The Hidden Gem of Northern Thailand
Pai, a small town nestled in Mae Hong Son province, northern Thailand, lies approximately 135 km northeast of Chiang Mai. I visited Pai in late April with my husband and a few friends. My husband, an avid motorcyclist, was excited about the serene mountain roads, while I was intrigued by the town's reputation as "the city of dreamers." I wanted to see for myself why Pai had earned such a poetic name.
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey
The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai was an adventure in itself. We encountered heavy rains, had to take shelter several times, and then enjoyed the bright sunshine that bathed the lush green trees on both sides of the road. It wasn't a smooth journey, but all our fatigue vanished upon reaching Pai. We stayed in a charming little resort by the river. From the bar, I watched children playing in the river, their laughter and joy perfectly encapsulating the peaceful, nature-loving spirit of Pai.
The Enchanting Night Market
In the evening, we visited the night market, where I was captivated by the vibrant colors of lanterns and the handcrafted glass, wood, and woven fabric items made by local artisans. The charming, quirky jewelry pieces were irresistible, and we couldn't help but buy a few souvenirs.
We were drawn to lively music at a street corner, where a long-haired man was playing the saxophone. He might have been a European traveler seeking freedom and adventure or a musician on holiday. Nearby, another person was selling hand-painted postcards on a beautiful tapestry. In front of us, a blonde woman was performing yoga poses to attract attention to her feather earrings. Later, I saw her singing in a café near our resort. It seemed that many of these people were visitors who had chosen to stay in Pai, escaping from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. Pai welcomed them all with open arms.
A Culinary Delight
Pai's culinary culture was another highlight of our trip. I had the chance to enjoy delicious local dishes like Khao Soi, a specialty noodle dish, and an array of grilled foods at street vendors. The rich, enticing flavors of these dishes kept us coming back for more throughout our stay.
Creating "Pai, to Love"
I was fascinated by the diverse blend of local culture in Pai and the hippie style of the travelers who stopped there. This inspired me to create a fragrance for Pai, centered around Patchouli. In 2018, I launched the No Label collection, featuring 10 scents, including Patchouli, Vetiver, and Cedarwood. These fragrances quickly became favorites among young people for their sense of freedom and adventure. If you appreciate the hippie lifestyle and the image of nomads wandering the world to enjoy life, you might find a Patchouli scent particularly appealing.
With its earthy, woody base note, Patchouli blends with other woods to transform your surroundings while offering a hint of sweetness from plum wine and a gentle floral allure. This fragrance encapsulates the essence of Pai, blending the town's tranquil beauty with its vibrant, free-spirited culture.
Pairing with "Green Waves"
"Pai, to Love" pairs beautifully with my painting "Green Waves." Both the fragrance and the painting evoke a sense of freedom and the beauty of nature. "Green Waves" uses Patchouli, Vetiver, and a touch of Fig Fragrance oil to capture the lush, earthy tones, mirroring the spirit of Pai and its idyllic surroundings.
Explore the Pai, to Love perfume and experience the essence of Pai in every spritz. Don't forget to check out Green Waves and immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of scents and colors.
Feel free to visit my portfolio to see more of my works and learn about the inspirations behind them.
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