverbank. These are Pai River Corner and Rim Pai Cottage. At the other end of this road, at the heart of the town, is a boutique resort called The Quarter Hotel, offering all kinds of facilities and pampering you can imagine. With such treat as The Quarter offers you won’t have to worry about the rain, as you probably wouldn’t want to leave the hotel except for a tour around town.

For those who yearn for a hip, stylish place amid nature, Yoma Hotel, an accommodation in the few thousands’ range, is worth checking out. The place doesn’t only offer modern luxuries but also has a panoramic view of Mount Mae Yen. Located on Chaisongkram Road, the place is within easy reach of town’s facilities.

Besides the two extreme ends, there are also some mid-range hotels of about a couple of thousands Baht a night in town as well. One of the kinds is Lilu Hotel, on Rangsiyanont Road. The place has all the modern facilities you can possibly imagine incorporated in an authentic wooden house and is in an easy reach of the town. Well, these are not all. Pai still has more to offer. You just have to come and explore it yourself!

“Pai” offers a wide variety of activities from dawn to dusk, but you might want to take it slow after a rough ride on the river Pai.

For early birds, a visit to the town’s morning market and a stroll along Rangsiyanon Road will surely open you to Pai’s simple way of life. There you can shop for light breakfast such as poached rice with fried dough, soya milk, grilled pork with sticky rice, coffee and even pastries.

Alternatively, you can opt for a lazy lie in and start your day by lingering over a nice cup of coffee in a comfy chair, gazing at the greenery behind curtains of raindrops, from your cost-effective hotel room. Then you might want to continue with the day’s laid-back atmosphere in Tha-Pai natural hot spring stream or in Tha-Pai Resort’s massive spa pool.

Come lunchtime, it’s best surveying your options in your chosen area - be it the in the town centre, by the river or with a mountain view. After lunch, grab a book and nestle back in bed for a nice read or head out to one of the many cozy coffee shops dotting the village with your favourite book.

If the ultimate relaxation and pampering are what you are looking for, check out The Quartre’s Rain-Spa for your afternoon retreat. Then head back to one of those restaurants that you eyed for at lunch but didn’t make it there and conclude your day with cool drinks and hip music at some of the town’s famous bars in the centre. What can be nicer than a day at your own pace, eh?

Mae Hongson’s artery, the river Pai, is bursting with energy again when the seasonal rain greets its origin, the two mountain ranges named Thanon Thongchai and Dan- Lao, with abundant amount of water. This creates the perfect condition for whitewater rafting of all levels of difficulties.

The 50-kilometre-long river, snaking through three different districts, including Pai itself, is packed with both adrenaline rushing experiences and scenic views along its whole stretch. Several dozens rapids en-route pose challenges ranging from level 1 up to level 5, or mild to extreme. Water games at the Su Sa waterfall, cave expeditions as well as mud-bathing and cliff diving are among many other highlights for adventure seekers to enjoy during their breaks from paddling.

It takes two days to complete the whole route, with an overnight stay in the jungle, allowing the crews to get back in touch with nature. However, there is a milder version for those who just fancy a taste of Pai’s excitement without losing their touch on the town’s hip cheap hotels.

Besides the two-day package, most tour operators also offer a one-day package, which gives a similar thrilling experience and at the same time allows you a good night sleep in a warm comfortable bed at the hotel of your choice. This way, whether you are luxurious holidaymakers or daredevil backpackers, Pai and her river can accommodate all your needs… even on the rainy day!

Note: Rafting trips are available from local tour operator such as  Pai Adventure: Tel 053 699 385;   Mae Hongson Adventure: Tel 0 5361 4286;  and Pai in the Sky: Tel 0 5369 8145, 0 5369 9090 

Further information on rafting in Pai and Mae Hongson is available from the local TAT’s office  via email at tatmhs@tat.or.th and on the phone at 053 612 982-3

It is officially the open season now for white water rafting in Pai. This is the very time that those who like extreme sports such as white water rafting will flock to Pai. Heavy rain early in the season - between May and June – produces driving water gusting down from the mountain and down the river which makes perfect conditions for white-water rafting.

