Description Grateful Nomads

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Another Slice of Pai

Even though Jack and I had already been to Pai before, I vowed then that I would return. We didn’t see the typical touristy attractions that are not usually my bag, and I felt that I was missing out. It would be like visiting NYC and not going to the Statue of Liberty. It’s a tourist trap, but you still do it. So, for one day of my stay I booked a tour that would hit all the sites.

Coffee in Love


Jack and I came here on our previous visit, but this time they had horses!
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Love Strawberry Pai


Half photo op, half organic strawberry farm, this stop next to Coffee in Love is quite popular with tourists.
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A nice garden next door:
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One area was devoted entirely to love padlocks. This symbolic custom has become quite popular throughout the world, and Thailand is no exception.
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Naturally, I couldn’t resist!
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Pai Canyon


Grand enough in its own right, Pai Canyon is a geographical formation overlooking Pai valley.IMG_7850IMG_7851

Watch your step, kids!
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WWII Memorial Bridge


This bridge was supposedly built by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII, but there’s doubt going around about that. Either way, thousands of tourists visit it every year.
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What I enjoyed about it was the herd of water buffalo fording the river below, including a playful baby.
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Also I got to meet Jack Sparrow, who has apparently taken a hiatus from the high seas and retired in Northern Thailand.
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Tha Pai Hot Springs


Stop to take a 35°C (95°F) mineral bath or boil some eggs at 80°C (176°F).
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Wat Phra That Mae Yen


Another great view of Pai from the top of a hill. The temple here has some interesting parts too.
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Some murals within the temple:
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You don’t see these everyday:
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Mo Paeng Waterfall


Not an especially spectacular waterfall, but it’s basically a natural water slide.IMG_7970IMG_7974

It does, however, offer the best advice you’ll ever get…
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Chinese Village


Been there, done that last December. Some new sightings include a portable playpen and a ridiculously cute dog.
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Wat Nam Hu


This beautiful tiny temple is located on a small pond. The sacred Buddha image housed here is said to have once dripped holy water from its head.
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Complete with hungry fish and beautiful flowers:
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This was definitely an efficient and exhausting way to see the obligatory sites of Pai. From here I head back to Hang Chat for a few days of rest before Jack and I start our Isaan adventure. Check back soon!