2011- Chiangmai - Pai

From Chiang Rai, we caught a local van to Pai, where we spent three relaxing nights. As always, we rented a scooter — the best way to explore this small mountain town. Back in 2011, Pai still had a cozy, quiet charm with its laid-back cafes, rice fields, and winding roads. We’re not sure how much it has changed since then, but one day, we’d love to return and see it again.

Our last stop in the north was Chiang Mai. We based ourselves downtown, exploring the city the local way by songthaew — the iconic red shared bus. It’s budget-friendly if you go by route with others, or you can hire one privately, which we did for a day to maximize our time.

Another highlight was an ATV tour that took us up into the mountains around Doi Suthep–Pui. The ride went through local villages, where we had the chance to give small donations of clothes and snacks to children. It was a simple act, but such a meaningful moment that made the adventure even more memorable.