Ban Phaem Bok

Before I get to the town of Pai, let’s talk about the “bus” to Pai. The “bus” is a minivan that is completely packed with people. It’s a 3 hour ride with exactly 762 turns (it’s a well known fact), and I’m in the very back window seat. Thank Buddha that Kong gave me a few drinks the night before and my jungle temple tour with Pohn started at 5am that morning because I popped some anti-sickness pills and slept the entire way…well almost. I woke up to soldiers with a drug dog sniffing the back of the van, where my and only my luggage was kept. I’m half asleep so I don’t care, sniff away, until I realize the roughly 3 grams of weed the airbnb host gave me is in my bag. It’s actually in a side pocked completely exposed to the dog’s nose. I can’t make this shit up, I’m dead serious. So internal panic mode sets in, I wake up, and start visualizing myself getting Thai tattoos in a jungle prison for the next 10 years. “Shit Nick, what happened?” You’re probably wondering. Well I’ll tell you.

The drug dog (a German Shepard) fucking sucks at his job, that’s what. I could smell the weed from the back seat but he couldn’t. We were on our way to Pai and I’m back to sleep. I promise you I’m a very intelligent human being, I just packed the night before when I was a little buzzed. Thanks a lot Kong.

The small town of Pai is super cool and unique, it reminds me a lot of Berkeley mixed with OB but more extreme on the hippie scale. The is the only place I’ve seen tourists so far, and they don’t actually count as tourists since almost all of them have long term visas. I love the hippie vibes, restaurants, cafes, yoga spots, and live music at night, it’s a chill vibe. I’m staying at the Nest House, a little 1 star jungle hut hotel with the bare minimums (no A/C sucks balls) and I actually don’t mind it at all. There’s even a nifty mosquito net to save me from these blood sucking monsters.

Quick break, I’m in a cafe enjoying a coffee watching a white woman chase her runaway Thai dog down the street. Caught the dog and gave him/her a quick spank then loaded him/her onto her scooter and drove away. I love Thailand. Reminder that there are stray dogs EVERYWHERE. My Muay Thai trainer this morning showed me his gnarly dog bites he just got so they’re not all Winstons.

Back to the post. love 5 star resorts, I love nice shit, but this was perfect. It reminded me of my last solo trip to Costa Rica when I stayed in a similar place. It humbles you, which is exactly what I need right now. The first night I stop for dinner at the Gyoza Queen stand, because who doesn’t love Gyoza. I’m watching her hand make the Gyoza then fry them in a cast iron pan so of course I have to try. 6 gyoza for 50 baht, or less than $2. FIRE. I then cross the street and get a Banh Mi sandwich that’s very popular here. FIRE. 69 baht, $2. I visit the local clothing store and buy some swag. First night is a great success.

Wake up the next day and head to the Pam Bok Waterfall, which is pretty poorly rated on Google but reading closely it’s because there isn’t enough water in the dry season. It’s been storming so I decide to go. About a 20 minute broom vroom and I’m chasing waterfalls. No words for how cool this waterfall is, squeezed in between two canyons, plenty of refreshing water to take a dunk in. I stop by the Container Bar on the way back with a dope vibe and even better view. Of course, I’m the only one there since I have Thailand to myself apparently. A coffee and fresh coconut later, I’m on the way back to town for lunch at Two Sisters just up the street from my hotel. Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Tea Leaf Salad, and a smoothie for less than $10. FIRE.

Pai is a vibe.Read more