The Grand Firework Displays to Celebrate Thai King’s Birthday 2007

4-8 December 2007

Venue: The Royal Turf Club, Along both banks of the Chao Phraya River between Rama IX Bridge and Industrial Ring Bridge, The Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Mae Phim Beach, Benja Kitti Park

On the auspicious occasion of HM. King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday Anniversary this year, the government of Thailand and private organizations will arrange the grand fireworks in several places starting from 4 to 8 December 2007.

Schedules:
4 Dec – 14 sets of fireworks from Seiko, JapanVenue: The Royal Turf Club, Phitsanulok Rd.

5 Dec – 9 sets of fireworks and candle lighting ceremonyVenue: Along both banks of the Chao Phraya River between Rama IX Bridge and Industrial Ring Bridge

6 Dec – Over 3,000 beautiful fireworks will be litVenue: The Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Henry Dunant Rd.

7 Dec – Fantasy FireworksVenue: Mae Phim Beach, Rayong Province (179 km east of Bangkok)

8 Dec – Fantasy FireworksVenue: Benja Kitti Park, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre

For more information, please call

TAT main office on tel. +66 (0) 2250 5500 or TAT Call Centre 1672

Thailand's Sand Sculpture Festival

28 November 2007 – 28 March 2008

Venue: On a field next to Srisothon Rd., Muang County, Chachoengsao Province (82 km east of Bangkok)

On the auspicious occasion of HM. King Bhumibols’ 80th Birthday Anniversary this year, the World Sand Sculpture Festival is being held in Thailand from 28 November 2007 to 28 March 2008.

Originated in 1993 in Europe, the festival is well-known for displaying exquisite craftsmanship on the gigantic sand statues. In Chachoengsao Province 82 km to the east of Bangkok, more than 80 pieces of sand sculptures created by over 70 professional sand sculptors worldwide will be exhibited on 4.8 acres of land.

The sand sculpture festival is divided into 3 sections:

• Sand sculptures to extol the King
This zone is dedicated to works related to HM. the King and his multifarious duties.

• Thai history and literature on sand sculptures
An exhibition in the dark with light and sound effects features scenes from Thai literature and history.

• The international sand sculptures
Sand sculptures representing famous landmarks such as Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Statue of Liberty, etc.

Numbers of fun-filled activities such as sand sculpture for kids, games, picture taking, and on stage performances, are prepared to entertain visitors. The Sand Sculpture Festival is taking place about 800 metres from Wat Sothon Temple, on New Srisothon Rd. (next to Carrefour), Muang County, Chachoengsao Province.

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 10.00-19.00 hrs.
Sat-Sun 9.00-20.00 hrs.

Public holidays 8.00-22.00 hrs.

Admissions:
Adult 80 Baht/Child 40 Baht

For more details, please contact :

TAT Central Office Region 8

Tel. +66 (0) 3731 2282, 3731 2284, or TAT Call Centre 1672

The Death Railway in Thailand

The River Kwai Bridge Week
28 November – 9 December 2007

Venue: Kanchanaburi

The most notorious railway in the world must be the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi, a tourist province bordering Myanmar, 126 km to the west of Bangkok.

This railway was built by the Japanese Army in 1942 during World War II as a route of supply extending 413 km from Nog Pladuk of Thailand to Thanbyuzayat of Burma (former name of Myanmar).

To rush the work to an early completion in rugged mountains and deep jungles of Kanchanaburi, a total of 61,700 allied POWs and 270,000 Asian forced labourers were sent to work on the project. They had to work in hot and damp weather conditons 10 hours aday and 7 days a week with little to eat. Epidemics of malaria and cholera were rampant among them, and there was not enough medicine to go round.

Under such extremely harsh conditions, almost half of the workers had perished when the construction of the railway and the bridge over the River Kwai was finished 13 months later.

However, this railway was made use of by the Japanese for only a few months because they failed to turn back the overwhelming waves of counteroffensive launched by the allied powers.

To commemorate the tragic history of the railway and to promote the tourism of Kanchanaburi, the municipality of the provincial town, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the State Railway jointly hold the annual festival of The River Kwai Bridge Week from 28 Nov. to 9 Dec. 2007 in the area around the bridge.

The festival features a historical exhibition, fun fair, bazaar and enticing light & sound presentation. Tickets to the show are available at 100, 200, and 300 baht.

