Pai, near Chang Mai

Nic's brother just recommended Pai to us.  He did the Asia thing a couple of years ago so he's a very useful person for us.

I found some info on Pai here, but this is the best bit:

A Motorbike Adventure

Many backpackers wishing to avoid the public buses opt to rent motorbikes in Chiang Mai to enjoy the drive to Pai on their own terms. The scenery is amazing and having your own transportation allows side adventures such as stopping at the many waterfalls and overlooks along the way.

Most people enjoy having a motorbike on hand in Pai anyway, as many of the attractions such as elephant camps are located just outside of town. The cost of a daily motorbike rental in Chiang Mai can be as cheap as $5 per day.

Just like Che Guevara

Follow these guidelines for driving to Pai:

• Only attempt the drive if you are comfortable with driving on steep, winding roads.

• Remember that driving in Thailand follows a simple pecking order: no matter the circumstance, vehicles larger than you -- particularly trucks -- always have the right of way!

• Stop for petrol along the way at one of the small hand-crank fuel barrels; Pai is just outside of the maximum range for the rental scooters.

• Know that driving your motorbike outside of Chiang Mai may technically violate your rental agreement. While you won't get into "trouble," no one will come to help you if the motorbike breaks down. The rental agency may claim extra wear on the bike as an excuse to ask for more money.

• The ride can get quite chilly at the highest point in the mountains; bring a jacket with you.

Even Dennis Hopper isn't too cool to wear a jacket

• Thailand has a strict helmet law for motorbikes with a 500 baht fine; wear yours so that the local police -- who know that you aren't supposed to have the rental outside of the city -- don't have a reason to stop you!

A helmet - Wear one so the police don't stop you

See what you need to know about scams and safety for renting motorbikes in Southeast Asia.

Wikitravel also has some stuff on Pia.  With regards to driving a motorcycle into Pai, it says "Rte 1095 isn't as bad as people make it out to be."  which is comforting.

This is the road

A hairpin bend on Route 1095

I have been playing a little Grand Theft Auto recently, and I crash the car a lot.  So much so, that I mainly run everywhere in the game.  It takes a long time, but is safer for everyone involved.

Basically, I'm not the worlds best driver.  I've never driven a motorbike.  I've never even sat on one.  

I would be worried, but I can ride a bicycle, so I figure I'll be ok.

Just the same

Wikitravel also says:

There isn't much traffic and you can hear the cars and trucks coming. If you're a little adventurous, rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai and make the ride up to Pai. 

You can stop at the waterfalls and small towns along the way, and you'll really enjoy the trip, as opposed to being motion sick in a bus for hours, and being forced to stop at the driver's friend's restaurant. 

Waterfalls

Another waterfall.  They're great aren't they?

Make sure to take some warmer clothing on your bike (just like Dennis Hopper would), as it tends to get a bit chilly in the higher portions of the ride. As a novice rider, expect the trip to take around 5 or 6 hours, including stops at sites and restaurants along the way.

Pai is near the elephant sanctuary that we want to visit.

Lovely elephants

It is also very beautiful.  See...

Buddha lives in Pai