Guide to Pai Thailand (10 Best things to Do in Pai)

Pai is an acquired taste. Some absolutely swear by it while others hate it. Some see it as a secluded paradise away from Chiangmai and others see it as another trendy tourist location with a lack of culture. A lot of ex-pats and backpackers raved at how much they loved Pai. Describing it as Heaven on earth and peaceful getaway with waterfalls mountains and endless nature so naturally, I had to check it out for myself.

Everything about Pai is an Adventure starting with the three-hour bus ride that includes over 700 turns. This was the most intense insane roller coaster ride of your life. Driving through the extremely green and scenic mountains of the gorgeous northern Thai countryside. With green hills and mountains as far as your eyes can see.

Arriving in Pai felt like I was placed at a 1969 Woodstock festival. There were many tourists and the streets were covered with energetic vibrant psychedelic murals. There were many delicious smells of not only Thai food but western cuisine as well and an insane amount of scooters. Best of all we were surrounded by luscious green mountains and hills. I knew it was going to be an adventurous day.

Preparing for Pai

I know you are excited about taking this journey to Pai whether you are debating taking a day trip or weekend excursion or simply adding things to your Thailand bucket list. Here are a few things to get you started before you embark on this beautiful journey.

Before you take this journey to Pai I suggest booking your bus tickets at least a day in advance. The vans tend to hold about 12 people so if you have a larger group of people it could be booked up quickly. I suggest using this website 12goasia. It is simple to uses and takes most forms of payment such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Paypal. The site is fully in English and you can book your tickets in just a few minutes without the hassle of trying to figure out how much seat availability is left. The cost of a seat is fairly inexpensive costing about 200THB or $6 USD for a one-way trip. This is a steal for a three-hour journey through the mountains of Thailand and the least expensive way to get to Pai also the safest I wouldn’t recommend you to take this journey on your own.

Pai is located in the mountains and it is said that the ride to Pai has over 700 turns which can feel like a roller coaster. If you do get motion sickness or partied hard the night before chugging too many Thai Chang beers than I would recommend you to get some kind of motion sickness medicine before hopping on this Van. The Van will take one very short stop where you can grab snacks and use the restroom. So if you feel sick there’s not much you can really do on this three-hour bus trip.

Finally, for preparing for your trip to Pai I would suggest you have an international driver’s license. The reason for this is so that you won’t have any issues with the local law enforcement. In order to get around Pai comfortably, you will need a scooter. Scotter rentals will gladly take your money if you don’t have a driver’s license but you still will run the risk of being fined 500THB or 15Usd by local Thai police. To avoid this apply for the International license before you come to Thailand in your home country. If not just prepare to possibly pay the fine.

When you Arrive

When you step off the Van into Pai town one of the first things you should do is rent a scooter or bike, I 100% recommend you to get a scooter if you have an international drivers license but if you don’t and you want to avoid local law enforcement and fines Id suggest you get a city or mountain bike. On a bike, you will get tired and probably not want to travel as far. A scooter will cost you about 250TBH ($8) per day and a traditional mountain bike will cost you around ($3). A scooter will allow you to see much more of the countryside and your legs will definitely thank you the next day.Vespai Rental is one of the best places to Rent your scooter because not only will they give you a scooter they will also give you a lesson on how to properly use your scooter so that you won’t have issues with it while you are using it. Most scooter and bike places will require you to give up your passport in order to use one of there vehicles as insurance that you won’t run off with one of them or damage it. Some people say this is risky but in my experience, I didn’t have any issues.

10 Things to do in Pai

If you are a nature lover and love hikes, coffee and sunsets than Pai is the right place for you. One of the best things about traveling around Pai is that all roads lead back to Pai town so its virtually impossible to get lost so you can get lost in exploring and adventure. Here are 10 things I would recommend you to do while in Pai.

Pai town

Pai town is where your journey through Pai will begin and end. This is where the bus will drop you off and how you will most likely leave. Pai town is a part Hippy part, Thai part, western with many foods you can try and things you can buy. It’s the most popular place in Pai so it does get really crowded with tourists. At night you can find many bars and plenty to do in Pai town.