For more details and ticket reservations :
TAT Kanchanaburi
Tel : +66 (0) 3451 1200, 3451 2500

Thailand Beautiful Flower Festival 2007

28 December 2007 - 6 January 2008

Venue: Hat Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Town, Chiang Rai Province (785 km north of Bangkok)

Chiang Rai, with its mountainous scenery, beautiful flowers and fresh air, especially in the cool season, is a recommended place for recreation. Since Chiang Rai Province is about to arrange Chiang Rai Beautiful Flower Festival 2007, you are invited to this impressive fair.

The 4th Chiang Rai Beautiful Flower Festival 2007 is scheduled to be held from 8 to 16 December 2007 at Hat Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai Town. The festival will be organized to develop Chiang Rai Province as a producing area of quality flowers and ornamental plants as well as to promote tourism of Chiang Rai Province.

During the festival there are many activities including: - The flower and ornamental plant contest- The orchid and orchid garden contest- Miss Thin Thai Ngam beauty contest- Parade of floral floats- Agricultural produce fair- OTOP trading

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 2

Tel: +66 (0) 5371 7433, 5374 4674 to 5

Tours of The Royally Initiated Projects, Nationwide Thailand

The joyous occasion of H.M. King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday Anniversary this year is a great opportunity for us Thai people to show our deepest loyalty and enormous respect for His Majesty and his royal family. One way of doing so is to truly appreciate what they have done for our nation. In fact, by visiting the royal project places, you can both gain knowledge and be impressed by the beautiful scenery as well.

You all are welcome to visit the royally initiated projects to appreciate and learn from the royal wisdom that the Thai people are so proud of. Here are the nine chosen projects, which are well worth your visit:

1. Doi Tung Development Project, Chiang Rai
This project was found under the Royal Patronage of the late Princess Mother. Its main objective is to encourage hilltribes to grow fruit trees and other cash crops as substitutes for poppies and slash and burn cultivation.

The project not only achieved its goal, but also succeeded in teaching hilltribes to conserve the environment and create their local handicrafts. Due to its great success in developing the hilltribes area for a long period of time, Doi Tung has received an award from the United Nation for sustainable alternative development and another from the Pacific Asia Travel Association for eco-tourism.

2. Rai Mae Fah Luang & Hall of Opium, Chiang Rai
Rai Mae Fah Luang is a magnificent museum for the great collection of Lanna’s artifacts. The Hall of Opium was built to remind people of the history of poppy planting in Thailand, which once was notorious for the Golden Triangle, formerly the largest opium producer in the world.

3. Royal Agricultural Station, Angkhang, Chiang Mai
King Bhumibol bought a piece of land in Doi Angkhang and found the Royal Project to be a research station for cool-climate vegetables and fruits. He aimed to help the impoverished hilltribes, who unknowingly destroyed the ecosystem in the area, to earn their income without deforestation. Further than that, it later became a collection centre of rare and beautiful plants.

4. Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang
The Centre was opened by HRH Princess Sirindhorn in 1992 to conserve Thai Elephants and to give interested people more understanding of this huge mammal. Besides, the only elephant hospital in the world is located here. And a short mahout-training course for tourists is in operation here, too.

5. Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya
It was established under the Royal Patronage of H.M. Queen Sirikit to relieve the poverty of Thai people by teaching them some useful artisan skills that can be developed into their sidelines. Students’ products are sold at the Centre and distributed to many shops elsewhere in the country.

Another interesting thing is a demonstration village that consists of four typical houses of the four regions of Thailand showing the local people’s ways of life. Apart from these, a fish palace and a bird sanctuary are established here to conserve animal species.

6. Wat Yannasangwararam, Chonburi
This modern Thai temple was built by foreigners to honour H.M. King Bhumibol. There are various beautiful construction styles such as the replica of Bodhagaya stupa (in the Lord Buddha’s birthplace), the traditional Chinese-style temple, and a Swiss chalet. The temple was named after H.M. the King’s mentor “Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara”, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. It is famous worldwide as a meditation centre.

7. Mrigadayavan Palace, Phetburi
It was constructed by order of King Rama VI (1910-1925) as his summer palace. At present, after being restored to its former condition, it is open for public viewing. The palace is now splendid and enriched by the magnificent relics of its time.

