February 16, 20251 yr From Bangkok Post Mae Hong Son: Amid the mountains of northern Thailand is a hub for backpackers to lie in hammocks, swim in waterfalls, walk along the Bamboo Bridge and bask in the sun, as travellers slowly sink into what's known as the "Pai hole" in Pai district. However, there could be trouble in paradise with an overpopulation of tourists creating tension for locals. Once a quiet market village, surrounded by rice fields, hot springs and rivers, Pai is now a thriving hotspot for Thailand's tourists. Famous for its bohemian atmosphere, cheap lifestyle and lively party scene, Pai is a touring backpacker's dream. Falling into the Pai Hole is a common fate for travellers, who plan to visit for a few days and stay for a lifetime. Canadian traveller, Alex Chambers, 29, knows what it is to fall into the Pai hole. "Once you are here you realise just how special Pai is, it becomes very hard to want to leave," says Mr Chambers, who has been to Pai nine times. The walkable city layout, good, affordable quality food and weather are the key factors that make Pai so special, Mr Chambers says. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2961958/tourist-crowds-spark-tension-in-pai
February 17, 20251 yr Indeed, tourism has a strong lemming-like quality, resulting in invasive damage. Now Koh Samui is likely the next target:
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