Cofee in love

Cofee in love is a great starting point for your adventure if you don’t want to be in Pai town around a lot of tourists. this coffee shop is cute and quaint with really really friendly people. Did I mention the view? The view of coffee in love is absolutely breathtaking and you want to just spend time taking in the beautiful sight of the mountains. The coffee and food here are also extremely good and healthy. This may sound a bit strange but I also like the bathroom here. Yes, the bathroom. It was so atmospheric and beautiful with an outdoor feel. Probably the most beautiful bathroom I’ve ever done my duty in.

Explore the countryside

Visiting the countryside is an adventure of its own. You will find beauty in everywhere you look. You will see mountains, waterfalls, farms, hot springs, and cute themed shops on your journey. You don’t have to look too far. Just get lost and have fun and admire all the natural gems Pai has to offer.

Pai Canyon

Pai canyon is the perfect place to end your crazy day and introduce the night. Watching the sunset is absolutely beautiful here.  Getting up to the top of the canyon entails an easy 10-minute walk which will make you break a sweat but definitely worth it. My advice is to come early because this spot will be swarming with tourists.

Big Budah (Temple on the Hill or Wat Mae Yen)

This is another great workout that you definitely will feel the next day. Big Budha can be seen all around Pai because it is huge! There are many stairs with amazing designs and architecture that leads up to this Beautiful peaceful temple area where you can rest and look around and be at peace. There are many other tourists who are here and a great place to meet others but be respectful and remember to take off your shoes in any temple.

Pai walking street

Everywhere in Thailand, you can find a block party-style walking street and Pai is no different. The walking streets are closed to bikes, scooters, and cars so you can walk around in peace. You can find unique fashion, food, handmade crafts, and all the food your stomach can handle. There are many vendors and no shortage of things you can buy. Even if you are not big into shopping the walking street is great to people watch and that itself can be entertaining.

Mor Paeng waterfall

Pai has many waterfalls but I would recommend Mor Paeng Waterfall because out of all them it is the easiest to find and overall the nicest.

Wat Toong Pong

At  Wat Toong Pong, you’ll notice a spiritual park housing various shrines belonging to various religions. However, the most impressive memorial rests in the back. There’s a bridge which interestingly interchanges colors at the end. The bridge leads to a beautiful and giant, iridescent white Buddha. If you are into different religions and spirituality this is great to check out and just admire.

Enjoy some Pai Nightlife.

For a small town, there’s a hell of a lot of awesome bars and clubs to party the night away! Yep, Pai’s nightlife is infamous. If you’re looking for a truly epic night out, then head to Boom Bar. This is the place to be for backpackers, and with cheap cocktails, a beer pong table, and pumping music, it’s a guaranteed fun night out.

Backpackers Paradise

If you are a backpacker and want to socialize with others and meet new friends than Backpackers Paradise is perfect. Live music, Fire shows, and drinks. Need I say more? The price all depends on you and how much or little you wish to spend. Ranging from $4-$35 USD&125-1100 TBH). The facility is clean and highly recommended by many tourists.

Pai is a very unique town and I hope if you are in Chiang Mai you decide to take a weekend trip out to explore Pai. It Definitely was a highlight for me on my trip to Thailand and It will be yours too. Have you been to Pai or considering going? If so what were your favorite things to do?

9 Things you must know before going to China in 2020 (post Covid19)

Written by Vanessa Mckinney

---

So, you’re considering traveling or moving to China. Before the coronavirus, people would’ve said it was a bold move. They might’ve even envied your decision. But after the virus forced the world into quarantine, people now just think you’re insane. Don’t let the haters stop you. China is still a beautiful country with so much to offer. Sure, things have changed since COVID, but you can still have a fun visit or thrive here should you choose to make it your home. You just need to know a few things beforehand. Here are 9 tips to help you navigate china post COVID 19.

Mask

Bring your own masks! Most major grocery stores still require you to wear a mask when you enter. Small shops and convenience stores usually don’t require it. If you’re unsure if you need one, keep one on you just in case and see if the store employees are wearing them. If they are, then you’ll most likely be required to wear one too. But as a safety measure always keep a mask with you.

Tempeture Check

 You’re going to get your temperature taken. A lot. Along with requiring a mask, most major stores, government buildings, schools, etc. will have a representative at the doors stopping people to take their temperature. As long as your temperature is below 37.5 Celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit) , you’ll be allowed to enter. If you move into an updated apartment complex, the entrance to your building might have a body scanner that’ll scan you as you leave and enter. If your temperature is too high, they might block you from entering or exiting the building, or quarantine you in your room. Fun times! Don’t let this stress you out. It’s rare this ever happens. They’re just trying to keep you and everyone else safe.

