Leaving Chiang Mai, we headed into the mountains to a small village called Pai. Having two travel choices, a public government bus which is basically an old school bus, or spend a bit more and ride in an air conditioned minivan; much more comfortable, plus the minivan will pick you up at your hotel. It was 3 hours of 2 lane, winding mountain roads with great scenery. Once we started to climb, the AC couldn’t be used because they needed the power for going up the hills. Pai is a small town/village which is a popular spot for mountain trekking, hiking, elephant safaris and such. It has a “laid-back” attitude and consists of a younger, hippie crowd. Lots of small restaurants, guest houses ($5 per night), motorcycle rental shops and travel/trekking agencies, surrounded by rice paddies,
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