Before you read this post be sure to check-out my post titled, Getting To Pai By Bus if you want to learn about transportation options to get there from Chiang Mai.
My girlfriend and I wanted to escape to Pai, Thailand for an extended weekend since we are teachers here in Chiang Mai.
We left Chiang Mai on a Thursday afternoon, arrived to Pai, checked-in to Pairaidise and were asleep by 9:30pm. We awoke the next day and had a wonderful German style breakfast at our guesthouse. The restaurant overlooks the valley that Pai is nestled in and makes for a great view while enjoying breakfast.
We went into town and rented a motorbike so that we could explore outside of town. We rented a 125 semi-auto wave motorbike for 100 Baht a day or $3.00 USD! That is a great price since most other bikes are 200 Baht or more. Still a bargain of a price but when looked at as a percentage, it is a 100% price increase.
After renting the bike and meandering around the town we met a friend at a local cafe and enjoyed some good food and conversation. Nicole is a huge fan of Thai massages and so we spent the afternoon getting a two hour Thai massage at her favorite Massage Parlor in Thailand. The massage was 400 Baht or $12 USD.
That evening after eating dinner, we wanted to go out and meet with friends but everything was closing early due to the king’s birthday. The next day we drove outside of town to the, “land split.” We found it on tripadvisor.com when looking for things to do in Pai Thailand.
The Land Split
Once we arrived, we were greeted by the locals that live on the land that the “land split” had occurred. The “land split” is literally what it sounds like, a massive split in the ground.
When we first arrived we sat down at a table and we were brought a variety of snacks and roselle wine. The roselle flower is grown on the local land and harvested. All of the edibles are complementary but there is a tip box if you are feeling generous.
After we enjoyed some snacks, we walked up a set of stairs to the land split and enjoyed the view. The land split happened several years ago and is partially overgrown with plants. It is several hundred feet long and 20 feet deep in certain places. We walked around and took some photos. The area does not have many trees so it can be very hot during mid-day.
The land split makes for a great local tourist destination and the locals make you feel welcomed.
Pai Canyon
In the evening during our second day, we headed back out in the same direction as the land split to Pai canyon. It is another popular geographical feature, close to Pai, that is a great place to visit during sun set.
The turn-off for Pai Canyon is on the right side of the road when leaving Pai. There is a big parking lot and it is hard to miss. After you park, there is a short paved trail up a set of stairs. The top of the stairs opens up and you have a great view of the sun-set and northern Thai mountains.
There are several trails that lead out from the viewing area but proceed with caution as the trail is narrow and drops off on both sides. It is a popular destination for many tourists so do not be surprised if you are not alone.