Pai

Pai is a small peaceful town in Northern Thailand and is one of Mae Hong Son's districts.Pai is so popular with mountain lovers and trekkers.The charms, which make Pai become an attractive place for visitors, are its stunning landscape, beautiful nature, fresh air and hospitality of the people.Pai will change your life forever!
Photo by tanvach
Photo by tanvach
Morning at Pai
Photo by Baronvonhorne
Huts in a rice paddy in Pai, Thailand.
Photo by tanvach
The mist at Pai, Thailand.
Photo by tanvach
Photo by tanvach
Rice paddies at Pai, Thailand.
Photo by Argenberg
Photo by controvento
Riverside villages in Pai, Thailand.
Photo by Argenberg
Photo by Argenberg
Wooden Bridge over the Pai River, Thailand.
Photo by Argenberg

Top Attractions in Pai
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
Photo by isriya
Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a temple built by Shan.It is on the top of the hill, which is only 2 kilometres east of Pai town, has a good view overlooking the valley.To get there, you need to cross a bridge and through a Shan village, and climb the stairs(about 350 steps) to the temple.The view from the temple over the valley is so beautiful.

Tha Pai Hot Spring
Photo by mattmangum
This is another attraction in the area of Huai Nam Dang National Park. The hot spring is two kilometres off Route 1095 at Kilometre stone number 87. It has an average temperature of 80 celcius. Steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights. The area is also rich in teakwoods and suitable for overnight camping.

Pai Canyon
Photo by Richard Munckton
Pai canyon, known by locals as "Kong Lan", is another natural attraction in Pai.This canyon is located at Baan Rong Yheng, which is only 7 kilometres away.The best times to visit Pai canyon are in the morning and in the evening.To get there, you need to drive(car or bike) from the town along Highway No.1095, then stop at Kilometre stone number 90 and walk about 400 metres(on the right of the road) to Pai canyon.

Mo Paeng Waterfall
Photo by Geoff_B
Mo Paeng Waterfall, another popular spot in Pai, is located at Moo 4, Baan Mo Paeng in Tambon Mae Na Terng.The waterfall is only 9 kilometres away from town, where you can rent a motorcycle or a bicycle to go there.This small waterfall is beautiful and good for bathing.

Wat Nam Hoo
Photo by Geoff_B
Wat Nam Hoo, which is only 3 kilometres west of the town, is the important temple in Pai.Wat Nam Hoo is known for its Chiang San-era Buddha image (Luang Po Un Muang), whose hollow head is filled with holy water.

Muang Paeng Hot Spring
Photo by neilharris
Located in Baan Muang Paeng, 28 kilometres away from the town, Muang Paeng is the large hot spring in Pai. It has an average temperature of 95 celcius.

Chinese Yunnan Culture Center
Photo by isriya

Chinese Yunnan Culture Center or "Baan Sun Ti Chon", a Yunnanese village nears Wat Nam Hoo, is the new tourist attraction in Pai.Here you will find the Chinese clay houses, Chinese restaurants, souvenir shops and the large stone at the centre of the village.If you want to have more fun, you can play the Chinese swing or ride a horse(300 baht/hour) in the village.

Activities in Pai
Pai offers a lot of activities for visitors to enjoy!
Trekking
Photo by Andre Meia
Pai has several tour operators that specialise in trekking. Treks are designed to expose visitors to splendor nature and a variety of hilltribes. The adventure may combine jungle walks with elephant riding and river rafting. The cool winter months of November to February are the best time to travel. Avoid the height of the rainy season in August and September. In the dry months between March and May, the temperature can soar uncomfortably high for strenuous mountain hikes.

Mountain Biking
Photo by ysand
The centre for mountain biking adventure is Pai district, where several bike shops rent out bikes and gear to tourists. Bike tours explore nearby and remote hilltribe villages, waterfalls and hot springs. The best time is November-May. Experienced guides are ready to lead biking parties through breathtaking back-country trails for up to a week. There are natural cycle paths through the forest, first trod by animals then beaten by man. They range from as narrow as a single persons stride or as wide as an elephant or ox cart.