According to the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) the season for white water rafting begins in May and continues until October. However, the excitement does wind down with the water level towards the end of the rainy season. So, if it’s the adrenaline rush you are looking for, don’t wait until October.

Of course, life needs not be all too rough! Although most of the tourist accommodation on the river bank are likely to be closed due to the unpredictable water level, many more are available in town. You still have a wide range of choice, from boutique hotels to guest houses to rest after a bumpy, but fun ride along the river. Plus, since there aren’t that many people flocking this way during this time anyway, advance booking is not strictly necessary unless your planned visit is on a long weekend holiday or other public holidays. Then you might want to check first. Otherwise, you can be adventurous as you like. Just make sure ‘safety comes first’!

If a vast lush green plain, stretching out as far as your sight can behold and the wet drops of rain bringing life to scorching dry land after the peak of the hot season is what you yearn to feel, then visit Pai during its rainy season.

In Pai, rains begin to fall, vigorously, in May and stops in October, marking the longest season of the year. Despite the damp wet weather, those visiting Pai in the rainy season will be impressed with how this little valley rises again from dust, caused by heat, to eye-comforting greenery. Because of tourism trends, not many people get to see moist morning mist lingering gracefully over lush rice paddies and the overshadowing mountain range while the overall temperature remains comfortably mild.

Apart from the picturesque view, you will also get to see the locals’ unique merit making ceremonies if you visit Pai at the beginning and the end of the Buddhist Lent. Of course, there are other exciting activities such as white-water rafting for adventure lovers to enjoy as well. So, if you fancy a bit of a change, you won’t be disappointed by coming to Pai during the rainy season. Just be prepared to get wet and keep your anti-cold medication handy though!

Pai may have been just a plain stopover en-route to Mae-Hongson, from Chiang Mai for multi-national tourists and adventure seekers in the past, but not anymore.

The town’s scenery, rich natural resources, lush green rice paddies and farms, as well as authentic locals’ traditional rites and practices have grown on its visitors. The impression imprinted on the town’s guests has been passed on to many all over the world. That’s why virtually all the roads and runways now lead to Pai! According to the TAT’s (Tourism Authority of Thailand) record, over 100,000 people come to Pai each year, most of whom are foreigners.

Unfortunately, the boom in tourism has somewhat transformed the town. Many visitors, especially the Thais, find it hard to accept that this small village on Thai soil seems overcrowded with foreigners. Costs of accommodation and food in places have, as many put it, rocketed as high as Pai’s reputation. Even so, has Pai lost its charm?

To many, the answer is ‘no’! Pai’s charm does not lie just inside its town centre and its open-air street markets. (Many people still come to Pai for its natural beauty.) The vast green valley, filled with rice paddies and cultivated farm lands, the ice-cold air at the top of Huy Nam Dang National Park, the hot spring, the locals’ traditional way of life and warm hospitality of those living here remain a powerful magnet, attracting those who have been here as well as newcomers to Pai. Its enclosed location amid mountain ranges and a peaceful united community here still makes Pai heaven on earth for many Europeans and some Thais. Some have even relocated and settled for a new life in Pai.

The Tai ethnic minority’s desserts or snacks are one of Pai’s local authentic delights. At the municipality’s fresh market, you can explore and try as many menus as you wish. If you like it enough, you might as well carry some snacks home for friends and family. Of course, the early birds win in this game, as this is a morning market. Eight in the morning is the best time to shop here, as that is its busiest time, during which the market is teeming with a huge variety of all things edible.

