Northern Thailand Magical Mystery Tour – 5 – Pai – Ellen and Steve's Excellent Adventure

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Day 5 was the vaunted trip to Pai. Vaunted because there are over 762 curves–most of them hairpin and switchback. Apparently it was built by the Japanese during the 2nd World War. However, we needed to start with a stop for morning –

Coffee

There are tourist traps, and there are tourist traps. I think we can safely say we stopped at the latter. That’s not to say that the coffee wasn’t good, it was.

Bonus Question

What does this sign mean?

Answer at end of post.

The Drive

There were sights to behold, and curves to hold ones breath at. Pete is an excellent driver, and his years at the helm of a motorcycle showed up. His Wuling Binguo had the get-up-and-go to handle the road.

There were devastating rains in Northern Thailand in September, causing extensive flooding. We also saw numerous washouts along the road.

Upon arrival in Pai, we found our hotel, checked in, and had a great lunch at a restaurant that portrayed the laid-back hippie vibe of Pai.

Lek, Ellen, and I headed off to a hot spring spa at the International Meditation Center, and extensive spot for serious meditators. I don’t have pics of the spa itself, but we arrived when it was open to tour groups. There was a group, we’re not sure where from, perhaps Russia or one of the “stans,” that was quite4 talkative and loud. The poor young man at the ticket booth had to come over and chide them, pointing out that this was a place for quiet contemplation. It didn’t work.

After some quiet time of our own, we headed out for dinner and checking out Pai. It bustles with visitors, from all over the world. It is a haven for hippies, weed, and almost palpable horniness amongst the younger generations.