10 JJCM: Pai – A Slow Day in the Countryside...

“Travel teaches us to follow the road as it bends, trusting that every detour still leads us somewhere meaningful...”

(A coffee shop at Pai Walking Street)

Day 10: 28 November 2025 (Friday)
Route: Pai Free & Easy
Hotel: Pai Friendly Resort

There are days in travel that ask nothing more from us than to slow down - to breathe, to wander, and to enjoy what unfolds naturally. Today in Pai was one of those days.

(A community service at Pai Walking Street)

(A fire truck spraying water on the road)

(Scrubbing and cleaning the night market's grimes)

(A group of kindergarten kids waiting to cross the road)

The chilly mountain air nudged us into town early. We found comfort in bowls of steamy chicken porridge and crispy fried charkoi from a small Muslim stall - simple, hearty food that warmed our hands and spirits.

(A roadside halal stall selling chicken porridge)

(Steamy chicken porridge on a cool morning)

(A must have whenever we are in Pai)

As we ate, the morning brightened with a parade of cheerful school/kindergarten children, dressed colourfully and carrying posters of the late Queen Mother of Thailand. Their joyful chatter drifted through the street, a charming glimpse into local life.

(A colourful parade at the Walking Street)

After breakfast, we wandered toward the Pai River. The bamboo bridge creaked softly beneath us as we crossed, pausing to take a few pictures of the quiet flowing water and the gentle countryside that surrounded it. It was a moment that felt suspended in time.

(The Pai River flows alongside the resorts and garden cafes)

(The old bamboo bridges was washed away by strong currents)

(Enjoying the peaceful and relaxing time by the river) 

Our light itinerary took us next to the iconic Memorial Bridge. Originally built during World War II as part of a strategic supply route linking Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, the bridge has since been reconstructed. Yet its rustic wooden planks and weathered steel frame still preserve the spirit of the past. We bought a couple of Pai T-shirts from nearby stalls - small keepsakes of this peaceful corner of Thailand.

(The iconic Memorial Bridge)

(Crossing to the other end of the bridge)

(A cafe and resort across the road)

(A posman and the red post box)

(An antique car on display at the cafe)

( A vibrant display of traditional fabric lanterns)

The Pai Big Buddha, perched on its hill overlooking the valley, was undergoing major restoration work. We didn’t climb the stairs, but we still admired the peaceful presence of the hilltop shrine from below.

(A lonely path leading to the Big Buddha)

(The statue is under major restoration)

Back at the resort, I surrendered to a refreshing power nap, while hubby made his way to the mosque for Friday prayers. 

(The back view of Masjid Al-Isra')

(A group of tahfiz boys waiting for the Friday prayers)

By evening, we found ourselves strolling along Walking Street once more - its night market alive with colour, music, and the familiar scent of street food. Dinner was a comforting repeat at Mukmin Restaurant: fried rice and green curry. Then an hour of therapeutic foot massage eased the last bit of travel fatigue before we walked back to our resort for a good night’s rest.

(Local artisans showcase their talents)

(A traditional dance performed by senior citizens)

(Tourists warming up by a traditional stove)

(An hour of strong foot massage)

As the day ended, we reviewed the latest news of flooding in Southern Thailand and the possibility of worsening conditions in Malaysia. With that, we’ll need to revise our original routing plan - a reminder that the road often shifts, and travel sometimes means adapting as we go.