Rafting along the Pai River(White water rafting and Bamboo rafting)
Photo by Adrian Whelan
This is an exciting and delightful recreation. The Pai itself is the longest river of Mae Hong Son originating from mountain ranges in Laos which flows through Pai district and eventually joins the Salawin river in Myanmar, a total distance of 180 kilometres. With an average depth of some 7 metres, the riverbed is mainly pebbled. There are several sectors eminently suitable for rafting past rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls.
Tour operators in Mae Hong Son town or in Pai district can provide the necessary service, some also able to provide elephant rides. The best time for rafting is from October to March.

Elephant riding
Photo by Nir Nussbaum
There are so many elephant camps(southeast of the town, near Tha Pai Hot Spring) that offer jungle rides year-round.

Bathing

There are several waterfalls and hot springs in Pai.The popular spots are Mo Paeng Waterfall and Tha Pai Hot Spring.

How to get there
Travel from Chiang Mai to Pai
By Car
Pai can be reached from Chiang Mai by Highway No. 1095.
By Bus
The buses which run along Highway No. 1095 leave Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal from 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 16:00 p.m.. The journey takes 3 hours and the fare is 80 baht.(150 baht for van)
By Air
SGA Airlines(12-seat commuter airline) offers flights(daily) from Chiang Mai to Pai.The trip takes 30 minutes.For current schedule, please call 0 2664 6099 or visit SGA website.

Where to stay in Pai
Most Luxury resort in Pai :
- Montis Resort
Best Hotels and Resorts in Pai :
- Yoma Hotel
- Phu Pai Art Resort
- Pai Come Hideaway Resort
- Belle Villa Resort Pai (near Pai Airport)
- Pai River Mountain Resort & Spa (near elephant camps and Tha Pai Hot Spring)
- Bura Lumpai Resort
- Mari Pai Resort
Best Budget Hotel and Resort in Pai :
- The Countryside Resort

All hotels and resorts in Pai are here!

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where Thais are dressed in traditional farmers' shirts with Thai straw hats paddle small wooden boats along the canal to sell their fruits, vegetables and foods to customers on the banks.This traditional market starts at 5 am and reaches its peak around 8 am.There are so many souvenir shops and food stalls at the market.If you want to enjoy the floating market, you should take a boat ride through the canal.You can rent a nonmotorized wooden boat for about 300 baht per hour and for a long-tail boat about 600 baht per hour.

Location
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is at Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province, 109 km southwest of Bangkok or approximately one and a half hours drive.

Time
Open daily from 5 AM to 12 AM

What to Buy at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Handicrafts
- Straw hats
- Wood-carving
- Coconut shell products
- Floating Market souvenirs : shirt, hat and model

What to Eat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The delicious foods at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market are :
- Pad Thai
- Noodle soup
Khanom Beuang, Crispy Coconut Pancake
Khanom Tungtak, Soft Coconut Pancake
- Coconut pancake : Khanom Beuang (Crispy Coconut Pancake) and Khanom Tungtak (Soft Coconut Pancake)
- Mango with sticky rice and coconut cream (Khao Niaw Mamuang)

How to get there
By car : Drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road), then turn left at Km. 80 and continue for another 25 kilometres along the Bang Phae-Damnoen Saduak Road.(TAT)
By bus : Public buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak every 40 minutes from 05.50 hrs. onwards. The fare is about 80 baht for air-conditioned bus (Tel. 0 2435 5031). Get off at the last stop and then take a local bus to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The most suitable time to visit the market is from 08.00 - 12.30 hrs.(TAT)
By van : Take van from Victory Monument (Bangkok) to Damnoen Saduak.
There are so many travel agencies that have this program.They will arrange everything for you.

