Pang Mapha to Pai

Wednesday October 4, 2017, 27 miles (44 km) - Total so far: 551 miles

(887 km)

Much shorter day, but it felt really tough in the back of yesterday. Not sure we're quite as hardcore as some of the folks on here! The climb doesn't have as many steep sections, but there were still plenty, and I had to get off a few times. Mostly because I was lacking the mental capacity to keep going.

Wonderful views from the viewpoint at the top, AND we met another cycle tourer! Phil, also from the UK, again cycling the opposite direction to us. He's previously cycled all through Laos and Vietnam, so it was great to chat to him about that.

So, we're in Pai. We're not expecting to like it much, but who knows! We need a rest day, so we'll definitely be finding out. The night market was a bit odd with no locals browsing the stalls, but it had also been raining torrentially. The main strip is pretty much back to back bars and backpacker guesthouses, but it's pretty quiet at the moment and hence lacking a bit of atmosphere. It was pretty calm though, and we found good food!

We're staying at Prilpai, a fair hike out of town but fine if you have a bike. It's a peaceful spot, and we have a lovely little bungalow for 350 baht. Fan and outdoor bathroom, spotlessly clean. No mozzie net but we've rigged ours up so all is well. Ed is getting bitten to death despite best efforts, hopefully not only mozzies though!

Great lunch at Earth Tone, veggie place. So good we might go back tomorrow.
Dinner at the night market. Lacking atmosphere...but we've been spoilt. Good food though! Loads of veggie...