8. College in the Court, Nakhon Pathom
This royally initiated project was established to promote the 10 basic disciplines of ancient Siamese native skills to people. The students’ handiworks display section and classes are open to visitors.

9. Ban Kut Na Kham Arts & Crafts Centre, Sakon Nakhon
The Centre was established to eliminate the poverty from the region by educating people to produce distinct handicrafts such as wickerwork, pottery, and hand-woven silk with the unique patterns.

H.M. King Bhumibol has recently been awarded Human Development Lifetime Achievement by the United Nations for his outstanding dedication and achievement in human development.

During his long reign, he has been working tirelessly to help his people get better standards of living. Throughout the country, thousands of royally initiated projects have been launched to improve the quality of life of the people of Thailand.

Not only the projects enable the people in the remote areas to stand on their own feet, but also give rise to new tourist attractions, which in turn help those people gain more income.

Blooming Mexican Sunflowers on Mount Mae U-kho, Northern Thailand

Early November-Mid December
Venue: Mount Mae U-kho, Khun Yuam county, Mae Hong Son Province (924 km north of Bangkok)

In November when the cool breeze begins to blow, the green Mount Mae U-kho will turn golden as the Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia Diversifolia) blossom. This wild flower, called buatong in the northern dialect, looks exactly like the sunflower but is much smaller.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Mae Hong Son Province would like to invite you to see the blooming Mexican sunflowers spread over the fields and valleys on Mount U-kho from the early November to mid December this year. Travellers are allowed to put up a tent near a buatong field to get as close as possible to the flowers in their cool natural surroundings. Other kinds of accommodation can also be found nearby.

Apart from the magnificent scenery of blooming flowers, from now to 30 November this year the province has prepared hot-air balloons for tourists to enjoy the view from the sky. A balloon trip takes about 15 minutes at a cost of 100 baht per person and a free cup of coffee will be served on board.

To get there from Chiang Mai, use Highway 108 passing Chomthong and Hot Counties of Chiang Mai. Then you will pass Mae Sariang County of Mae Hong Son and arrive in KhunYuam County. Now drive along Highway 1236 for 26 km to reach Mount Mae U-kho.

For more information, please contact :
Mae Hong Son Tourism Coordination Centre
Tel. +66 (0) 5361 2982 to 3

See also :

Mount Mae U-kho's Topography

The Nature Living in Pai

Travel in Chiangmai

Loi Krathong Festival

Things to do in Bangkok

Phuket, Thailand : Nightlife Advice & Tips

Bar Fines
Ladies working in beer bars and go-go bars can be taken out of the bar for the evening. If they agree to go with you and you wish to take her out before the bar closes, you have to pay a fee (around 300-500 Baht) known as a “bar fine”. This is to compensate the bar for the time that she is out of the bar, where she would normally be entertaining and attracting more customers. She will normally also receive a share of the bar fine.

The bar fine only entitles you to take her out of the bar. Anything else has to be negotiated between you and the lady in question. However, the bar fine system does offer the customer some protection. In the unlikely event that there is a problem you can go back to the bar the next day and the bar will be able to assist you in resolving any problems. At the very least they will be able to ID her.

Lady Drinks
You'll come across this in beer bars and à go-gos. When you buy a girl in these bars a drink, they receive a commission. Its entirely up to you if you buy them or not and you should not feel pressured to do so. However, if you like the girl buying a few lady drinks will make her look good to her employer while she is entertaining you.

Freelancers
If you prefer to meet girls outside of beer bars and go-gos, head over to the discos in Patong later in the evening (after midnight). Many of the bar girls will be freelancing there after their bar closes. Payment is sometimes discussed beforehand and other times not, however, if the girl normally works in a bar it will be expected for you to pay her for her services. (Having said this, please don't assume that every girl you meet in a disco is on the game, although in Patong is this often the case).

warning: Although enjoyable company can often be found in this manner, it is much riskier than taking a girl from a bar or go-go. You could end up being robbed and you would have no come-back if something goes wrong. If you don't know your way around its better to only take girls out of bars they are working in. This is especially important in the case of ladyboys who are often found freelancing on Bangla itself in the early hours of the morning.