Tips for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- The best time to arrive is between 7am and 9 am.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is not a place for shopping like Chatuchak Weekend Market but it is a place where you can see the unique market and traditional lifestyle of Thais along the canal.
- Don't forget to bring your camera or camcorder. Believe me, you don't want to miss this charismatic and colorful market.It's great for photographers! ( one of the most photogenic places in Thailand )

- The best place to take pictures of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is on the bridge(see the pic).
- Before you take a boat ride, ask the driver for the price and negotiate if the price is too expensive.
- To visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market can be combined with a tour of the great chedi in Nakhon Pathom, the Rose Garden’s Thai Village or the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo, which are on return to Bangkok. The trip can be arranged through a travel agency or a tour service counter in most of the hotels in Bangkok.(TAT)

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Photo Gallery

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Ko Lanta

Koh Lanta is one of the most romantic places in Thailand.If you want some quiet and cozy beaches but with some facilities nearby, then Ko Lanta is an excellent choice for you and also one of the most spectacular and romantic sunsets in Thailand can be seen in Ko Lanta too.This island has some white sandy beaches with turquoise-green waters and lots of palm trees covering the hills, giving it a very tropical look.

(Photo by ash)
The pristine beach in Ko Lanta.

(Photo by JonasPhoto)
(Photo by TinaTeens)
(Photo by tengo gusto de sueños)
The romantic sunsets at Ko Lanta.



(Photos by LeeLeFever)
Ko Lanta bay.

Where is Ko Lanta
Here

Ko Lanta Map

Mu Ko Lanta National Park ( Lanta Archipelago )
Covering a total area of 152 square kilometres, Mu Ko Lanta National Park is located in Amphoe Ko Lanta and consists of many islands. Some major islands are Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Taleng Beng, as well as, other surrounding islands like Mu Ko Ha, Mu Ko Rok, and Ko Ngai.

Attractions within the National Park
Ko Lanta Noi
Ko Lanta Noi was the former settlement of the Ko Lanta community, where a district office, school, as well as, traditional lifestyle, and houses are still currently available.
Ko Lanta Yai
Ko Lanta Yai’s topography is long and narrow. This island is home to "Chao Le" or sea gypsies who continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle and beliefs, such as setting a boat a drift to drive out evil and bring good luck, which is practiced during the full moon in June and November. Sala Dan Pier is where tour operators, shops and banks are situated. Several beautiful beaches are in the west such as Hat Kho Kwang, Hat Lo Bara, Ao Phra Ae, Hat Khlong Khong, and Hat Khlong Nin. A paved road runs along the beaches all the way from the northern part of the island to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the south. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with virgin rainforest. To the east features an old community. The district office was previously here and later relocated to Ko Lanta Noi. Most people on the island are Muslim. The communities of Ban Sang Ka-u still maintain their traditional Loi Ruea Ceremony. Not far from the headquarters, Laem Tanot features a lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of a pebble beach merging with a white sandy beach. At the end of the cape features Ko Mo, an ideal diving spot. Besides Laem Tanot, tourists can enjoy the Andaman Sea’s spectacular view from many hilltop restaurants located in the central part of the island.

Accommodation is available. High season is from November to May. Camping in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park is allowed but must notify the park in advance at No. 5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Tel. 0 7562 9018 - 9. Alternatively, contact the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Tel. 0 2562 0760
Admission to the national park area : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

How To Get There
By Car: This is served by a car ferry from Ban Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi.
Then, proceed by the second car ferry to Ko Lanta Yai. Ferries operate between
8.00 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.
Ferry: Fares and Departure Times
Ban Hua Hin – Ko Lanta Noi
Departs Ban Hua Hin: 7.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Departs Ko Lanta Noi: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Travelling time: 15 – 20 minutes
Fares: car is 50 baht/motorcycle is 10 baht
Ko Lanta Noi – Ko Lanta Yai
Departs Ko Lanta Noi: 6.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Departs Ko Lanta Yai: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Travelling time: 15 – 20 minutes
Fares: car is 40 baht/motorcycle is 10 baht
Ferries operate between 7.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Remarks: Fares are subject to change without notice.

