Paiyatana

Get around The town itself is best explored on foot.  For exploring further afield, bicycles (40-100

baht/day) and motorbikes (from 100 baht/day) can be rented from many agents along the main street.

 Motorbike taxis are also readily available.  As of late March 2010 (that was when I was in the Pai) I

found it unwise to ride a bicycle for visits up the Ban Santhichorn and Lisu Village, not to mention the

waterfall farther up! You will be dragging the bike almost all the way uphill.  

                        The town itself has no special sights; most people come simply for the relaxed atmosphere.

 Nearby attractions include hot springs and waterfalls, and a hilltop temple.  There is also a wonderful

canyon which provides the perfect spot for a sunset.  This is a great spot to visit after seeing the WWII

Bridge built by Japanese-held POWs.  Poi Sang Long is a famous Buddhist children ordaining festival,

especially in Mae Hong Son. Thai Yai cultural dance show can be seen at the temple fair, in the night.

                   Rent a bicycle or motorbike and visit one of the nearby waterfalls and hill-tribe villages.  Pai is

also a major starting point for organized trekking tours which are offered by every guesthouse and

travel agent.  Whitewater rafting trips abound and there are numerous elephant camps. Additionally

there are several hot springs in the area.  Go off road trough the mountains of Pai on an off-road

motorbike tour. Up here it gives you better off road possibilities and against better prices than in Chiang

Mai.  Ask your guesthouse where to book.  Visit Tham Lod cave, approximately 55 km from town on the

road towards Mae Hong Son, 9 km from Sop Pong (Pang Ma Pha).  About an hour and a half on motor

bike, or join a tour.  Visit just before sunset (3pm-6pm) and see the thousands of birds descending into

the cave for the night