Ladyboys
Phuket has quite a few ladyboys or katoeys, as they are known in Thai. Just a heads up to avoid confusion on your nights out. Love them or loathe them they can be found in Soi Crocodile just off Bangla Road. Many can be stunningly beautiful and can easily mistaken for real women. Some things to look out from a deeper voice (which can be disguised) is their height, ladyboys being males (at least genetically) are often taller than regular girls, and have larger hands and feet.

Health
Thailand has an epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. Heterosexual transmission accounts for most HIV infections in Thailand, though HIV is common among prostitutes of both sexes. Always wear a condom.

Safety
Phuket is generally safe and there is very little chance of trouble finding you if you don't go looking for it. In general, if you keep your wits about you and act respectfully towards other people you will have no problems. Don't be aggressive towards people and they won't be aggressive back. You definitely don't want to get in a fight here, especially with locals. You will always lose.

You should be wary of thieves and pickpockets, however. Also, your date may have sticky fingers so keep an eye of your valuables and be sensible. This is one of the reasons why its better to barfine a girl from a bar than to pick up “freelancers”. If something happens you will be able to take your complaint up with the bar.

See also :
Things to do in Pattaya
Pattaya Nightlife
Destination Guides to Phuket
Thai Massage

Shopping in Thailand

Shopping in Thailand offers you the most value of money for its cheap price, but relatively of high quality. There is a large array of products to choose from, but the most popular ones are Thai exquisite handicrafts which can be found in various places in tourists areas throughout the country.

Silk: Thai silk is world famed for its high quality and beautiful design. However, there are several grades of silk which vary in prices, too. Cheap silk is often just rayon or rough silk interwoven with synthetics. Silk of high-quality with hand-woven texture is sold about 500-800 per a yard. Thai silk is characterized by its uneven texture and a formation of little sweatlike bead when burnt. The two main production centers of Thai silk are at Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

Antiques: Among the sought-after items are: swankhalok pottery from the Sukhothai period, carvings and sculptures, ornamental wood fragments, puppets, masks, and silver bowl. All antiques can only be exported with written permission from the Antique Art Business Division (Tel.02-224-1370) of the Fine Arts Department. All Buddha images and other images of other deities dating from before 18th century are protected by Thai not to be exported.

Wood carving: An ancient Thai art handed down from the Sukhothai period. Most of wood carving production centers scatter around in the northern region of Thailand such as Lampang, Prae, Nan, and Chiang Mai. There are a wide variety of wood-carved works ranging from furniture, household utensils, decorative objects and many souvenir items.

Silverware: Silverware-making is an ancient art of Thailand dating several centuries. Thai silverware, particularly ornaments, is in great demand in the world market for its exquisite craftsmanship. The two main productions centers of silverware are Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Gems and jewelry: Thai's gems and jewelry is famous for its high-grade gemstones, notably rubies and sapphires together with its skillful craftsmen and expert designers.

Scenery of Vivid Wild Sunflower Mountain, Doi Mae U Kor, Thailand

Thung Buatong (Wild Sunflower Field) is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mae Hong Son Province. Its significant character is the area is largely decorated of yellowish wild sunflowers, located on high mountain where you can see scenery of vivid wild sunflower mountain range. The weather is cool throughout the year and there’s fog covered in the morning.

Topography

Thung Buatong Forest Park located on the mountain where is 1,600 metres above the average sea level. There’s beautiful scenery that is like complex ocean waves. In this forest park area, natural forest is grown mixed with planted pine forest.

Climate
Cool throughout the year. It is very cold in the winter. There are heavy fogs in the morning and cold during the day because of the wind blows all day long.
Flora and FaunaIt’s Hill Evergreen Forest and Pine Evergreen Forest. Most of Hill Evergreen Forest has been found in the north and west of Thung Buatong. Flora species grown around the hill slope and valley consist of Castanopsis species and so on.

In the eastern and southern part of Thung Buatong, Pine Evergreen Forest has been found. It’s planted by the Forest Industry Organisation based on its concession condition. Flora species found are Pinus merkusii and Pinus kesiya.

