Pai

It takes about four hours to get from Chiang Mai to Pai on quite treacherous roads but the views make it worth it.

Pai is a small town in the Mae Hong Son province that excludes charm and captures the hearts of most visitors.

We had three days here and slowed the pace down a bit to sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscape around us.

Hiring a scooter is the best way to get around Pai and the local countryside and we spent two days exploring the area's nooks and crannies. Countless waterfalls and hot springs provide a welcome relief to the hot weather and tucked away cafes with a decidedly European influence offer a great rest bite from the road.

We cannot recommend the town enough, in particular make sure you visit Pai Canyon and the World War 2 Memorial bridge for great photo opportunities.

The town itself has a lot to offer. We enjoyed the nightly street and food market as well a walk along the riverside at sunset.

As we realised we weren't going to make it to Laos we also decided to go tubing down Pai River - DIY style. We chose a suitably boiling hot day and began floating down the river after getting dropped off upstream. Bemused locals watched as we drifted by, bottle of Chang beer in hand. A great way to relax.

Pai was certainly our favourite place in Thailand and a great place to unwind. If you ever plan to visit make sure you stop by Boomelicious cafe for the poached eggs and Fluid swimming pool for a swim and sunbathe come rain or shine.

Pai marked the end of our month in Thailand and despite a 25 hour journey ahead of us we were very excited to head across into Cambodia.