During a brief visit to Pai during the rainy season, we sought refuge from the urban bustle and immersed ourselves in the tranquil ambiance of this charming town. The verdant hues of the surrounding forests and rice paddies painted a picturesque landscape, transforming Pai into a serene haven amidst the misty embrace of the mountains.


Initially, when planning our trip to Pai, we sought accommodation that offered scenic beauty, a pleasant atmosphere, and proximity to the town center, all within a reasonable price range. The options were plentiful, ranging from poolside rooms in the heart of the town to fantastical retreats on the outskirts. However, our attention was captured by an image of a farmhouse nestled amidst rice fields. While it lacked the extravagance or ornate decor of other options, it exuded a sense of warmth and rustic charm that resonated with us. This ultimately led us to choose this particular accommodation, which is...

Romance: Another Story in Pai

Note: I have translated the sentence into English while maintaining a simple and short tone of voice. I have also kept the HTML structure intact.


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Romance: Another story in Pai is a lodging facility located within Romance Farm, a small farm outside of Pai. This farm serves as a tourist destination for those seeking to experience farm life, offering activities such as feeding cows and sheep, horseback riding, and ATV tours around the farm.

Although the accommodation is located outside the city center, it is easily accessible. You can rent a motorbike and drive from the city center in less than 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can call the accommodation and they will pick you up at the Pai city transport station. For those who want to walk to the Pai Walking Street in the evening, there is a shuttle service that will drop you off and pick you up at specific times (17:00, 18:00 for the outbound trip and 20:00, 21:00 for the return trip).

Our group traveled to Pai in a van provided by Prem Pracha Company from the Arcade Bus Terminal. Upon arrival, we contacted the accommodation for pick-up. After a 10-minute drive, we reached the farm's entrance gate. We were greeted by staff at the open-air, barn-style reception area, which was adorned with hay bales. The staff were courteous, helpful, and had excellent service minds, greeting us with smiles and assisting us in various ways.








Upon check-in, guests will be offered a choice of breakfast options, including omelets and fried eggs. For those planning a one-day trip to Pang Ung-Mae Hong Son, the accommodation can arrange a packed breakfast consisting of sandwiches, fruits, and milk, as early departures are required for such excursions.

And then we took a golf cart to our accommodation (actually, you can walk through the back of the reception and you'll be there). The houses here are small for 2 people and large houses for groups, which are few and far between, making the atmosphere around the accommodation quiet and not crowded. In addition, the area where guests who visit the farm cannot enter, making this area ours alone.


Our accommodation is a two-story detached house for two people. The whole house is covered with trees. Inside, there are two rooms: a bedroom and a bathroom. The size is just right. The large bed is comfortable to sleep on. Towels, hairdryers, refrigerators, and TVs are all available. And there is a small spiral staircase at the back that you can walk up to see the view.

After settling into our accommodation, we embarked on an exploration of the surrounding area, following the path we had taken to arrive. We passed by the animal farm zone and continued to the coffee shop at the edge of the rice field. The distance was not too far, making for a comfortable walk. Along the way, there were plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery or take photos.

Residential Zone

The houses are diverse in appearance, with larger ones offering outdoor seating and fire pits. These larger houses are situated towards the back, providing panoramic views of the rice fields. Scattered throughout the area are photogenic props, including a tree-trunk archway, a pavilion for relaxation, and a wooden bridge.



The houses we stayed in were located near the reception area. There were several small houses with views of a pond, a small fountain, and a horse stable in the distance. The farm's name sign was also located in this area.


Farm Zone

Exiting the residential zone, past the accommodation name sign towards the small red dirt road, you will find the entrance to the farm (looking in you will see the cow pen). In this zone, there are cows, horses, and sheep to play with. However, when we arrived, it had just rained, so they had all been taken inside. As a result, we did not see the livestock walking in the fields. Instead, we visited their homes.




