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Clear mountain air, gorgeous green scenery and kind residents - all can be found in the town Pai, therefore it is no wonder that it attracts so many visitors every year. Only a four hour drive away From Chiang Mai, Pai is a great and peaceful escape from the busy city.
Pai is considered to excel in more affordable living prices, which explains why it is a particularly favorite destination for backpackers. The small town has become over the years one of the most sought-after points of interest in Thailand, but has still managed to preserve a hippie atmosphere and spiritual charm, making it a unique and recommended travel destination.
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When you get to Pai you will have to decide if you want to sleep in the center of things or move away in favor of pastoral peace. It is important to note that Pai does not excel in internal transport, taxis or tuk-tuks, so if you do not rent a scooter or motorbike it can be a bit difficult to stay away from the center. Also, if a stable wireless network or nightlife is important to you, staying in the center is definitely the preferred option. Here are some recommended places to stay in Pai, from cheap to expensive:
UP2U Guesthouse – A modest 2-star hostel in a sought-after area of Pai, with private cabins or dormitories.
SawasdeePai River Resort – A lovely resort located right next to the river of Pai, in the center of things. The place offers a selection of cabins or rooms at low prices and with a cool design.
Baan Kungkang De Pai Resort - A resort for those with a medium budget. Located outside the center, on the main road (1095) that connects Chiang Mai to Pai. The place has a large pool and a beautiful view, which makes it a perfect destination to relax.
Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm - A comfortable and central accommodation site, a good option for those who want to experience the night life in the town. The atmosphere in the hotel is peaceful and pastoral and the prices are considered moderate.
Reverie Siam Resort – A four-star hotel that is a bit far from Pai, but overlooks the river. Beyond the silence that prevails in the place, an important bonus is the large outdoor pool.
Puripai Villa - A luxury hotel with a beautiful selection of villas and exclusive rooms, some with private pools. The place is outside Pai but relatively close, at the beginning of the road to Mae Hong Son.
In Thailand there is three seasons during the year – The cold season, the hot season and the rainy season. The best time to visit Pai is undoubtedly the cold season, from November to February. In this season there is not much precipitation and the weather is pleasant for hiking. The months of December-January are the busiest in terms of tourism in Pai and you should also take that into account.
The month of March is the least recommended for visiting the town. At this time, the local farmers burn the fields in order to prepare for the next crop season, therefore there is a lot of air pollution during this period.
In the hot season, April to June, the temperatures rise significantly and the humidity rises, which can make outdoor activities tiring and exhausting. Then, from June to November, there are many rains that appear suddenly in the middle of the day. These usually rain for a few hours during the day, so some people actually prefer to visit this season, among other things to enjoy more affordable prices and less congestion in the centers of interest.
The way most travelers choose is to get to Pai From Chiang Mai, which is 135 km away. Many minibuses depart from Chiang Mai every day that will take you to the center of Pai in less than four hours. Another option is a public bus (which will travel a little slower but will make the trip cheaper) a private taxi or Rented vehicle. The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is incredibly pastoral and the air from the windows is cool and pleasant, but those who suffer from motion sickness should take into account that it is very mountainous and winding.
Pai also has a small airport. You can Fly to it from Chiang Mai in 25 minutes. Kan Airlines flights take off twice a day and even more during peak seasons.
For those arriving from Mae Hong Son, times and arrival methods are similar. Many travelers choose to make a day stop in Pai on the way between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
The main road for visitors to the town (Pai Walking Street) is longitudinal Chaisongkran Road, where most of the accommodation, cafes, bars, restaurants, agencies, shops and more are located. Around the central square are the streets Tesaban, Rungsiyanon and-Raddamrong which are also full of bars and cafes. Of course, if you agree to move a little away from the center, you can enjoy quiet places and lower prices. The local police station, as well as banks and ATMs, can be found at Rungsiyanon Road which is at the southern end of the town, near the memorial bridge.
Wandering around the town is done mainly on foot. To get to slightly more distant places, you can rent a motorcycle, scooter, bicycle or catch a tuk-tuk. Renting motorbikes in Pai does not require a driver's license and many are trying these tools for the first time in Pai, so it is not uncommon to see tourists on the streets falling in turns. In the center of the town there are countless places for rent, which usually requires leaving a passport as a deposit, in case you cause damage, God forbid. The daily price is affordable and tempting - around NIS 20. Fuel is relatively cheap and you can find many gas stations in the area, especially in the southern part of the main road (road 1095). A recommended agency for renting scooters or motorcycles is Aya Travel, located right in the heart of the main street.
A lively and central shopping street, similar to the one in every Thai tourist center. The place comes alive in the afternoon and offers colorful sights, sells souvenirs and, of course, lots of good food. All Pai's nightlife is concentrated there, which are mainly bars that play good music or hold live performances in the evenings.
