Mo Paeng FallsPai is a small Shan town on the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province. The temples are all in the Shan Burmese style, but there is also a strong Muslim community. Many wooden buildings remain in the town except in the more modern south-west corner. Picturesque scenery, languid atmosphere and easy access to hilltribe culture has made Pai a popular destination for budget travelers.
The small size of Pai makes it easy to walk around, but bicycles and motorcycles may be hired for taking trips further out.
See also: [Peaceful days in Pai]
(Office: 5/3 Moo 4, Rangsiyanon Road, Pai 58130. Elephant rides: 90 min. 500 Baht per elephant. Longer rides and rafting trips available. Tel: 699286)
The camp is located on the east side of the Pai River. The office in town also organizes other tours.
Mo Paeng FallsTake the road past Pai Hospital to Shan and Lisu villages at the foot of the slopes on the west side of the valley. Tracks north-west along the foot of the mountains lead to the waterfall (8 km.). Alternatively, take the concrete road (H1095 KM.101 west turn - 4 km. 4WD for 1km.) that goes to Pai Mountain Lodge before becoming a track to the falls.
(Thai Adventure Co., Ltd. 13 Moo 4, Rangsiyanon Road, Pai 58130 [at "Chez Swan"] 2 days & 1 night. 1,800 Baht, includes food and camping equipment. Tel & Fax: 699111. E-mail: raftad@loxinfo.co.th)
Run to professional safety standards, this tour is an adventurous way to enter spectacular and otherwise inaccessible reaches of the Pai River. Highly recommended.
If you go east across the river, you may walk to Wat Mae Yen (the temple on the hill). The route passes Pai's only public swimming pool (400 m. across the river. Hours 09:00-16:00. Adults 30 Baht).
6 kilometers past the temple are the Tha Pai Hot Springs in a pleasant forested area.
(Full Day. Chiang Dao Caves. Round trip 154 km. Regular buses to Fang make destinations on roads easy by public transport)
At KM.54 the road and the Ping River twist and turn through a gorge up to the rice basin of Chiang Dao. Although only the third highest mountain in Thailand, the limestone peaks of Doi Luang Chiang Dao are the most striking formation in the north.
Extensive caves lie at the foot of the east side. The uplands north and west of the mountain are popular trekking areas.
(H107 KM.41 east turn - 12 km.)
The flat valley of the Ping River in the Mae Ngat Dam area is a picturesque mix of villages, temples and rice fields.
At the north end of the L-shaped dam there are some local restaurants. Boats will take you for a pleasant thirty minute journey along the lake through the Sri Lanna National Park to some rafts (access only by boat. Accommodation available. Round trip 200-250 Baht). The Sri Lanna National Park HQ is located just to the north of the dam. A scaled road from south of the dam (R1323) to the east leads to H1001 (Chiang Mai - Phrao).