Health Code

  You’re going to need a health code. This is attached to your passport number and can be accessed through apps like Ding Talk or Alipay. You’ll have to fill out a survey for 7-14 days to show that you’ve not been hospitalized with COVID symptoms. After this, you’ll receive a green health square when you log into the apps. It’s like the stoplight system: green is yes, yellow means you’re a potential risk, red means stay your butt at home. This is your golden ticket to everything. Airports, malls, government buildings, etc. will require this square before you’re allowed to enter. Just be careful as you travel between provinces. If a province has a sudden outbreak, everyone’s health square automatically changes to yellow showing they’ve been in a high-risk area.

Not so social distancing

 The whole 6 feet apart safety measure? That’s not a thing here. People will stand as close to you as they want to in checkout lines. Things have relaxed a lot since the number of COVID cases has gone down. Don’t be surprised if people pack themselves into an elevator like sardines in a can.

Xenophobia

People will be enamored with you, and terrified of you. At the same time. China has a lot of English training schools, which makes for a high population of foreigners. Still, residents are always shocked when a foreigner is walking down the street. You’ll be stared at by everyone. A few daring people might try to sneak a photo of you. But with the spread of corona and misinformation, a good chunk of people will also be afraid of you. Don’t be surprised if someone covers their face or whips on a mask at the sight of you. It’s not personal. Just ignore it and keep on doing you.

Coming for work? 

If you’re looking to work here, do your research. Do other foreigners work at the company? If not, why? Did they all leave due to unprofessional work environments or low pay? When corona hit, most foreigners, especially foreign teachers, went from smooth sailing to shark-infested waters. Some employers threatened to revoke their visas if they didn’t agree to work for low wages or no payments for months. Make sure you’re not joining a company that’s on the verge of collapsing thanks to employees quitting after enduring terrible treatment.

Download WeChat

  Add the WeChat app to your phone and join as many groups with other foreigners as possible. This will be a major lifesaver. There are countless groups to join to find new friends, get recommendations for bars and restaurants, or even seek legal advice if you need it. Ask them questions about the best and worst companies to work at in the city. They’ll have plenty of horror stories and guidance for finding the right position. You can even connect to people with furry friends for a pet playdate. The options are endless.

Keep an open Mind

Keep an open mind. Things are changing in more ways than we can imagine. But a few things remain the same. China is still gorgeous with many amazing sight, culture, food, and adventure. Whether you are here to explore or to live you will have a great time and be glad that you came.

5 Clubs in Hangzhou China for the ultimate night out.

Hangzhou isn’t one of the places in Asia that when you think of nightlife it comes to mind. But after reading this, you might rethink that and Hangzhou might be your next party destination for a crazy night out in China. Surprisingly there are a variety of clubs with completely different vibes ranging from electronic dance music, Afro beats, Hip hop, and many others. Check out the hottest and best dance clubs in Hangzhou China.

*Disclaimer: All of these are based on my own personal experiences. My goal is to give you many options to check out while in Hangzhou whether you are here as a tourist, working, or local these options are guaranteed to make sure you are up all night having a great night.

SOS CLUB

It’s easy to see why SOS is ranked number 65 on Djmag.com Sos is a super energetic club with some high energy electronic music. This club is predominantly Chinese but very welcoming to anyone. From the time you walk in till the time you leave, it is an experience. The decor is mind-blowing and makes you feel like you are in an electronic neon palace. Equipped with world-leading audio system, well-designed lights, and introduces top 3D MAPPING view video technology. It offers not only private party rooms, but also outdoor lounges for night viewing.  Get crazy and dance the night away on the stage head bobbing your brains out.

Where is it

3/F Hengli Building, No.5, Huanglong Road, West Lake District

PRINCE

Prince will make you forget you are in China with a variety of people that you will see in this club. It is lively, wild, and extremely energetic with many vibrant friendly fun people. If you love Soca, Afro beats, dancehall, and hip-hop music and love to dance and get wild then this is the club for you. The music will have blood rushing through your veins and dancing until the early hours of the morning. Prince is fantastic and you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience here.

Where is it?