Coffee Shop Zone

This zone offers a plethora of photo opportunities. Just beyond the farm, you'll find rabbit cages. Nearby, a large tree with a swing provides a relaxing spot, while a small bamboo bridge leads you into the rice fields for a leisurely stroll.



Next, you'll find a small coffee shop called Romance Market. The exterior is decorated like a barn, and inside you'll find fresh coffee and various baked goods made with ingredients from the farm. Their fresh milk is particularly delicious. Beside the coffee shop, you'll find a view of rice fields and mountains stretching to the edge of the farm. Around the shop, there are a few props for taking photos.


The other side is a pond with a red trailer parked next to a shed. In the distance, we can see a horse stable and a windmill. When we went there, the grass was a bit overgrown, probably because it was the rainy season, but it was still walkable.

We did not continue walking to the farm entrance as it was approaching 6 pm. We informed the accommodation that we would take a car down to Pai town for dinner and a stroll at the walking street. The area near the entrance offered scenic views of rice fields with beautiful flowers blooming along the fence.


Pai Walking Street

The driver will drop us off at the head of the street and pick us up at the same spot. We informed him that we would return around 8 pm. Since this is my third time in Pai, I wasn't particularly interested in exploring the city center. My main reason for coming down to the main walking street was to find something to eat.

Walking streets are mostly lined with souvenir shops selling postcards, handicrafts, and local clothing. There are also many charming cafes, dessert shops, and restaurants.

The taxi driver recommended NONG BEER restaurant, a typical Thai eatery with a limited menu of standard dishes at moderate prices but generous portions. We ordered the Tom Yum Pla Kang, which came with a generous amount of fish that practically overflowed the pot.


The Renowned Rice Crackers of Walking Street

Walking Street is renowned for its distinctive rice crackers, known as Khao Puk. These treats are prepared on open-air grills, visible at regular intervals along the street.

Essentially, Khao Puk is a roti-like snack, crafted with a unique blend of black glutinous rice flour and sesame seeds, replacing the traditional roti flour. Instead of frying, the dough is grilled, resulting in a chewy, sweet delicacy with the aromatic fragrance of black glutinous rice, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the distinctive texture of black sesame seeds.


Day Trip:

  • Pang Ung: A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, offering stunning views and opportunities for boating and camping.
  • Rak Thai Village: A traditional Lisu village known for its unique culture, handicrafts, and delicious cuisine.
  • Phra Tamnak Pang Tong: A former royal residence with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Pha Suea Waterfall: A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a refreshing dip.
  • Chutoe Bridge: A suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
  • Doi Kong Mu Temple: A sacred Buddhist temple perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views and a serene atmosphere.
  • Hmong Village of Huay Suea Tao: A traditional Hmong village showcasing their unique culture, textiles, and agricultural practices.
  • Ban Jabo Viewpoint: A scenic viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Doi Kiw Lom Viewpoint: Another breathtaking viewpoint with panoramic views of the Doi Inthanon National Park.

Day Two in Pai: Exploring Beyond the Sunrise

Our initial plan for the second day in Pai was simple: witness the sunrise at Pang Ung and then return to our accommodation for an afternoon stroll. However, as our visit coincided with the low season, finding a shared taxi proved challenging. Ultimately, we sought assistance from our accommodation to arrange a private car, which turned out to be a Honda City with a driver for the entire day at a cost of 3,000 baht. While this exceeded our budget, we decided to embrace the opportunity. The comfort of stretching our legs and the flexibility to choose our destinations outweighed the expense. Notably, we opted to skip Phu Klon and requested a visit to Baan Jabo instead.

We departed from our accommodation at 4:00 AM to catch the sunrise. The accommodation provided us with breakfast the night before, which consisted of a ham croissant, fresh milk, bananas, and rambutans. The milk was particularly delicious.



1. Pang Ung

We arrived at almost 7 am and it was raining. We walked around a bit, but the swans were gone. There was no light, only thick white fog. But even so, it was still very beautiful. And most importantly, there were very few people compared to when I visited before.


