A traveller's reflection: Day 12: Year-end Trip: Pai

"Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it..." - Jacques Prevert

(Ban Rak Thai, a Thai/Chinese Village at Thailand/Myanmar border)

Day 12: Monday, 26 December 2022
Route: Pai to Mae Hong Son
Distance: 161 km
Hotel: Ngamta Hotel, Mae Hong Son

We had porridge and cakoi breakfast again this morning. The weather was extra chilly and Pai was covered with thick fog. We walked in the mist, and had our windbreakers to protect us from the cold wind.

(Upside down house at Heart of Pai)

(Early morning walk in the mist)

(Our favorite breakfast set)

(Crispy cakoi to complement the porridge)

By 8.00 am we drove out of Pai towards Mae Hong Son. Before we reached Mae Hong Son we detoured to Ban Rak Thai, a small highland village 35 km from Mae Hong Son.

(Minimum visibility in the morning fog)

The weather was cool and misty when we started ascending the thousand corners. We made brief stops at Doi Kio Lom and Phang Ma Pha viewpoints.

(Phang Ma Pha viewpoint)

(A brief rest stop, half-way point to Mae Hong Son)

(The highest point of the route 1095 from Pai)

(Nice cool weather in the morning)

(The sun in our eyes)

(A good view of the valley)

(Stalls selling baked sweet potatoes and souvenirs)

We had coffee and hot chocolate at Chang Thai Coffee shop by the highway 1095 before we drove up the winding steep road to Ban Rak Thai. This was our second visit to this remote Thai/Chinese village, well known for its tea products.

(A must stop at the 1864 corners mile stone)

(Chang Tai Coffee and souvenir shop)

(Drinking coffee with a view of the paddy fields and rolling hills)

(A detour to visit the border town of Ban Rak Thai)

Ban Rak Thai sits on a shore of a beautiful lake. It is nestled in the lush green valley surrounded by hills and tea plantations. The villagers are descendants of KMT soldiers from China. Ban Rak Thai used to be a sleepy Chinese village because of its remote location near the Myanmar border. But now it has become heavily-touristed. There was a large crowd when we arrived. We had to park opposite of the lake as all parking areas near the shopping streets were full.

(A traditional Chinese gate to Ban Rak Thai)

(A small village right next to the Myanmar border)

(Traditional Chinese houses and shops)

(A Lakeside Yunnanese village with tea plantations)

(A leisurely stroll around the lake)

(The village still maintains a lot of its original charms)

After a few photo shots and a light lunch in the car, we drove to Mae Hong Son. We went direct to Masjid At Nuruth Taqwa to have nasi briyani ayam lunch at Restoran Haji located near the mosque.

(The only Muslim eatery in town)

(Nasi kuning and chicken curry)

(Masjid At-Nuruth Taqwa)

We checked in Ngamta Hotel at B1200/night including breakfast for two. At night we strolled the Walking Street and night market and bought a few colorful shawls. The Night Market starts from Ngamta Hotel to the small lake. This night market opens daily from 5.00 pm - 10.00 pm.