The bus to Pai trip was in itself an experience.
3 hours, 136 km with 762 curves! But we made it there!
When we arrived it felt like we missed a good party. It was quiet and warm with traces of life. We found a nice guesthouse to recover from the trip. When we came out in the evening the little village had been transformed in a night market with people and music everywhere. Next to our place there was this café with live music, not dancing or sitting but laying down sipping our cocktails under the stars.
The next day we had booked a road trip to see the Mo Paeng waterfall, Lod cave and Sai Ngam Hot Spring. Because of the dry season the waterfall wasn’t that big but that didn’t stop Stefan from going in. It was a bit busy with backpackers trying to overcome their hangover and relax in the cold water.
Next stop was the Lod Cave. This was amazing. We had our own guide with a lantern, lose track of her and you are in the pitch dark! This cave was huge! It was great walking around stalagmites and stalactites with the guide pointing out all the different shapes looking like popcorn, a bird, fish, crocodile and a boob. After about 30 minutes climbing up and down scary stairs we came to a clearing with a water stream. Here we got on a bamboo raft that took us to the end of the cave. You can hear the bats above but can’t see them. Overall thus far the biggest cave I have ever seen.
Last but not least we went to the Hot spring. Driving for a while through the forest all of a sudden there is this pond, really tiny, and I thought, hmm swimming with the toads in the mud? Toads, no, but mud yes. The water is really clear and about 42 degrees, so lovely. At the same time there were locals bathing with their shampoo and looked like a social gathering at the same time. One of them was even doing their laundry.
After this intense day we needed food! So burgers it was, but not just burgers, Stefan had one with crocodile meat and myself wild boar, pretty damn good.
Next day we had to go back to Chiang Mai because we had a Thai Cooking class booked. This was just good fun. The teacher Tiph showed us first all the spices and herbs in their little garden. Then took us to the market to see where you can find all the right ingredients. After that it was cooking time! We made all a starter; my favorite chicken with cashew nuts; a soup, spring rolls and curry. During the class we ended up making friends with two lady’s from Buenos Aires who joined us for a drink at the jazz bar after.
This week it has become even warmer as result we stay up late in a nice 25 degrees evening, wake up late and just swim in a 35 degrees sunny day. In the apartment complex are a lot of digital nomads (people who just need their computer to work) and have time for a nice chat and join us for dinner and night time adventures.
Tomorrow we are going to try and make our way down to Chiang Rai.
