The 'Trying to like Pai' Ride

[2wheels]

My CRF and a friend's Honda 125 needed some exercise and I was keen to investigate a few places on The Loop, so we headed off on a road that many of us have done many times.

The good thing about the MHS Loop ride is that it offers many options;

* a fast adrenalin-pumping ride, just for the sake of an enjoyable ride
* a cruise, stopping at favourite restaurants, coffee shops, bars and lodgings
* a cruise to deliberately investigate new sites
* the many off-road tracks

I chose the third option this time over three days, which could easily have been ten!

The compulsory stop at Pankled for a coffee smoothie, a snack and to check the progress on the new bridge to Mork Fah waterfall.





Then, as I hadn't been there before, off to the right and into the Pong Duead Geyser.



I flashed my Thai licence to the unsmiling ticket officer, who seemed greatly inconvenienced that a customer should arrive and disturb his TV watching.





It's an attractive park, with cabins for hire and a flowing stream which, on a hot day, would be nice to flop into.









Nice spot, despite the 'welcome'.

OK, next!

 

[lakota]

thinking of doing the Loop myself tomorrow. Are the Highways in reasonable condition ?

 

[2wheels]

Into Pai and checked into the Baan Pai Village which is well located beside the river but a bit expensive at 750 baht for a cabin (although that includes a good breakfast and smiling service).







A good poster in their restaurant.
Ah, they were the days.



A diabolical warning outside the Village.



The first port-of-call was the attractive Pai River Corner for a chilled beer and a snack beside the fast-flowing river.







So, with evening approaching, I was in the right frame of mind to tackle 'down town' Pai.

 

[2wheels]

Go for it mate.
A few potholes but mostly in good condition and the van drivers were ok too!

 

[2wheels]

For me, the word 'quirky' pretty well sums up Pai.









To the Municipal Market as the sun set.















Here you are Tim; the panniers you need for you up-coming tour.



A bit of a walk around town.













Confession.
I was enjoying Pai.

A stroll back to the Pai River Corner to prepare for the night scene.

 

[2wheels]

Strolling around the night markets.



A classic, which would be fun on these roads. (maybe!)



Meet dude dog 'Sticky Rice'.



And his cousin 'Spike'.





Some Halloweenists appeared from a dark lane.





These sticks are supposed to be spring rolls!



I settled for a red wine.



I enjoyed my brief stay in Pai town.
Next time I'll try some outdoor type activities and look around the area.

Now on to MHS.

 

[alexuk]

Is Pong Duat geyser a nice place to be?
How much were the huts there?

 

[2wheels]

Yes, nice place to be.
I think you'd need to be self-sufficient with food and drinks though.
Didn't check with Khun Smiley re the cabin prices.
May be on a website.

 

[2wheels]

Along the twisty bits towards Mae Hong Son.
Great fun, made better by the fact that motorists and van drivers were 'taking it easy'.













About 14kms before MHS is the 'Fish Cave' at Thampla Namtok Phasuea National Park …



… where they have this sign trying to conceal the fact, by using old Thai numerals, that Farang visitors pay 50/100 baht yet Thais only 10/20 baht.



Thailand National Parks.
Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Successive Thai governments, here's to you all.
Discrimination stinks.



Anyway, my Thai license got me in for 20 baht!

The park is delightful.







Plenty of fish to feed.





The 'Fish Cave'.



Money tree; I think for the 'Fish Cave' Temple.



Well worth a visit; even better if you have a Thai license.

OK, in to MHS.

 

[Lone Rider]

Is Pong Duat geyser a nice place to be?
How much were the huts there?

Price for the bungalows are here http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/accommodation.asp - not cheap though. Much cheaper option is camping and the National Park normally has tents which you can rent.

 

[2wheels]

I always stay here and recommend the 'Romthai House', near the lake.
They have a variety of room styles and old style cabins, a terrific pond, nice garden and secure bike parking.
Oh, and a welcoming smile!



Rooms down the back of the place are 400 baht.
Fan and TV.













(Ah, visitors. More later)

 

[2wheels]

Then off to the Sunflower Restaurant for views across the lake and for a 'submarine'.



Their menu is fun.







