Chad and Sharon Moore

We're back in Bangkok after 5 days in Pai (pronounced 'Bye'), a chill out town in a gorgeous green valley amongst the hills of northwest Thailand.  The town attracts artist and musicians from Thailand and beyond creating a somewhat laidback hippy vibe.  We hired out a moped for a few days exploring the surrounding area, splashing in deserted waterfalls, wandering streets of local tribal villages and admiring the temples that overlook the valleys. Something you notice whilst in rural Thailand is the Thai sanuk culture. Sanuk means fun in English and it is part of the Thai way of life to make fun in whatever you are doing.  Even when watching hard labour in the fields you get the sense of playfullness amongst the workers.  It's nice to see and something we should have more of in western culture.

We initially stayed in a cheap guesthouse (Abodaya 260bht/night) but the mattress was sooo lumpy that we had to move.  We paid out a bit more money and stayed in a great riverside bungalow.  It had amazing views, not only from our huge private balcony, but from our super king size bed too.  Sharon was very happy :-)

Whilst in Pai we managed to check out a few local and touring musos in the small bars dotted around the town.  It was great to be so close to the bands and being able to appreciate their talent and passion.  On one occasion, we were treated to a musical experience when a group of maybe 8 locals performed a few songs with fire dancing, bongos, didjeridoos, bells, etc.  Their performance attracted a rather large crowd of hippies and I was very glad that Sharon wasn't wearing a t-shirt we saw earlier on in the evening, the slogan was 'hippies smell' !

Pai has some lovely little shops and stalls selling the local tribes' handicrafts and some dazzling coloured clothes, bags and hats.  We wouldn't be brave enough to wear them in Thailand let alone back in Australia!

So, after enjoying a few days relaxing by the river in a beautiful valley, we headed back to Bangkok on the overnight bus.  For our last week in Thailand (I can't believe I'm typing that!) we are off to Hua Hin, a few hours south.  It's supposed to be the Thai royal family's choice of beachside retreat and is popular with Thai holiday makers.  Let's hope the weather is nice!

PS Happy birthday Alison M x