Mae Hong Son Loop - Part 4

We wanted to be back in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong, one of the biggest Buddhist festivals of the year, so had only one day left to see another town.  Spence wanted to go to Pai so that's where we went.  I'd heard that it was very developed but I'd say that was a major understatement.  I don't think I've ever been anywhere so totally dominated by the backpacker set.  There most have been ten backpackers for every local.  
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqLFbXK9K6s

On the Main Street, the tour operators alternated with farang food places, realtors, cosmetics, etc.

  
We were lucky to find a guest house with vacancy but had to share a room.  After a late breakfast, I rented a bike and set off to explore the countryside leaving Spence to his own devices.  That ride greatly compensated for my poor impression of Pai and it was delightful to ride through the fields on a dirt road I discovered, though very hot.  

I found a nice quiet wat, Wat Sai Khao, and sat alone in the cool of the temple and breathed for a while.  

Temple guardians?  There were four of these nests at the entrance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X80PbDEwf_U

When I'd cooled off, I continued and followed small roads through pretty residential areas until I overheated again and had to stop for cold water. 

There's a big, white Buddha on the hill and, finding the way up, I locked up the bike and continued up the steep road on foot.  Soon there was a nicely shaded stairway leading to the temple 

and beyond that, another unshaded stairway up to the Buddha in the blazing mid-afternoon sun.  But a great payoff at the big Buddha where the view over the valley was terrific.  

and man was it hot - a three dog day













Some bird encounters

and

Then I rode home, had dinner and first thing next day we took the bus back to Chiang Mai.