Has anyone ever gotten off early on the way to pai and stayed at one of those settlements along the road?

the mountains are very steep,

they seem to have an interesting culture there.

sarpesius

Why not go and have a look ?

Has anyone ever gotten off early on the way to pai and stayed at one of those settlements along the road?

the mountains are very steep,

they seem to have an interesting culture there.

sarpesius

Pa Pae, Mae Lao and Mae Sae are all interesting disctricts if you get off the main road and into the district villages.

Pa Pae, Mae Lao and Mae Sae are all interesting disctricts if you get off the main road and into the district villages.

Do they have accommodation?

sarpesius

Pa Pae, Mae Lao and Mae Sae are all interesting disctricts if you get off the main road and into the district villages.

Do they have accommodation?

sarpesius

Sarpesius

1. Cnx - Pai is only 2-3 hrs away. If you're just looking to stay somewhere overnight on the way, then there's no real need to start early to stay overnight

2. If you've ever been down the main road R1095, you will note that there's 2 ghouses in Mae Sae, the Mushroom ghouse between Pha Daeng & Tapa, plus Par Daeng cabins (in Pha Daeng) should still be operational.

3. I also think that between Pang Hang & Mae Sae there are a couple of other cheap home stay places / ghouses.

4. But, just go & have a look. If you see some place you really like, ask around if there is a place to stay. Trekkers have been going thru the area for years now, so it should not be a serious problem to find something anywhere along the way. If you don’t find anything suitable, then Pai is only 1 1/2 hrs way, once you are half way in from Cnx.

5. Take a copy of the Mae Hong Son loop map if you want to explore the dirt side roads.

Nothing ventured nothing gained. Go & check it all out.

Pa Pae, Mae Lao and Mae Sae are all interesting disctricts if you get off the main road and into the district villages.

Do they have accommodation?

sarpesius

There's one guesthouse in Mae Sae (well maybe two, after reading davidgtr's post, but I only know of one) and I've not come across any in Pa Pae or Mae Lao. Local kamnans in the latter two districts can usually arrange a room somewhere, by tradition. There are several other resorts/guesthouses along the Mae Malai-Pai road but none are in interesting settings. Off the highway in the smaller roads in Mae Lao and Pa Pae districts (esp the latter), you'll find good scenery and friendly folk.

One of the best eateries in northern Thailand for classic Thai homecooking can be found at Km6 on Hwy 1095. The old couple who operate the rustic Chai Tai are experts in a classic central/southern style of Thai cuisine that's slowly dying out in Thailand. No English menu, the dishes are listed in Thai on a whiteboard.

Beyond Pai and over the mountain pass lies Pang Mapha which is an area I particularly like. Very Tranquil. If you like cave exploring check at the Cave Lodge for options.