To Get to Ban Hua Hin Pier:
From Amphoe Mueang, proceed along Highway No. 4 towards Amphoe Khlong Thom (the route to the province of Trang). Take a right turn at Ban Huai Nam Khao Intersection onto Highway No. 4206 for another 20 kilometres.
Air-conditioned Vans:
Take the hourly Krabi - Ko Lanta Yai air-conditioned vans from Amphoe Mueang, which operate between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. The fare is 250 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours. On return, the vans depart Ko Lanta Yai between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. as well. For more information, contact Krabi Lanta Tour in Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 7562 2792. Sala Dan, Tel. 0 7568 4121. Alternatively, take the hourly air-conditioned vans from Trang, which operate between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. On return, the vans depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m., 12.00 a.m., 1.30 p.m., and 3.00 p.m. The trip takes 2 hours. For further details, contact K K Tour, which is located in front of the train station, Tel. 0 7521 1198, 0 7522 3664, Fax. 0 7521 1441.
Commuting from Trang to Krabi:
Take the ordinary local bus leaving Trang Bus Station between 6.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.
The fare is 80 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours. Alternatively, take the
air-conditioned buses, which leave Trang Bus Station between 6.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.
as well. The fare is 113 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours.

Ferry Service during the High Season (November – May):
Two ferries depart daily from Chao Fa Pier in Amphoe Mueang at 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The trip takes about 2 hours to reach Sala Dan Pier on Ko Lanta Yai. For more information, contact the Chao Fa Pier, Tel. 0 7563 0470 – 2.
From Ko Lanta to Other Islands
Private companies on Ko Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.
Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 350 baht
Ko Lanta – Krabi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 300 baht
Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Phuket: 1.00 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., 700 baht
Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi: 9.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., 700 baht
Royal Fern Co., Ltd. operates boat services from Ko Lanta to Krabi via Ko Cham. Two ferries depart daily at 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The fare ranges from 300 - 350 baht per person. In addition, boat services operate from Ko Lanta Yai to Ko Ngai and Ko Kradan, which costs 450 baht per person, as well as, to Ko Rok, which only offers speed boats (return tickets) costing 1,600 baht. Contact Royal Fern Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7568 4163, 08 1719 4811 and O & M Tourist Centre Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7568 4153, 0 7568 4281. The boat departs at 9.00 a.m. daily.

From : TAT

(Photo by JonasPhoto)
Long-tail Boats in Ko Lanta.
Remark:
The islands in the area of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, including Ko Ma, Ko Hai, Ko Rok, Kong Hin Daeng - Kong Hin Muang and Ko Ha, are yearly closed from May 16 - October 31.

Ko Lanta Beaches :
Ko Lanta has more than 15 beaches but the important beaches are on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai :
1.Kho Kwang Beach (Deer Neck Beach)
(Photo by prilfish)
- This small curving beach has white sand with refreshing turquoise water and lots of sea pine trees along the beach, located at the northern tip of the island and near Sala Dan Pier.This is a nice beach for an all day relaxation.A hill on Kho Kwang cape gives a good view of sunset.
2. Klong Dao Beach
(Photo by Arun Manamohan)
- Klong Dao Beach is a 3 km long white sandy beach with calm water that is perfect for swimming.This beach is by far the most popular and most developed beach on the island.Located approximately 2 kilometers from the Saladan Pier.The beach has a wide range of accommodations and restaurants.
3. Pra Ae Beach ( "Long Beach" )
(Photo by Pretre)
- South of Klong Dao Beach is Pra Ae Beach, known by travellers as "Long Beach", is a nice long strip of white sand with crystal clear water and has some accommodations and restaurants nearby.
4. Khlong Khong Beach
(Photo by Miek37)
- Khlong Khong is a quiet beach with lots of palm trees.At the northern end of the beach are the rocky spots.
5. Khlong Nin Beach
(Photo by mushi_king)
- This quiet beach has nice sand with crystal clear water and stunning tropical rainforest.
6. Ba Kan Tiang Beach or Kan Tiang Beach
(Photo by JonasPhoto)
- Ba Kan Tiang Beach is a 800 m long, naturally crescent shaped beach with white sand, South of Khlong Nin Beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches on Ko Lanta.This is a nice place for families and couples wanting to get away from the crowds.

