The Relaxed and Relaxing Charms of Pua
In the far north of Thailand lies Pua, a rural agricultural town and a small community located in the highland region almost near the Laos border. Although largely still unspoilt and undiscovered by tourists, Pua’s tranquiland verdant surrounding essentially makes it a mountain paradise. The town and the district which carry the same name still serve as hometo a high population of hill tribes that until today preserve many of their indigenous customs and traditions.
Best Time to Visit
Overall, the best time to visit Pua is anytime between November and February when the climate is cooler serving as a welcome respite from the heat of April.Every year in September the World Festival of Rhino Beetles takes place in the district featuring various exhibits on beetles, beetle bouts, painting contests, sports and even a beetle beauty contest. This attracts a modest crowd but it really does not affect prices for Pua, Thailand hotels as rates on accommodations in Pua are always affordable.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Accommodations in Pua run along idyllic lodgings rather than posh hotels. All of them are, however, situated in good locations like the chocolate-themed Cocoa Valley, the homey Prangthong Hotel and the relaxed Green Hills Resort Pua which is about 30 minutes from Doi Phu Kha National Park, the province’s largest, most popular and most impressive national park. Well worth a visit is the Pua Municipal Market, a bustling and photogenic place with many interesting local products. Also noteworthy is Wat Phuket, a Buddhist temple situated in a paddy field with a stunning view of montains.