Day 10: Pai

Today was an all-out adventure—a private tour that promised seven incredible stops across Northern Thailand. Spoiler: it delivered.

We began the day at the Long Neck Karen Village, home to refugees from Myanmar who were forced to leave everything behind due to civil war. When we arrived, the streets were eerily quiet—no other tourists in sight, just rows of stalls and women in traditional brass neck rings patiently waiting behind tables of handmade goods. The air felt heavy with sadness, the kind that lingers in silence. It was impossible not to be moved. So I opened my wallet and bought more souvenirs than I could carry. Haggling felt out of the question—how could I bargain with someone who’s already lost so much?

Next up was the Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, a poetic stretch of handwoven bamboo crossing over lush rice fields like something out of a dream. The bridge led us to a quiet temple, and as we walked, the fields rippled in the breeze, the only sound the soft creak of bamboo beneath our feet. A gentle, grounding moment.

From there, we climbed to the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat, where the views were straight out of a painting. Mountains faded into the distance like watercolor, the sky was decorated with dramatic clouds, and far below lay a quiet town with a tiny airport. We could even see into Myanmar—a hazy, powerful reminder of how close and connected these lands are. The temple itself radiated peace, the kind that makes you want to just sit, breathe, and stare forever.

Then came the Fish Cave. On paper, it sounded tranquil. Sacred fish living in harmony with nature? Sounds lovely. In reality? Pure chaos. The moment a tourist tossed in some food, the water exploded into a fishy frenzy—hundreds of them flopping over each other in a splashy, slippery riot. It was hilarious, slightly horrifying, and completely unforgettable.

After that, we made a quick stop at a nearby waterfall, where the mist cooled our faces and the roar of the water reminded us just how alive this region is.

But the crown jewel of the day? Ban Rak Thai. This hidden gem of a village was founded by Chinese soldiers after World War II, and is often called the most beautiful village in Thailand. Honestly, I get it. A serene lake sat at its center, framed by hills and buildings with unmistakable Chinese architecture. The rain was gentle, adding a soft, cinematic feel to the whole place. And lunch? Oh my. After days of Thai spice, we were treated to a feast of authentic Yunnan Chinese dishes that warmed the soul and filled our bellies.

Just when we thought the day had peaked, our final stop brought us to Pang Ung Lake, a small alpine jewel nestled right along the Myanmar border. The water was glassy and still, mirroring the surrounding pine forest. Two swans glided across the surface like royalty, completely undisturbed—until a local dog came bounding down the bank. It trotted right up to the water’s edge, tail wagging, and stared at the swans with the kind of curious fascination only dogs can pull off. The swans paused, stared back, and for a brief moment, there was a wordless exchange—a peace summit between species.

It was the perfect end to a long, unforgettable day.Les mer