I think I found heaven... a one with lots of Thai people and dogs. O! I've got an announcement to make (no, I'm not gay) - Thai people don't really eat dogs! There are zillions of board to death dogs every where in Thailand.
Pai is a very small tourist town which situated between amazingly green mountains. Savage bush and colorful trees, combined with special fragrances.... makes you feel like a poet : )


casual view in Pai

Anyway, the town is full of guesthouses, fantastic restaurants, bars and markets. People there are probably the nicest and friendliest in the world. This, plus the pleasant trustic atmosphere, makes you just want to stay and talk with the locals all day or hell - just to stay and live there.
You don't have to bargain every time you buy something - that's another thing I liked about Pai.
I rented a motorbike - a 110cc of unknown manufacturer. You can be 3 years old blind kid with a passport and get a motorbike. Surpassingly, I haven't seen any accidents.
at day time I was riding the motorbike in the whole area, enjoying the view and the attractions. The evenings where time for bars, restaurants and just wondering around town and meeting people.
I also had a Thai massage. It was the most relaxig experience I have ever had!!


a picture I took on the way to Pai



some pictures from Lahu village (near Pai)






other attractions

elephant shower ride



my shower pet...


if you happened to be in Thailand - go to Pai - it's AWESOME!!

now I'm back in Chang mai. I'm staying the night here and then travel to Chang ray or khon kaen (I'll know tomorrow). I hope it will be as good as Pai... I doubt it.

It all started at the airport. I had real hard time saying good bye to my family and Ola. I figured it will be easier when I meet all the other Israeli back packers; but then I realized I'm the only back packer in this flight! All the others where Thai workers and old couples... kinda' bad start :)




the flight was ok and I finally got to the "kesher".
for those of you who don't know, the kesher is a combination of hostel, restaurant and a travel agency. This concept is amazing and it's very easy meeting other Israelis.
the weather is pretty good, 24 - 32 degrees with 80(000)% humidity. I practically sweat just by sitting. There are very few rains though, so I can't complain.
on the evening I went to see the "ping pong" show - it was a mistake! I just wanted to get the hell out there the minute I entered. These women are so miserable and there were many lady boys too! If you don't know what all that means - just be happy about it! O - and don't tell my mom cause she'll freaks out! : )
in most cases, the Thai people are very friendly and gentle, makes you feel safe and welcome to travel in this beautiful country. The food here is very good and cheap, kinda' makes you want to eat all day!


You can't miss the kesher!


Armed forces in Bangkok


Food cart

I went to see the palace and temples of Bangkok. On my way there, I met two Italian girls which where my company for this tour. At 1800 this day, I took a 12 hours bus to changmai. The bus was amazing, but the driver set the airconditioning to 7 degrees so it was freezing the whole ride and, ntutally, I was sick on the next two days.


The palace in Bankok


when I arrived Changmai, I took a 3 days forest trek - it was awesome!!!
we were 15 people from all over the world, one of them was 32 years old Israeli. Our guide was an extremely funny and friendly guy called sun.
we had elephant ride, great forest and endless rice fields walks, crazy bamboo rafting and 100% humidity the whole way. As accommodation we had some authentic primitive villages which looks just like a panting.
this experience was outstanding and highly recommended!!


Endless fields of rice...


Our accommodation


today I've been to the risotep temple (the one on the mountain) and some handmade umbrella factories. They were both beautiful and fascinating.





At the temple

I'm leaving to Pai tomorrow and hope to find some good people to travel with...