Leaving Chiang Mai was sad as I really enjoyed my time there but oh how I underestimated just how much I was about to fall in love with a lil ol'place called Pai.

The drive to Pai was anything but enjoyable, anyone who knows the rocky road in Forest Hall will know what I mean but imagine that with what fealt like a million twists and turns driving at the speed of light! Luggage and passengers were flying everywhere in the bus but 3 hours later we were in Pai and encountering our first challenge..there's no cars in Pai, only scooters, so how were we going to get our bags to Spicy Pai!? We managed : )

Arriving at Spicy Pai we were in complete awe at just how beautiful our surroundings were. The hostel itself was situated in amongst rice fields, was open plan and basically a giant tree house. The perfect setting for relaxation as is the entire village. Filled with both locals, old American hippies, musicians, jazz bars, reggae bars, cafes and alot of travellers you can't help but forget about everything and get caught up in the "Pai trap". Our first night we hitch a ride with the Spicy lot for a night out then its an early start the following morning. For the grand sum of 2pounds we are able to rent a scooter (crazy) and having explained to the man I have never been on a scooter before he proceeded to give me a foolproof guide to scooter riding...

1) This is the brake (he points)

2) Push this button to start while holding the brake (he points)

3) Drive slowly, especially round corners

..and we were on our way!!

That day we all headed out on a tour of Pai, taking in the not so many sites...Pai canyon, the River Pai, a ruined temple, a waterfall and the hot springs. Kit (the owner of Spicy and our guide for the day) planned a huge BBQ for the evening so we head to the local market for food. It's ridiculously cheap and there are some unbelieveable things for sale!! BBQ devoured we head out and spend our last night in Pai like true locals, at the jazz and reggae bars.

To sum it up, Pai was one of those unexpected detours that turned out better than expected.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday... EVERYDAY IS PAI DAY!!