An impressive rocky canyon located about 8 km from Pai. You can enjoy spectacular cliffs there, which are the result of thousands of years in which the many rains that fall in the place sculpted the ground. The place has walking paths and beautiful observation points. Recommended for those with reasonable walking ability or above.
A very popular attraction located 5 km from Pai. This is a traditional Chinese village that has been commercialized over the years. You can find clay houses, souvenir shops and cute restaurants. The atmosphere is fun and peaceful, you can even spend a whole day there.
The calm atmosphere in Pai and the spectacular view surely make you want to sit by the water's edge and fish. Unfortunately, fishing in the river is prohibited, but don't worry, there is a park arranged for that purpose. The favorite place is very close to Pai and has a wide variety of fish and fishing equipment rental of course.
A beautiful Buddhist temple located at the top of a green hill. Like any temple in the Far East, the arrival requires a difficult climb of several hundred steps, but it is totally worth it.
Another temple near Pai, which is considered to be particularly valued by the locals. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset, in front of green gardens and with intoxicating silence all around.
The sports fans among us will be happy to hear that Pai is (surprisingly) a good place to practice Japanese martial arts. There are two dedicated centers in the area - in the center of the town there is the Charn Chai Muay Thai Gym and next to it the Sitjemam Muay Thai.
Around Pai there are several such points of interest, some of which require an entrance fee (up to 300 baht). Most of them are accessible by vehicle or only require a short walk in nature. Mo Paeng waterfall is the busiest and most popular, the slippery rocks in it are used by visitors as fun water slides. Pam Bok Waterfall is the closest to Pai, and has a gorgeous natural pool. It is recommended to arrive in the morning to gain peace and a relaxed atmosphere.
Many tourist companies in Pai offer organized trips to the mountains surrounding the town. You can choose between a daily trek and treks of several days. Note that these are not easy routes for the most part. On the way you will be offered fun sports activities such as kayaking, rafting or rock climbing.
As in any Thai tourist center, in Pai they sell everything and a lot of it. Beyond the fine souvenirs and street food found in any typical Walking street, Pai excels especially in special local art, handmade clothes, natural cosmetics, natural medicines and spices. In addition, it is recommended to taste the fresh fruits and organic products sold locally. The markets come to life around two o'clock in the afternoon and as everywhere in Thailand, it is recommended and even desirable to haggle on the prices.
The selection of restaurants and cafes in Pai, as well as the types of food, is incredibly diverse and excellent. Even vegans or vegetarians will find what they are looking for easily in the area. Here are some of the recommended places:
Probably the best breakfast place in Pai. This is a cute little cafe with a nice selection of pastries and coffee drinks that will make you feel like you are in Europe.
A small and colorful cafe with rocking chairs and a view of green hills. The place is on the way to Pai's rocky canyon and is a good option for a relaxing afternoon.
A relaxed cafe that's a bit off the main street. Offers a rich and healthy menu of smoothies and salads.
A vegan cafe with great salads and healthy desserts. The place also sells natural cosmetics, gifts and organic food products.
This is also a vegan cafe. The place excels in large and delicious meals, locally produced yogurt and granola bars. Of course there is also fine chai.
A popular cafe that serves delicious Spanish and Mexican food and offers quality coffee from a local production line.
An Italian wine bar that also offers a rich and delicious food menu.
A good hamburger restaurant located right in the center of Pai and will make you unbutton your jeans.
A small, high-quality restaurant that serves traditional Thai dishes.
A cute Indian restaurant with curry dishes that will make you lick your fingers.
You will be surprised to learn that despite the size of the town, Pai does not fall behind in its nightlife from Chiang Mai. On the main street and in the alleys around it you can find plenty of bars with good music and a fun atmosphere. Sometimes there are also live performances by local bands or singers. Here are some of the recommended places:
A very cool bar-restaurant that offers refreshing beers alongside delicious Thai food. The place has a wide outdoor balcony and comfortable seating on hammocks. It's open from 7pm and often has good shows.
A bar whose uniqueness is in a large selection of different mojito drinks. The alcohol in the place flows in quantities and there are tempting offers that may make you drink more than you intended.
A special bar that is usually striped due to its relatively remote location. The place is beautifully decorated and offers impressive cocktail shows, live music and drinks at affordable prices.
Pai offers a variety of options to pass the time with fun - from resting and relaxing in the fresh air to sports activities, fishing and, of course, historical and cultural sites.
Most travelers choose to get to Pai from Chiang Mai which is relatively close, and this can be done by minibuses, public buses, a taxi or a rented car. The trip takes about four hours in front of an amazing view.
Pai has diverse options for accommodation and you can adjust the accommodation to your preferred type of vacation and the budget you are willing to invest. You will find the most recommended places on the site.
Pai does not excel in internal transportation, so it is better to stay close to the center. Also, if a stable wireless network or nightlife is important to you, even then staying in the center is the better option. On the website you will find recommended accommodations in the center of Pai.