National Park Entry Fees
Adult : Baht 200.-/person
Children (0 - 14 years old) : Baht 100.-/person
Bicycle : Baht 10.-/bicycle:
Motorcycle : Baht 20.-/motorcycle
4 wheel car : Baht 30.-/car
6 wheel car : Baht 100.-/car

Contact Address:
Thung Buatong Forest Park

Amphur Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son

Thailand

+66 0 5361 2078

See Also:

Living around the nature in Pai

Things to do in Chiangmai

Natural attractions in Northern Thailand

The Loi Krathong Festival, Thailand Nationwide

The Loi Krathong Festival is the most romantic festival in Thailand, especially in modern times. Almost without exception, young lovers will go out in pairs to spend the evening together, floating krathong (vessels with flowers, lit candles and joss sticks) and saying silent prayers. The festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand with different unique characteristics of festivities. Enjoy the festivities at any site convenient to you!

Bangkok : The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival

21-24 November 2007

Venue: Rama VIII Bridge and citywide along the Chao Phraya River

Experience the simulated “Chong Priang Lod Chud Loi Khom” ceremony, the royal ritual to make the offering of light to the three deities of Brahmanism; namely, Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu (Narayana) or collectively called “Devamurti”. Take part in many other activities such as traditional games and launching krathong, various contests and competitions like krathong competition and Rattanakosin style attire contest.

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 # 3489

Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511

For event information, please call 1672

Ayutthaya : Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival

23-25 November 2007

Venue: Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre

Highlights: Nang Noppamat pageant, Nang Nopphamat processions, Thai food fair, vocational product sales, floating market, firework and floating lanterns and long boat races.

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Office: Region 6

Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7

Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre

Tel: +66 (0) 3536 6252-3

Sukhothai : Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

21-25 November 2007

Venue: Sukhothai Historical Park

In this festival, you will watch the Nang Nopphamat procession, exhibitions, lighting of lanterns at the historical site, a krathong launching and firework displays over all waterways and a krathong competition. Enjoy highlight festivities of candle lighting and the light and sound presentation with cultural dances and other interesting activities.

For information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 3

Tel: +66 (0) 5525 2742-3

Chiang Mai : Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival

22-25 November 2007

Venue: Chiang Mai Municipality Office and citywide

Come and experience another form of Loi Krathong festival, in Lanna Thai style. This festival creates a mesmerising sight, with a unique ritual of launching Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is believed by locals to rid them of their troubles. Enjoy different festivities, including the Tho Phae contest, boat race in the Ping River, small and giant krathong contests, and beauty contests.

The impressive ancient Lanna tradition will be celebrated throughout the city. Visitors are invited to join special activities such as Loi Sa Pao, a merit making dedicated to the dead; Phang Prathip, lighting small lanterns in an equal number of your age to live long and prosperous life; Lantern floating to release all sickness and bad fortune; and Tan Khom, lighting an octagonal lantern before bringing it to a temple where the monks will give a sermon all day and night.

This year, locals and tourists can bring their lanterns and hang them on the trees prepared by Chiang Mai Municipality to bless His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 80th Birthday Anniversary.

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 1

Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, +66 (0) 5324 8607

PR Division Chiang Mai Municipality

Tel: +66 (0) 5325 9094, +66 (0) 5325 9097

See also :

The Festival of Light

Things To Do in Chiangmai

Bangkok Travel

Find The Best Price on Hotels

Natural Attractions in Northern Thailand

Chiang Rai was the first Lanna Thai capital and contains the historic sites of this northernmost area of Thailand. The area is bordered by Burma and Laos with the three countries meeting at the Golden Triangle on the Mekong river.

The whole area is hills and valleys with many hill tribe communities - so nature tours and treks are the basis of the area's activities. Treks usually include mixtures of walking, elephant riding, rafting and visits to hill tribe villages.

In Chiang Rai, a whole range of treks have been developed for periods from a half day to about a week. Quite a few treks from Chiang Mai travel to Chiang Rai, including treks by mountain bike and raft, and after such a trek to Chiang Rai there is lots of scope to continue trekking around Chiang Rai.

The most developed tourism is in the north - in Chiang Rai - and a newer wilder area is opening up to the south - in Nan. In hills on the border with Laos, Nan offers nature treks and tours of up to 3 or 4 days including white water rafting, elephant riding and one of the rarest hill tribe communities of all; the paths are less worn and nature a bit more natural.

The best accommodation is in Chiang Rai but Good 'n' Clean and Tourist accommodation is available in provincial centres. On the treks accommodation is generally quite simple, including home stays in hill tribe villages. There are flights into both Chiang Rai and Nan and a good road network.