What to do in Koh Lanta
There are a lot of Activities in Koh Lanta that you can enjoy such as :
- Relaxing on the beaches
- Sunbathing
- Swimming
- Long-tail boating
- Diving and Snorkeling
- Trekking
- Kayaking
(Photo by Alain in Vancouver)
- Thai Boxing
- Thai Massage and Spa
- Elephant Trekking
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Canoeing
- Bicycling
- Sailing
- Thai Cooking
Many hotels on Koh Lanta offer some of these Activities.

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
Most Romantic Luxury resort in Koh Lanta is :
- Pimalai ( the perfect place for honeymoon )

Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta are :
- Rawi Warin Resort
- Chada Beach Resort
- Layana Resort
- Crown Lanta Resort
- Best Western Premier Maya Koh Lanta Resort

Most popular Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta are :
- Lanta Casuarina Beach Resort
- Moonlight Bay Resort
- Lanta Palace Resort

Best Budget Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta are :
- Kaw Kwang Resort
- Lanta Castaway
- Lanta Marine Park

All Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta

Ko Lanta Video



Top Attraction nearby Ko Lanta

Ko Rok ( the must see place!)

(Photo by apdurruti)
Ko Rok has the whitest and finest sand in Thailand.
(Photo by apdurruti)
This attraction is actually comprised of two islands:
- Ko Rok Nai - This is where the Mu Ko Lanta National Park’s Ranger Station is located. Ko Rok Nai is an island that is mostly steep cliffs. To the east, it offers a beach and unspoiled coral reefs among rocks. Laem Thong and Ao San Chao are to the north. Ko Rok Nai offers white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and is still very intact. Nature trails are available, where tourists can enjoy the exercise and various species of plants. A camping ground is available. Contact Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Tel. 0 7562 9018 – 9, Fax. 0 7568 4153.
(Photo by apdurruti)
Sailing at Ko Rok.
- Ko Rok Nok - Ko Rok Nok is full of soft white sandy beaches and coral reefs in shallow water in the southeast and the south. Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai are situated at the end of the island.
To get there: Rent a boat from Pak Meng Pier, which takes about 3 - 4 hours. Alternatively, take the speed boat from Ko Lanta. Contact tour operators, resorts or bungalows on Ko Lanta Yai.

Ko Rok beach

Remarks:
- Since Ko Rok is quite far, trips by a long-tail boat is not recommended, especially during bad weather.
- Admission to the Mu Ko Lanta National Park including Ko Rok : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

- The islands in the area of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, including Ko Ma, Ko Hai, Ko Rok, Hin Daeng - Hin Muang and Ko Ha, are yearly closed from May 16 - October 31.
From : TAT

Ko Ha (Five Islands)

(Photo by apdurruti)
(Photo by satane)
(Photo by CADiver)
Lionfish at Ko Ha.
(Photo by CW Ye)
Colorful fish at Ko Ha.
Diving at Ko Ha

This archipelago has five islands, Ko Ha Yai is where shallow water coral reefs are located.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang ( Red Rock and Purple Rock )
(Photo by prilfish)
Leopard shark at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
(Photo by CW Ye)
Porcelain crab at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
(Photo by CADiver)
Glassfish at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Whale Shark at Hin Muang

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang is a best place for diving in Thailand.This place has the best colorful coral reefs and rich marine life.
Leopard sharks, Whale sharks, Porcelain crabs and Lionfish can be found here!

Tips for Ko Lanta
- The best season to visit Koh Lanta is Dec - April.
- Best places for diving are Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Koh Ha.
- The perfect place for Snorkeling and Relaxing is Koh Rok.
- For long trips, you should take speed boat.

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