I got to Asia through Bangkok as it was cheapest flight from Europe – that made my decision easier in which country start traveling. I did not plan anything and I am still quite flexible and without plans, but I had to pay extra for flight to Chiang Mai as sleeping train was booked out for few days in advance. I wanted to leave Bangkok with slight hangover as soon as possible. There was also another option – take a bus, but i was not in the mood for long ride after still jet legged from the flight.
In general, north of Thailand is about nature adventures. It is set higher and is chilly during the nights. It gets actually cold – definitely plan on bringing or buying extra sweater – not like me! I did sleep till 1AM, then it was impossible.
Chiang Mai what to do?
I tasted first street food here. It is 4-5 times cheaper than in restaurant. I had to push my fear away to avoid spending money. Afterall it is so delicious, from curries over pad-thai to soups. I actually enjoy the noodle soups the most with additional grilled chicken or pig’s face.
As mentioned before, the north is about adventure and I chose to see elephant sanctuary and hiking in the jungle with additional swimming in the waterfall, shooting crossbow and eating passion fruit. I never had or heard of passion fruit before. It was sweet and sour taste. Tired from hiking increased deliciousness of this fruit ball.
I was staying in “originally” named hostel called Chiang Mai Hostel. I really enjoy the stay there and I can recommend it. It is quite small place and friendly. Although they have low door ceiling to the bathroom. Con for me as i hit my head like 20 times. I can still touch my bumps on my head. Hostel is located on the south side of the city by the water canal. It is relatively cheap and close to the town center.
How to travel around Chiang Mai?
First of all, you drive on the left side of the road(same as in UK). I see 3 valid options and probably the best one is red public taxi. Around the city for 20baht if they go that way, you might need to ask few, but it is sure one of the cheapest. Otherwise bicycle and scooter. Scooter could be tricky if you dont have International Driving Permit – if you dont have it, you will be stopped and fined 400bath and it will be valid for a week.
International Driving Permit for Czech citizens should be possible “na pockani” na Na Pankráci 1685/17
How to drink in Thailand?
If you are beer lover and you are from Czech Republic, you will have to pay extra for beer as it cost from 60-200 Baht. Price depends on the shop and restaurant. That’s why i would recommend to drink some local drinks like Mekong or SangSom rum with CocaCola. It is cheaper than beer and you can get drunk relatively cheap 🙂
What to do in Pai?
You can get to Pai for 180baht from Chiang Mai by minibus or you can rent a motorbike for 150baht and go by yourself – Aya service(at bus station) will also move your luggage to or from Chiang Mai if you do one-way trip. The journey will take you about 3 hours and it has lots of curves and hills. My recommendation is to try the scooter in Pai and if you like it then go back to Chiang Mai with bike also.
In Pai you can go to Mae Yen waterfall hiking trail through river – basically you will be jumping over the rocks except first 500 meters where you go through water and sand – take your shoes off. I did the proper path and on the way back i took only river path – which I found later, was marked as dangerous and slipery. So be careful if you take this path as it was really slippery, specially after your first fall and your shoes are wet and slippery 🙂 it was fun!
Tham lot cave is 50km away and is definitely good choice for scooter journey. You will enjoy views and the ride. Tour around the cave takes approximately 1 hour and in dry season I do not recommend to take a bamboo boat as it was waste of money(250bath). You need to pay for a guide – 150baht.
At the end i want to say i had different expectations from this place as i thought it will be less touristy. As the town is small, it seems quite touristy with lots of people and places. The main reason for Pai is to escape for your adventures.
After Pai I decided somehow to go to Laos as I was close and on the way to Cambodia. This was a mistake – Laos is not small and you need at least 2 weeks to explore it, best 1 month. It depends on your interests, but more about Laos in next chapter.
Interesting blog Miško, be careful on your trip.