Next stop, across the lake to Wat Chong Kahm.





Their 'welcome' mat was out.



I went there to look inside their museum and it is worth a visit.



As well as ancient relics there are some fascinating oils photos of how it used to be.

















(Next, the mountain Temple and a courageous novice Monk)

 

[helbob]

I think pai was a good place 10-15 years ago. Now it is only a big tourist place with high prices in the season. The landscpae around is a bit boring.
In the hot season pai is VERY hot on the daytime and VERY cold in the nightime.
I prefer Mae Hong Son, Mae Salong or Chiang Rai, nce real thai-style citys.
But i like to stop in Pai for a coffee and cake ;-)

The restaurants are famous too, all western food, thai, italian.....

 

[Loop]

Nice pics,i like the Pai River Corner too...nice place for an afternoon coldy or 2.

 

[2wheels]

A ride around Mae Hong Son.





An ancient home hiding in the shadows.



The very nice Krua Kon, with a fine restaurant upstairs …



… and some 'naughties' downstairs.





Seen by the lake.



Then, sunset approaching, up to Wat Doi Kong Moo.











Mine
(an Aussie Rules Grand Final day … and my team lost! So I'm a born loser! )









I was sitting there enjoying the ambience and noticed a Loy Khrathong lantern had become entangled in the Chedi's spire.



And a brave little novice scaled the side of the Chedi to free the lantern and deftly returned to earth.





Those of us who cared were actually very concerned for his safety.
That's quite a climb.

Protocols aside, I later congratulated him and he said his heart was pounding.

I had earlier bought a lantern from him and released it from where it would not force him into another perilous climb.







Next, a meal beside the lake.

 

[2wheels]

A special sale offer.



Beside the lake.







My favourite style of eating.
Outdoors on a fine night.
A bit of this from here. A bit of that from there.
A delicious variety.
Mingling with the friendly locals, all so polite and friendly.



Although I must confess that those tiny, low tables are becoming a bit of a challenge for the 'gammy' knee!



Little Mr Hi-tech.



Sufficiently sated and entertained we headed back to the Romthai and rising from their Black Lagoon, lit only by a single fluorescent light, were these newly risen white lilies.





Tomorrow, home the Mae Chaem way.

 

[2wheels]

Next day onward to Khun Yuam.
(I'd received a phone call which necessitated me riding home asap, so I have to return to the KY area to investigate later.)

An early start had us riding through low, misty cloud.





#1263 to Mae Chaem and then #1192 to Doi Inthanon remain potholed, with slow moving farm vehicles.
But it's still a nice ride.

Corning in progress.





Approaching Inthanon, the magnificent Mae Pan waterfall.



Then a cold ride up to the summit of Doi Inthanon.

A few months ago Ally had introduced me to the wonderful Summit Coffee Shop …



… where I sat in the coolness, sipping a hot coffee enjoying the local bird-life.





OK, time to 'bite the bullet' and tackle my least favourite road; the #108.
We macheted our way through the manic traffic out to Doi Saket and home.

Ahh, Golden Doi Saket.





All up, a most enjoyable ride.
The CRF remains a faithful and adequate steed.

'Riding Season' is here.
Cold mornings, warm days and cool nights.
And blue skies.

Enjoy!

 

[skeedary]

Ron thanks for the MHS walkthrough as it is a most special place, especially when you describe it so adequately and you photos are just perfect. Keep them coming.

 

[Lone Rider]

Thanks Ron, beautiful pictures but we are used to that. Looking at them I have decided to make a similar trip soon as the skies are still clear and the roads not yet to busy.

 

[KTMphil]

Looks like you will never lose your talent for story telling, always a delight to read. The close-ups of the flowers are incredible with that Sony camera.

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Loop, Auke and Skeedary.

Just a thought, which I'll discuss with Phil and Ally.
How about a thread dedicated to the MHS loop in which we add information about the sites, restaurants, accommodation on and off the road?
Say, from Mae Rim to Hot.
Many here have a lot of information about the many places to enjoy along and off that popular ride.
And it's a ride many visitors are either directed to or come here to do.

Having all the relevant and accurate info on the one dedicated thread should be of considerable assistance.

