PAI AT A GLANCE
CITY
Pai (ปาย)
COUNTRY
TIMEZONE
UTC+7 (ICT)
TRAIN
None
BUS
None (฿15 THB / $0.42 USD)
TERRAIN
Valley Town
WEATHER
Cool Season: 77ºF - 86ºF November to February / Hot Season: 93ºF+ March to May / Monsoon Season: 59ºF - 86ºF and Rainy June to October
AVERAGE MEAL COST
฿100 THB / $2.78 USD
AVERAGE HOSTEL COST
฿300 THB / $8.33 USD
LAST UPDATED
17/10/2023
The Best Bites in Pai, Thailand
LANDSCAPE
NOTABLE FEATURES
Pai, a charming town nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is renowned for its serene landscapes, vibrant arts and music scene, and laid-back atmosphere. This remote haven has gained fame for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers that provide a tranquil backdrop for exploration. Pai is also known for its artistic and cultural community, with an array of local galleries, music venues, and artisanal crafts on display at its lively night markets. Visitors are drawn to the town's relaxed pace of life, making it an ideal destination for those seeking respite from urban hustle and a connection to the natural beauty and creative spirit of Northern Thailand.
TRAVELER'S NOTES
Lazy Pai
Pai is a small town perfect for lazy days and relaxing. The town originally was known for its hippie vibes, but has since become more touristy as more and more backpackers have discovered it. As such, you're likely to see many shirtless guys in elephant print pants and hippies wearing beanies and baggy clothing alike. I would claim Pai to be the ultimate destination to meet other backpackers before heading to Laos. It is only accessible by a four hour van ride or a scooter through the mountains from Chiang Mai. Because of this, tourists on short term trips are less common. I spent my entire time in Pai either relaxing in a hammock or chasing sunsets with friends.Pai is Spread Out
Where you stay is very important in Pai. There are many party hostels close to the town center (the Walking Street, Chai Songkhram). Pai is also home to many quieter hostels across the town; my favorite being Baan Mai Sak. Be careful when booking a hostel, as many are located outside of the town center and require a bike to travel to and from. Local excursions can be quite far from the city center and often require booking a taxi in advance. To do so, you can reach out to your hostel or learn to negotiate taxis on your own from taxi service providers on the walking street. Popular excursions such as the Pai Canyon, White Buddha, and Two Huts offer great views.Food in Pai
Pai offers an amazing balance of restaurants and street food unlike any place I have been before. Like in other places in Thailand, Thai food is relatively inexpensive. However, if you're looking for other types of cuisines, expect to pay between 120 and 250 THB for a meal. Breakfast is typically more expensive. Your best breakfast option is to pick up something inexpensive from 7-Eleven (30 THB or less) or grab some fruit from a street fruit stand (20 THB). Street food can be found on the walking street after 6pm and features Asian favorites like roti as well as more unique culinary complexions like pag jog (a salty vegan dish made out of mushrooms and banana).It's Who You Meet
One of my mentors once very wisely said "If you don't like a place while traveling, you probably didn't meet the right people there." This has proven true time and time again throughout my journey. While in Pai, I managed to meet some of the best people I never expected to find. There I met Ham, Zohar and Noa, with whom I traveled into Laos, Meso (who was our practically Pai native travel expert), and many other friends who I've run into throughout the rest of my trip. These people made my time in Pai unforgettable. Looking back, those were the good old days and I didn't know I was living them while they flew by.Wizards
Coined "wizards" by Noa and her adorable accent, watching the lizards found all over Southeast Asian buildings, ceiling, and walls became one of our favorite pastimes in Pai. One night, Zohar and I even made up a drama story to accompany their actions- which I am now dubbing, "Millennial Wizards", the play of the century.
ACTIVITIES
Popular Activities
Pai Canyon: Hike along the narrow ridges of Pai Canyon for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, especially during sunset.
Tha Pai Hot Springs: Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by lush forest, offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle.
Pai Walking Street: Explore the vibrant night market, where you can savor local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy live music performances.
Wat Phra That Mae Yen: Climb the 353 steps to this mountaintop temple for stunning vistas and a sense of serenity.
Pai Land Split: Witness the effects of a natural geological phenomenon and savor farm-fresh snacks while supporting the local community.
Yun Lai Viewpoint: Admire the sea of clouds from this viewpoint, offering picturesque scenery especially in the early morning.
Pam Bok Waterfall: Hike through the jungle to reach this hidden gem, featuring multiple cascades and pools perfect for a refreshing swim.
Mor Paeng Waterfall: Enjoy the natural water slide at Mor Paeng Waterfall, providing exhilarating fun for visitors of all ages.
Santichon Village: Experience the unique Yunnanese culture of Santichon Village, known for its tea plantations and traditional Chinese architecture.
Tham Lod Cave: Discover the mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites of this cave while rowing through its dark chambers, guided by local experts.
Pai Strawberry Farm: Pick your own strawberries and sample fresh strawberry-based treats in this picturesque hillside farm.
White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen): Visit the White Buddha on the hill for an iconic Pai view and a spiritual experience.
Bamboo Bridge in Lod Cave: Wander through the bamboo forest to reach the entrance of Lod Cave, an unusual approach to a remarkable natural wonder.
Kong Lan (Pai Canyon Bamboo Bridge): Cross this bamboo bridge for a thrilling experience and dramatic views of Pai Canyon.
Wat Nam Hoo: Explore this serene temple set in a tranquil garden, offering a peaceful retreat from the town's buzz.
Underrated Destinations
Take a Dip at Two Huts: Two Huts is a popular bar, restaurant, and scenic venue in Pai. A 15 minute drive away, it's easily accessible and offers a stunning view over the Pai countryside. Even better, though, Two Huts has a public pool with only a 50 THB access charge. Paying the 50 Bahts is on the honor system, but who wouldn't pay to enjoy a cool dip on a hot Thai day!
Pai River Bamboo Rafting: Opt for a bamboo rafting excursion on the Pai River, an underrated and peaceful way to enjoy the picturesque countryside.
Mae Yen Waterfall: Hike to this less-visited waterfall to enjoy the refreshing cascade and the tranquility of a natural setting without the crowds.
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen: Visit this serene hilltop stupa with a stunning view, often less crowded than other viewpoints, providing a sense of serenity and tranquility in Pai's picturesque landscape.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Walking Street (Chai Kong Road): The main artery of Pai is Chai Kong Road, often referred to as Walking Street. This is the heart of the town, where you'll find numerous guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and the vibrant Pai night market.
Pai River: The Pai River meanders through the town, providing a natural focal point and recreational area for activities like tubing and bamboo rafting.
Rural Roads: Beyond the town center, smaller rural roads lead to attractions such as waterfalls, hot springs, and the Pai Canyon. These roads offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Circular Road (Pai Loop): Pai is encircled by a scenic road known as the Pai Loop or Circular Road. This road connects the town to various natural attractions, including hot springs, caves, and scenic viewpoints.
Market Area: In addition to the main night market on Walking Street, there are smaller daily markets scattered around town where you can shop for fresh produce, local crafts, and clothing.