Waterfalls, Mountains, and Caves

How's it going?! 

After a few days in Chiang Mai, I decided to make a trip to Pai, a mountain town further north that many people have recommended. Pai is small and very friendly, with a relaxed hippie vibe and a strong sense of community. While it's sunny out, people often go on trips around the area via motorbike or small tours. Once night falls, everyone congregates at a chill bar in town and sips on beer while sharing stories.

On my first day, I visited some marvelous viewpoints and one of many local waterfalls. I absolutely loved the landscape of Pai- quiet, pastel fields leading up to rolling mountains blanketed by fog.

Path to a viewpoint, adorned with latterns

I was offered tea, complete with decorated teapot, as I enjoyed one of my views

Pembok waterfall

The following day I signed up for a tour to check out some of the popular spots around the area. 

Our first stop was the Lod Cave, an amazing natural limestone cave system near Soppong.

The Nam Lang flows into the Lod Cave, requiring bamboo rafts for parts of the exploration. Two Thai women with latterns guided us throughout the cave.

Entrance/exit of the cave. Thousands of swifts occupy this area, building nests (and pooping everywhere)

Stalagmites and stalactites 

Large columns form when stalagmites and stalactites join together.

Following the cave, my small group stopped at a natural hot spring and a waterfall.

Secluded hot spring near Pai

Mor Paeng Waterfall. *I'm visiting Thailand right before the rainy, monsoon season. As a result, the waterfalls are currently not as active as they will be after several months of downpours (although still beautiful)

World War II Memorial Bridge

We  also made a stop at Pai Canyon, a fantastic spot providing panoramic views of Pai Valley. For those who are adventurous, narrow dirt trails wind throughout the canyon (obviously I was all over 'em)

Pai Canyon:

I returned to Chiang Mai after several wonderful days in the mountains. I signed up for Flight of the Gibbons, a highly rated zip-lining excursion. The tour included 33 different platform stations (which included abseiling and suspension bridges), with over 5 km of ziplines. Not only did this satisfy the adrenaline junkie in me, but it also provided an excellent way to see the Thai Forest. I even got to see some wild gibbons effortless gliding across the treetops!

In my ziplining gear, all ready to go

At the end of the tour we had the opportunity to check out Mae Kampong Falls. This waterfall has been my favorite so far... It featured seven different impressive tiers, all reached by climbing a steep stairway.

The very end of Mae Kampong Falls

Getting a bit higher up

At the top of Mae Kampong Falls

I have now reached Sudkothai, an early kingdom in Thailand and home to an impressive UNESCO World Hertitage historical park. Can't wait to show you some of the beautiful pictures :)

Love y'all!

Laura