Thailand Borders 14: Pai

“The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same...” – Colin R. Davis

(Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge in Pam Bok Village)

Day 14: Saturday, 23 Nov 2024
Route: Chiang Mai - Pai
Distance: 167 km (3:00)
Hotel: Baan ChokdeePai Resort

Breakfast in the room while watching the sunrise. 

(Breakfast for two in the hotel room)

After we checked-out we took the opportunity to take a photo of the 150 year old teak mansion located on the compound of the Diamond Riverside Hotel. It was the residence of Luang Yonakarn Phichit, a Burmese merchant and nobleman from Moulmein. In the early 20th century he was one of the wealthiest and most respected citizens of Chiang Mai. His descendants are the Upayokin family, of whom some members still live in Chiang Mai.

(The 150-yr old Teak Mansion of the Luang Yo House)

(Located in the compound of Diamond Riverside Hotel)

Drove out of Chiang Mai town to Route 107 then Route 1095 to Pai. Stopped at Rim Mae PTT to refuel.

(Driving towards Pai)

(The 7th Infantry Division - the Monument of King Narasuan)

(Refueling full tank at Rim Mae PTT)

Drove leisurely on the winding road to Pai. At several places there were severe mudslides and fallen trees, the aftermath of strong wind storms during the recent rainy season.

(Following the signage to Pai)

(The start of the winding road)

(Landslides at several places along the route)

(Beware of obstacles on the road)

Stopped at the Memorial Bridge and bought t-shirts for the grandkids. The bridge crossing Pai river is a significant landmark of the WWll.

(A brief history of the WWII bridge)

(Leisure walk across the historical bridge)

(A cafe near the memorial bridge)

From the Memorial Bridge we drove to the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge located in Pam Bok Village about 10 km from Pai City. The drive up to Pam Bok is quite scenic. The cemented road is bumpy at some points. There are many cute coffee shops along the road for people to have coffee while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

(The attractions ahead)

(The road leading to the Bamboo Bridge)

(The 550-meter zipline for the thrill seekers)

(Doi Miang viewpoint is the highest viewpoint in Pai District)

(Coffee shops along the jungle route)

On the way to the Bamboo Bridge, we stopped at Pam Bok Waterfall. It is a nice small waterfall with high cliffs and large boulders surrounding it. It is a popular place for tourists to cool off especially on a hot humid day, before continuing the journey to the Bamboo Bridge.

 

(A brief stop at Pam Bok Waterfall)

(A small clear waterfall)

(A short hiking trail to the dipping pool)

(Not as popular as the other better waterfalls)

Bamboo Bridge is about 10 km from Pai town. There was ample parking space for cars and motorbikes at the site. The entrance fee to the Bamboo Bridge was B30/person. The bridge is an 800-meter long split-bamboo walkway that meanders across rice fields. There is a small temple in the middle of the rice field, with a beautiful mountain range as a backdrop.

(The walkway meanders across rice fields)

(The 800m long bamboo pathway)

(A small temple in the middle of the rice field)

(There are gazebos to relax on a hot afternoon)

(Enjoying a tranquil scenic walk)

(Wonderful view of the mountains)

(The bamboo bridge connects 2 villages)

After spending some time at the Bamboo Bridge, we drove to Masjid al-Isra' in town and performed solat jamak there. Walked a short distance to Mu'min Halal restaurant for nasi goreng, omelette and red chicken curry for lunch. After lunch we had iced Thai tea and green tea at Cups.

(Masjid al-Isra' of Pai)

(The interior of the mosque)

(Mu'min Halal Food located along the Walking Street)

(Tasty fried rice with hot seafood tom yam)

(A short walking distance from Al-Isra' mosque)

(Thai and Green tea at Cups, to quench our thirsts)

(A Unique Menu poster on the wall)

By 3.00 pm we checked in Baan ChokdeePai Resort at RM160/ night. We stayed in a cute bungalow at the very end of the resort. The resort is secluded with quiet peaceful ambiance, suitable for family or group vacation. There is a swimming pool and a small dining place if you opt for breakfast.

(Baan ChokdeePai Resort)

(Our cute little wooden chalet)

(A hut in the woods)

(The other chalets in the resort)

(A small  swimming pool in the middle of the resort)

(A homely chalet)

Took a short afternoon nap. At night drove to the Walking Street and parked our Bigfoot somewhere near the night market. There were a large crowd of mat salleh at the Walking Street. Pai was once a market village and is now a popular tourist destination known for its hippie culture. 

(A Muslim roti stall at the Walking Street)

(As usual, roti pisang for dinner

(Hill tribes handicrafts for sale)

The night market is a place where you can stroll through and intermingle with all sort of people and enjoy local food and vibrant colored hill tribe souvenirs. We had an hour of body massage then later had roti banana cheese for dinner from a halal stall at the night market.

(An hour of full body massage)