Doi Luang National Park

It covers about 1,172 sq km of Chiang Rai, Lampang and Phayao. Mostly mixed deciduous forest, the park has 89 confirmed bird species and 12 mammal species, including wild pig, slow loris and barking deer.

Wang Kaew waterfall is regarded as the park's most beautiful - and the nearby Wang Thong waterfall and Nang Phaya Pang Ding Cave are well worth a visit.

In the Chiang Rai part of the park, about 9kms from the 773 km marker on the Bangkok-Chiang Rai road, is Namtok Pu Kaeng, the largest waterfall in Chiang Rai with a good flow cascading all year - there are also some caves nearby. In Phayao's area, Namtok Champa Thong is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by rich forests.

Doi Phu Kha National Park

It's situated in the north-east of Nan's provincial capital on Doi Phu Kha, a mountain of 1980m. The park, close to the border with Laos, offers magnificent mountain scenery with forests and numerous waterfalls and caves.

The variety of forest types attracts botanists who have discovered rare and unique botanical species, including a plant with multi-coloured petals of which only six of the species are believed to bloom each year.

There is an equally rare hill tribe. The elusive Mrabi - or Phi Thong Luang - are nomadic hunters in the forests who have had very little contact with the outside world until the last few decades.It is a very rewarding experience, as its very remoteness has preserved its bucolic charms. There are barely 150 Mrabi in total but they, and other communities can be visited on treks in Nan. The nearby Namtok Sila Phet is a beautiful waterfall. There are no bungalows in the park, but tents can be rented.

The Tham Pha Tup Forest Park (12 km north of Nan city)

The park is well worth visiting not only for the natural forest but the network of 17 limestone caves, half of which can be reached on nature trails.

About 25 km south of Nan on the road between Wiang Sa and Na Noi are the caves of Tham Pha Mong and Tham Pha Wiang with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.

A short distance further south are Sao Din and Hom Chom, areas of earth pillars produced in erosion of the softer layer of rock beneath the sandstone which forms and protects the top of the pillars.

Some 40km west of Nan, on the road to Phayao, Doi Pha Chi is a mountain with its forest still in perfect natural condition - once a base for insurgents who tended to keep the loggers away.

Living Around The Nature in Pai, Northern Thailand

Introduction
Pai district is situated about halfway between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Sorn, the misty town on the Burmese border. At about 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by high mountains. Pai offers one of the most fertile and beautiful nature in the North of Thailand, clean air and no pollution. People from many different tribes live here peacefully together and still maintain their traditional way of living.

The serene Pai river runs from the northern border with Burma through Pai town and along virgin jungle to Mae Hong Sorn. Hardy adventurers use this route for exciting rafting.

How to get there?
Start from the main tourist hub: From Chiang Mai on route 1095 towards Pai it is 132 kilometer. The bus from Chiang Mai Arcade bus station takes about 4 hours.

Weather in Pai
cold season: 12º C - 28º C from November - March
hot season: 24º C - 35º C from April - June
rainy season: 24º C - 32º C from July - September

Activities in Pai

• padelling rubber boat along Pai river


• adventure rafting and canoe along Pai river


• explore caves or go mountain trekking


• elephant riding through jungle


• mountain bike cycling or motorbike-trekking (Nop's bike shop offers 2 - 3 - 4 days motorbike trekking with 250 ccm trail bikes around northern part of Mae Hong Sorn province. Guide available or on your own. Also available Honda Dream, good maps and other information.)


• jungle-treks: Pai is well known as a base camp for trekks to hill tribes.


• Walk through green jungle and spend the night in a hill tribe village to experience their traditional way of life. In Pai there are local or hill tribe guides and porters available.


• Herbal Sauna and Thai Traditional Massage as well as herbal medicine or Burmese Massage


• Reading (Nop's book shop)


• Thai cooking course at Peter's and Wandee's Hut in Mae Yen

Facilities in Pai
Pai is a small town but can offer enough facilities such as a post office, hospital, long distance call and fax service. Accommodations and food are good and cheap. Most of the guest houses are in town and the scenic most beautiful ones are along the river. Local restaurants and western style restaurants are available (e. g. Chez Swan Restaurant, Thai Yai Restaurant) with home made brown bread.