42 Lingyin Road

ONE THIRD

We spend One-Third of our life sleeping. Who needs when you can spend that wide awake with loud adrenaline-pumping music? One third is one of the Most Out of this world, Eyecatching, Electrifying clubs that you can go to. They focus on experience transforming the club into a mind-boggling theme. When you step in One Third you know you have officially left this world. Be prepared to have one of the most exhilarating nights of your life.

Where is it

NO.85, XINBEI STREET

IIIPM

Everyone can agree that music variety is really important when going out to party. IIPM is different because it provides two experiences unique experiences under one roof. The front of the club you can hear some of the most up to date Hip-Hop music but in the back of the club, it is an energetic electronic rave.IIPM is a great place to socialize because it has a lot of seating where you can drink, play games, and meet new friends.

Where is it

1/F Fushu Building 168 Yugu Road

9Club

Ask anyone in Hangzhou and they will tell you that 9 club is great to socialize with other people If its that you want to come to play a game of billiards ping pong, or simply drink and dance 9 clubs have it all. 9 club is known for there Latin themed party every Thursday night. If you love to salsa and bachata than this is something you simply cannot miss. 9 club also has live performances with a stage that is great for a full band that anyone can perform on. They also have two, VIP rooms, with their own pool tables, KTV equipment, and private bathrooms. So if you’re into the indie music scene, this is the place to be.

Where is it?

2/F, South Tower, Wantang Hui,

How to Rent an Apartment in China 2020

Moving of any kind can be stressful. If it’s moving to a new town, city, or even a country. Finding an apartment in China can be a very different process probably one of the most different experiences. The intention of this article is to not only help you find an apartment but to ease some of the strenuous processes of moving to China with knowledge from my personal success and failures.

Step 1 | Have your ideal requirements

A few things you should consider in your search are…

• Budget

• Location

• Style of Apartment

• Subway accessible

First things first figure out what is most important to you and what you are willing to spend. When I moved to Hangzhou China in 2019 I moved to work as an English teacher. Because of this, I wanted to make sure I was close enough to my job but also close to the nightlife and the various attractions Hangzhou has to offer. I also wasn’t fond of the older apartments in the city’s center which forced me to search a little outside the city where development was still taking place.

In my case, I was able to check off two of the three on my checklist. The price of the apartment was under what I originally wanted to spend on an apartment it was close enough to the nightlife via subway or DiDi Taxi. But it was quite a distance from work which caused me to prepare extra time before leaving each day for work.

Step 2| Search

There multiple ways of starting the search for your new apartment. Before coming to china you can research some of the areas of interest to your personal needs. A. helpful website that will help you land the perfect apartment is 58.com the best way to use this site is by using google chrome it can translate the page from Chinese to English or any other language you may need. Another way you can begin your search is by connecting with real estate agents on WeChat you many need an employer or college to send you a reputable referral. .Finally, You can search for a local agency if you are already in china The only catch with using an agency is the fee that you will pay for the service, which is dependent on where you want to live and other circumstances (e.g. how soon you need an apartment, season, etc.).In many cases, they are known to have a fee of half of one month’s rent, so if you’re renting an apartment that is 5,000 RMB, the fee for an agent would be 2,500 RMB. To find an agency in your area, search online for “zufang zhongjie 租房中介”, or ask a local colleague or friend if they know of any reputable agencies in your area. The most important thing is to be clear on the agent’s fee before using them.

Step 3| Negotiate and Sign contracts

Congratulations! You have found the place for you! The hard part is now done! But there are a few more things you will have to do. Knowing how to negotiate in China is a big plus. You can negotiate your rent depending on the terms of your leasing agreement with your landlord. You can usually negotiate payment terms of 3 months, 6 months, and 1-year terms. I decided to pay every 3 months.

Once you agree you will receive a contract for the housing. Most time they will present the contract to you in Chinese. Unless you fluently can read or write in Chinese I would not sign any documents in a language you cannot understand. There are a few ways that you can get around this type of issue. The first is to use a translator service such as Goole translate. But wait! isn’t google banned in china? Yes it is But you can use a Virtual Private network Such as NordVPN or Express VPN which will easily let you use all the sites you need even in china. Another method os to spend a few dollars purchasing an English/Chinese Bilingual Rental contract this can save you a lot of stress in the future. Finally, If you have a Chinese colleague or employer that is willing to help you then use them. Have them review the lines of each term and make sure it is clear and that you understand what you are signing before you put then pen on the paper.