2. Rak Thai Village

We stopped for a second breakfast at Li Wine Rak Thai restaurant. Their signature dish is the Yunnan pork leg, which we enjoyed with steamed buns. To balance the richness, we also ordered a mushroom salad. The restaurant offers complimentary oolong tea and chrysanthemum tea.



After finishing our meal, we took a stroll around the area near the restaurant. Opposite the restaurant, there is a tea plantation that is part of the Li-Wine Rak Thai Resort. Tourists are welcome to visit the plantation (but are not allowed to go up to the house). From this spot, you can get a clear view of the Rak Thai village from above.


3. Pang Tong Royal Villa


Due to the vastness of the palace grounds, it is recommended to explore the area by car. During our visit, it was raining, so we were unable to walk around extensively. On a clear day, visitors can expect to see herds of sheep and horses grazing freely.



4. Pha Sua Waterfall

A small waterfall, a short walk down, approximately 5-10 minutes. Previously, it was possible to walk down to the water's edge, but during our visit, access was restricted to a viewing platform in front. It is unclear whether this restriction is only in place during the rainy season.




4. Shwe Taung Pyay Bridge

Originally built by villagers to facilitate the monks' daily alms collection, this simple bamboo bridge cuts directly through the rice fields, offering a convenient passage for the monks. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination in Mae Hong Son. (As recently as 2013, it was still a rickety bamboo bridge, but now it is much sturdier and adorned with numerous photo props.)

5. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

A prominent landmark in Mae Hong Son, this temple offers breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the city, making it an unmissable destination for visitors.




6. Tiger Old Man Stream Karen Village

This is a Karen Long Neck village, where the main shops sell handmade goods from the villagers, such as hand-woven silk and silverware.


7. Jabo Viewpoint

A newly popular tourist destination in Bang Ma Pha district, which has actually existed for several years, has recently gained popularity. Located approximately 3 kilometers from the Pai-Mae Hong Son route, this hidden gem features a restaurant with dangling legs and a scenic viewpoint. Note that the restaurant closes at 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.





8. Doi Kiw Lom Viewpoint

A scenic stopover with breathtaking views, popular for sunset watching. However, during our visit, heavy rain and strong winds forced us to cut our stay short.



Night

We arrived in Pai around 5 pm. We were quite tired because we had been traveling since 4 am, so we decided not to walk down to the walking street. Instead, we asked the driver to take us to the market to buy some food and then take us straight to our accommodation. We rested for a while, and then in the evening, we felt energetic enough to take some photos around our accommodation. There were lanterns lit up at intervals, making it easy to walk around. Unfortunately, there were too many clouds, so we couldn't see the stars.




Breakfast

On the last morning before our departure, we woke up late and had breakfast at the accommodation. The dining area was located next to the reception building, on a small patio by the water's edge, offering a view of the rice fields and the horse stables. If we had come on a day with good weather and fog, it would have been even more beautiful.




The main menu offered us a choice between an omelette and fried eggs, both of which we opted for. Additionally, a buffet-style salad bar, cereal, tea, coffee, bread, ham, and sausages were available.

(The fresh milk here is so good! It's sweet, creamy, and flavorful.)





After breakfast, we asked the accommodation to take us to the bus station. The person who took us was the daughter and mother of the owner of the accommodation. They were going to buy things at the market, so they dropped us off at the bus station first.

We then took a winding road back to Chiang Mai city.

The Conclusion

My short vacation at Romance: Another story in Pai has come to an end. I was very impressed with the atmosphere, decoration, and service. If I have the opportunity, I would like to try it again during the winter season. The atmosphere should be different, and I would like to try staying in the larger house. It would be fun to come with a group.

If you have the opportunity to visit Pai, I would recommend this place as an option. It may be a bit far from the city center, but the atmosphere and privacy make it well worth it.

Thank you to all the staff for taking such good care of us.

Note: There are many adorable cats here. :)

Mountain Seal



#pai
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