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 boutique 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;  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 ,stay at warm boutique hotel 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.

source: webs.calumet.purdue.edu/ nfo/library-2/None/

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.