Life Of Pai

Japleen Kaur escapes to this lesser known Thailand town that's right out of a dreamy storybook

'OH, IT’S LIKE AN amalgamation of South Goa and Bir, or perhaps Old Manali. You know what, it also reminds me of Arunachal Pradesh, and Alleppey in parts.’ This would be my standard response whenever anyone asked me to describe Pai. And when people learnt I was travelling back to this little northern Thailand town for two weeks within a year, they were further intrigued. So, here’s my attempt at bringing you closer to the mountain town that I’d only ever read about in storybooks.

A four-hour long road trip from Chiang Mai, and one of the top cities to visit in the world, is the mesmerising town of Pai. The only way to reach here is by road. Either you can hire a vehicle of your own or travel via the minibuses that ply multiple times a day. I suggest the latter, since the route famously has over 700 loops that could get treacherous.

As soon as you reach the outskirts, the gentle sight of the ‘White Buddha’ perched on top of the hill, welcomes you. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel at ease, embracing the slow yet vibrant pace of Pai.

Life in Pai can rightly be divided into two parts for tourists: The morning magic when the valley is silent and often serenaded by clouds, and the night adventures when the walking street comes alive.