 

[KTMphil]

I'll talk with Ally as to the best way to do this, it's a good idea Ron.

Thanks Loop, Auke and Skeedary.

Just a thought, which I'll discuss with Phil and Ally.
How about a thread dedicated to the MHS loop in which we add information about the sites, restaurants, accommodation on and off the road?
Say, from Mae Rim to Hot.
Many here have a lot of information about the many places to enjoy along and off that popular ride.
And it's a ride many visitors are either directed to or come here to do.

Having all the relevant and accurate info on the one dedicated thread should be of considerable assistance.

 

[Gnasher328]

Great Photos

Great report and photos, I've been getting excited about my return, and it's reminded me why I'm 'leaving it all behind' for @ 1/2 a year. Not just the photo quality but the interest value, the 'Percentage Bargain' and the dog on the scooter should be in a 'What Makes Tailand Thailand' compilation.
Looks like Baan Pai has gone upmarket (and price) since I was there.

Didn't care for Pai the first time I went thinking it was just hippy central but warmed to in it the second, possibly for the same reason, it's just what it is and seems to be getting 'quirkier' as you say.

 

[BobS]

Nice trip Ron

BTW - I am pretty sure that this shop was the original location of the Bebop Club, before the new one was built about 10 years ago.

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Tim and BobS.

I believe Pai is worth another visit Tim.
(and you'll be able to get saddlebags there too!)

 

[Captain_Slash]

Sounds as though you enjoyed Pai Ron.
I first stayed there in 1999 and a couple of times after that but only seem to occasionally ride through it now.
It would be interesting to stay there again to see if it retains its charm from back in those days

 

[2wheels]

Maybe I wouldn't use the word 'charm' these days Colin, but the city and area sure are worth another visit for a few days.

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Phil.

Sure is brisk up on Doi Inthanon at this time.

"Tourists treated with first 'frozen dew' on Doi Inthanon

​

​

CHIANG MAI, Nov 6 - A large crowd of tourists on Wednesday morning awakened to a glistening vista of this year's first winter frost
covering the higher elevations of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest point, located in Chiang Mai's Jomthong district.

The temperature at the upper levels of Doi Inthanon was recorded at four degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature of the grass
and other foliage finally dropped to zero degrees this morning, meaning that the frost--translated into Thai as 'frozen dew'--
could take hold rather than instantly dissipating .

The frozen dew was observed for the first time this year along the Kew Mae Pan Trail to the mountain's peaks.
The phenomenon, which occurred quite early this year, stunned the tourists, but only temporarily as it quickly disappeared with the sunrise.

Both camping and bungalow accommodations on Doi Inthanon have so far been fully booked and will continue receiving tourists
until early next year. (MCOT online news)"

Chiang Mai Mail​

 

[johnnysneds]

Thanks Phil.

Sure is brisk up on Doi Inthanon at this time.

"Tourists treated with first 'frozen dew' on Doi Inthanon

​

​

CHIANG MAI, Nov 6 - A large crowd of tourists on Wednesday morning awakened to a glistening vista of this year's first winter frost
covering the higher elevations of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest point, located in Chiang Mai's Jomthong district.

The temperature at the upper levels of Doi Inthanon was recorded at four degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature of the grass
and other foliage finally dropped to zero degrees this morning, meaning that the frost--translated into Thai as 'frozen dew'--
could take hold rather than instantly dissipating .

The frozen dew was observed for the first time this year along the Kew Mae Pan Trail to the mountain's peaks.
The phenomenon, which occurred quite early this year, stunned the tourists, but only temporarily as it quickly disappeared with the sunrise.

Both camping and bungalow accommodations on Doi Inthanon have so far been fully booked and will continue receiving tourists
until early next year. (MCOT online news)"

Chiang Mai Mail​

I went for a ride up DI yesterday all excited about it being very cold. I got there around 08:30 and the lowest temp from my watch was 17C. Still the wind chill near the top was refreshing.
Im assuming it will have to be in the wee hours of the morning to catch Jack Frost!

 

[2wheels]

… Wednesday morning awakened to a glistening vista of this year's first winter frost…

Yep, quite early Johnny!