Conclusion

China isn’t the easiest country to navigate and it can be a pain to most people to settle down in such a country especially if you can’t speak the language. Hopefully, this guide can get you started and you were able to find some useful information on making your move a little easier.

Have you lived or moved to China? I would love to hear about your experience and what challenged you faced. If I missed anything that you feel is important please comment below!

TOP 3 THAI FOOD RESTAURANTS IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND!

Thailand is one of my favorite countries because it offers so much, from great weather to culture to the people. But one thing that sticks out in Thailand and that anyone who has been can attest is the cuisine. Thai cuisine contains a spectrum of flavors and textures and is so vast that no two dishes are ever the same. You will get an explosion of flavors in each dish you eat. This Southeast Asian country is fast becoming a foodie’s destination and these three restaurants are a great example of what Thai cuisine is all about.

*Disclaimer- I’ve visited Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok but when it comes to food, in my opinion, Chiang Mai is definitely the best if you are a foodie. These are all based on my experiences and the restaurants listed are places where I personally ate several times and can attest to how great the food is.

Labkai Nimman

Labkai Nimman is an amazing restaurant best known for serving northern Thai food such as Khao Soi. If you don’t know what Khao Soi is then this would be the best place to try it for the first time. The restaurant is located on Nimman street not too far from the popular Maya mall. The first thing you will realize when coming in is it is a nice peaceful ambiance with places to sit on the inside and out of the restaurant. The food was always prepared with fresh ingredients. I witnessed it myself with them coming by with a car full of vegetables and other ingredients. The friendliness at Labkai Nimman is incredible. They extremely kind and love to talk to you about your life and why you are visiting. Also, the food comes quickly and all at the same time. I was even offered several free dishes because they wanted me to get the full experience. I met the full staff including the owner and the cooks of the store and are all warm and kind people. Labkai Nimman’s price point is incredible for what you will get for this quality of service. Everything on the menu ranges from 50-110 Bhat which is equivalent to $1.60-$3.50.On average a meal for two with about 3 different dishes will run you about 200 Bhat or $7USD. Very affordable compared to other restaurants.Labkai Nimman is located in an excellent area outside of the main tourist square but near the popular Maya mall. Don’t miss this place It will have your taste buds tingling for hours.

Facebook: Labkai Nimman

Address: 12/10 Nimmanhemin Soi 15 50200

RosyCheeks

Rosy cheeks motto is"Change your life by what you eat" and they definitely uphold that motto. The food and drinks were nothing short of phenomenal in the taste and presentation. The kitchen is open so you can watch the chef prepare your food with the best of ingredients. The Food was exceptional-fresh is an understatement the herbs and fresh flowers used on our roll said it all. The staff takes such pride in each dish and the caring staff made us feel like we were dining in their own home. Rosy cheeks range from 300-500 Bhat or $10-$15 USD for two people which is great for the high-quality food you will receive that will definitely change your life. Rosy cheeks is off the beaten track for tourists but it is worth visiting.  Rosey cheeks is Near the University district which is bustling but is down a sneaky little alleyway which is very quiet and private.

Facebook: Rosy Cheeks

Location:52/2 Village NO.8 Soi 4,Soi Wat Umong 50200

Fresh Time

Fresh time was the first restaurant I decided to eat at when coming to Chiang Mai. Fresh time is an all-vegetarian Thai restaurant and smoothie bar. The atmosphere of Fresh time is amazing. Honestly, it doesn't feel like you are in a restaurant but more like if you walked in your grandmother’s kitchen. The decore is very earthy and has a very welcoming feel. The lady who owns Fresh time is a very sweet older woman and she is extremely kind and will let you stay in the restaurant as long as you feel which makes it feel even more like home. Fresh time has indoor and outdoor seating but I would suggest sitting outside because it feels like you are eating on the patio and its fun to people watch and just relax. The price is of fresh time excellent for the service you are getting. Everything here is about 70-150 Bhat or $2-$5USD.There are even family combos that will cost around 500Bhat or $15. The combos include some of the most popular dishes such as the Tofu Pad Thai and the coconut soup and there freshly made juices. The Location for fresh time is in a great area. It is in the tourist square of Chiang Mai.

Facebook: Fresh Time

Location:130/3 Prapokklao Road,Tambon Prasingh 50200