Ranked as the 2nd best thing to do in the northern Thai town of Pai, this is a unique adventure. I always make a point of spending at least one night here whenever I am in town.
A long-term resident of Pai, and enterprising ex-pat decided to purchase a piece of land & build 2 decent sized lakes and stock them with fish. To add to the novelty value, he stocked one of the lakes with a breed of Piranha! Although serious fisherman may enjoy the experience, I get the idea that this is more a place to sit back kick your shoes off, and have a chat and a beer with friends while under the pretense of fishing. So as well as the lake there is a well-stocked bar, and some of the best food around. It is for this reason that people keep returning time and time again.
THE LAKE
All the fishing at the park is catch and release, so the fish are really just getting fed and providing a bit of sport. Barbless hooks are used so as not to damage them, they also make it easy for the fish to get away. If you are lucky enough to catch a fish, then you must give it a kiss for luck and gently place it back in the water.
KISSING A PIRANHA
There are a variety of fish in the lake including come large catfish, snakehead, carp, and also the famed Pacu (Piranha). The Pacu is actually a slightly less aggressive cousin of the fearsome Piranha we have heard about in legends, but it still looks the part. The also grow up to 6kg's and put up a really good fight if you hook one. Apparently they actually taste pretty good too!.
Relaxing by the lake with friends
Our Fishing Hut
Its a bit of a trek to get to the fishing park. First you must get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north, which is usually done by plane. From Chiang Mai you must either drive or ride a motorbike on a very windy stretch of road for about 3-4 hours. Then you will reach the town of Pai. From the town of Pai you must head out about 10km into the countryside to find the fishing park.
THE ENTRY TO THE FISHING PARK
But once you arrive, relax turn off your phone and be at one with the Piranha. I hope to get back there again later this year.
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