Joe Louis lives on the edge
We parked our motorbikes at an open clearing on the side of the narrow road outside of Pai. We were on our way to visit one of the several waterfalls in the nearby area, but decided to take a break and grab a fruit drink at the isolated stand in the clearing. This is best part of Pai. The waterfalls are the closest thing to actual tourist sights here. The charm of the northern town is its laid back attitude and the ease in which you can just enjoy your surroundings without defined destinations or clear cut plans.
The proprietor of the fruit stand is a hospitable woman who made us fresh juice and even offered a snack of banana chips. She was also nice enough to lend a screwdriver to adjust the slanted mirrors on our motorbikes. Payment for the food and drinks is on a donation basis, and her generosity did not go unrewarded.
We walked around a bit before riding on. Farm plants littered the area and we walked along the path until we finally hit a dead end. A small wooden signpost read “The Split”. It sounded like the title to either a romantic comedy or a post-apocalyptic horror film. But in reality the split wasn’t as ominous as its name. It was more of an extended gap in the ground. Maybe a crevice, perhaps a chasm. I was tempted to grab our motorbikes and go Evel Kineivel over the hole. But I realized the traveler’s insurance probably didn’t cover that.
I was curious to know the history of The Split. Was it formed through an earthquake or similar event? Was the topography always like this or recently created? Are there any dead bodies down there? With no guide book or information, I was able to create the story myself. And that is probably even more interesting than the truth.
See what other blogs are saying about The Land Split in Pai:
“After our refreshments, the family showed us around garden and we walked to the top of the hill behind the farm where the crevasse is most apparent and there’s a great view of the countryside. The family graciously accepts donations and they sell delicious homemade banana chips and jams. We loved the community “pay-what-you-can” concept, often seen in playhouses and yoga studios back home, but were really impressed with how they’ve applied it here. The Land Split is definitely worthy of a stop on your way to visit the surrounding natural beauty in the area.”
–Free Your Mind Travel
“But The Land Split is more than that. Turning up at the base of the farm, the side that is still usable for crops, you are immediately welcomed to just sit and relax in the numerous hammocks that are placed sporadically across the grounds in the available shady spots.”
–8 Miles From Home