The Tai’s traditional snacks include ‘Alawa’, a kind of snack made from long grain rice simmered with coconut milk and sugar cane juice, baked until the top turns brown. Other snacks are ‘Pae-yee’ and ‘Pae-loh’, which are salted, roasted, soybeans, with and without shells. Another sweet choice is called ‘Nga-Boh’. This type of snack is made from sugar cane juice, simmered until it becomes sticky and topped with sesames. Surely, these are just appetisers. A lot more awaits your discovery.

What is your ideal coffee break? If relishing a nice cup of coffee with a good book and/or good company while drinking in marvellous views of mountain ranges in a laid-back environment is your answer, Pai is certainly your perfect destination! Apart from all kinds of adventures and activities this peaceful village offers, Pai is also the perfect place for you to hide away from the outside bustling world and quench your thirst with that perfect cup of coffee.

Pretty much on every road in Pai stands at least one cosy coffee shop that is open between late morning and late afternoon. The two most famous coffee shops in the town that tourists can’t afford to miss are All About Coffee and Coffee In Love. All About Coffee is located on Chaisongkram Road, famous for its yummy Banofi Pai, the highlight of its menu. Coffee In Love on the outskirts of the town on the main road from Chiang Mai leading into Pai offers a variety of mouth watering desserts and good aromatic coffee with a truly breath-taking view. So next time you hunger for a memorable coffee experience, get it for yourself in Pai.

Nestling nicely between the Thanonthongchai and Danlao mountain ranges, the temperature in the Pai valley is generally mild all year round. Come mid April, which is the hottest month of the year, day-time temperature can rocket up to nearly 40 degrees and yet the evening temperature is pleasant enough for anyone to have a good night’s sleep without the magic of air-conditioning. For those wishing to go against the trend and come to Pai in the Summer, that will open you to the whole new experience. If the cold is what you are after on your summer’s visit, all you need do is to camp at the top of the Huy Nam Dang National Park, where the evening temperature can drop to 15 degrees even on the hottest day.

Although many have complained that Pai has become far too touristy and for that reason has lost its charm, the laid-back atmosphere and peaceful tranquility can still be enjoyed in the hot season, as many mistakenly believe that Pai can be best appreciated only in the cold season and therefore only come then. Well, the truth is if a peaceful and quiet get-away is what you expect out of a trip to Pai, anytime between March and April is ideal. Besides, such a small number of tourists during this time of the year also means that most of the hotels and resorts there have to knock their price down, leaving visitors like us with a big grin on the face and a thick pocket! So what are you waiting for?

As the temperature rises, Thailand’s famous water festival- Songkran- approaches. This makes perfect timing for both the locals and tourists to enjoy a good splash. For this, many are aiming at joining major water festivals in big cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, but there is always an alternative for those looking for a quiet get-away without missing out on the fun.

Being a tranquil little town hidden amid nature, Pai offers a splash of life and a true spirit of Songkran just like anywhere else in Thailand, except that, here in Pai, you don’t have to fight for space to breathe among all the water-crazed strangers eager to throw water at you! This year Pai municipality is organizing the event and plans to block off the whole of Rangsiyanont road in the town centre on 14th and 15th April for a wonderful water spectacular. The River Pai is another perfect place to be for anyone who is keen to cool down during this water festival, as you will be joined not only by the locals and other tourists, but also elephants!

Don’t miss out on the true spirit of Songkran! Join the locals’ bathing rituals, pouring scented water onto a Buddha image, the community’s elders as well as the respected ones, for good luck and blessings. These authentic and traditional ceremonies are held on 13th April at designated sites around the town.

If you would like to make this year’s Songkran not only memorable but also meaningful, join Pai Earth Aid 2009 and contribute to saving this sweet little town, which many love and call ‘home’. (For further details see: http://thailand.tribe.net/event/PAI-EARTH-AID-2009-SONGKRAN-WATER-FESTIVAL/pai-mae-hong-son-thailand/bc5b096b-3f3c-4a09-bd21-245fb92a43ec ) The event is held between 11th April and 13th April.