TarunYou can easily spend a week in Pai, I was there for around 5 days. Pai, in my view, is one of the best places in northern Thailand. Compared to spots like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and even Bangkok, Pai has everything—you can do yoga, go tubing, enjoy parties, explore cafes, stroll through night markets, go trekking, or catch an amazing sunset. If you want to stay here for a month and work, it’s perfect. You could easily spend a month soaking in everything Pai has to offer.
Pai Highlights on Instagram: Part 1, Part 2
Stay
1. Ban Pai Riverside
For the first 10 days of my Thailand Trip, I stayed in a hostel. Wanted to stay away from the hostel for the next 1-2 days from humans. Ban Pai Riverside was the perfect place for that
PS: This would be the 10th day of my 3 months solo trip, we’re at 10/90 Days.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LxZ1cuCvQyVxX6WE8
I met Susain at Ban Pai Riverside. She is in her 60s and traveling solo. I wrote a blog about the random conversation which I had with her
Post: https://travelmunchrepeat.com/lessons-for-60-year-old-solo-traveler-about-life/
In the evening Susain & I ended up going to Pai Fight Night
Cost for Pai Fight Night: 400 bhat per person
2. Atlas Valley Hostel
One of the best hostels I’ve stayed at in my 10 years of travel. Stay here for the amazing activities they host every day!
I tried my first ice bath at Altas Valley. It was really an amazing experience. You can check the reel below:
Public Transport/Bike Rental
Pai isn’t that big, but that’s part of its charm! Just rent a bike and explore all the cool spots around—don’t count on Grab or any ride-hailing apps here. Enjoy the slow life!
Pai River Scooter Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dhf2yA2eV8T6ganx7
Pai River Scooter Review: I personally tried them and they are amazing. I also kept my bags the day I checkout from the hostel here, the owner was really friendly
Scooter Rent/Day: 6$ (200/bhat)
Places to visit
1. Pai Canyon
Perfect place to enjoy sunset. There is a small walk of 5 mins from the parking spot. Wearing proper shoes is recommended!
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EkjX2aNVZNuNXvxP8
2. Mo Pang Waterfall, Pai
Definitely need to make a jump & slide here. I don’t know how to swim, check the next below to see how I did it!
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A6PJDdFtXu2ZppXHA
3. Big Buddha Pai
You can see the entire Pai from here. You must hike this place. May take 15-20 mins to hike!
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KomfxevxqVjXqvmf7
4. Pai walking street
Good place to find food and also evening hangout place.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LT4MCof7GKupH4iLA
Experiences
Tipsy Tubing: You Float, You Drink, You Party!
Barely anyone knows that you can do Tipsy Tubing in Pai. You don’t need to go to Laos to experience it
Party Places in Chiang Mai
1. Jazz House
Definitely a must-visit! Grab a beer, sit back, and enjoy the vibes. They play some amazing Jazz music.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kV9wsqpMBnXQhG3p9
2. Spirit Bar
They have one of the amazing dramatic entrance
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBDLyQ9qNwBxEX5A6
3. Pai Walking Street
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LT4MCof7GKupH4iLA
You can find a lot of good places to hangout in the evening.
Cafes/Food Recommendation in Chaing Mai
1. Bom Bowls
Their bowls are exceptionally tasty. I became a fan of smoothie bowls from Pai. They also had a great collection of succulents.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RMqLoxUur7iFykbj8
PS: These are small things I love about exploring new cafes. There is always something unique or different
2. Ganita Cafe
Always love grabbing a spot at the outdoor table, just watching the world go by.
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TBsVfRcodNhQkwjS8
3. Banh Banh Pun Pai Sandwich Vietnam
The Bánh Mì here is absolutely amazing, and the portion size? It’s huuuuge! 🥖✨
PS: Bánh Mì always reminds me of my Vietnam trip in 2022
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jR3RmD3dVejJojLN9
Tarun
