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bluegrassPat
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My girlfriend and I are headed up to Thailand and will be making it up to Chiang Mai . From there we want to head out and find a more isolated rural area to stay a few days. Any recommendations? We were recommended Pai but I've seen a lot about it becoming touristy. Are there any nice small isolated villages to stay in within a day of Chiang Mai where we can get away from tourists/ATMs/internet, etc ?
#1 Posted: 19/12/2011 - 19:06
exacto
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Check out the feature article on stops between Bangkok and Chiang Mai at:
http://www.travelfish.org/feature/152
Click on the information balloons on spots near Chiang Mai on the adjacent map to get ideas on several spots that might be right for you. Chiang Dao and Phrao are two good options to at least get you started.
#2 Posted: 19/12/2011 - 20:25
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Captain_Bob
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Soppong (aka "Pang Mapha" 40km past Pai) is ideal for your needs. Stay at Cave Lodge or Soppong River Inn. Other good spots would be Chiang Dao, about 2 hours north of CM or Thaton another hour north. See Chiang Dao Nest and Malee Nature Bungalows and some info on Thaton here.
#3 Posted: 20/12/2011 - 00:24
whardy
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Soppong is what most people imagine Thailand "should" be like and usually walk away happy with that rural experience. Thaton is also a great place to kick back, but can be a bore if you're about seeing sights instead of relaxing and taking in the culture. Wat Chan is one of the most remote places in Chiang Mai province, might be worth a look for you. Piang Luang and Om Koi would also give you a very off the beaten trail feel. Do whatever you can to avoid Pai if you're looking to get away from tourists. It has its bright spots, but the tourists, both Thai and foreign, overrun it. Good luck on your travels!
#4 Posted: 26/12/2011 - 03:52
altmtl
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I really liked Soppong, I stayed at the Cave Lodge too.
It gets quite cold at night however... and there's a bad cold spell in the north at the moment.
#5 Posted: 26/12/2011 - 04:33
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madz
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Pai is a really gorgeous little town, even if it is "touristy". The Thai's love it, the farang love it and it really is a special place. You should go there even for a night or two then grab a bus to Mae Hong Song. Gorgeous hills, wonderful people and some really awesome treks in those parts. But yes, take a coat, and a scarf and maybe even some gloves! Its cold up here now!
#6 Posted: 26/12/2011 - 20:43
Tilapia
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Nan is a good (better) area for what you're looking for.
#7 Posted: 27/12/2011 - 09:08