Pai Guide: A Complete Overview

Sep 1, 2024

Written by

Lauren Gooch

Pai is a small, laid-back town nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, about a 2.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city. Known for its slow pace and hippie vibe, Pai has become a popular destination for backpackers, as it is a very affordable and unique place. This guide will give you an overview of everything you need to know about visiting Pai.

How to Get to Pai

You can reach Pai from Chiang Mai via three main options: a minivan, private taxi, or motorcycle. The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is famous for its 762 curves, winding through scenic mountain landscapes.

Minivan

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be cautious with this option as the journey can be tough. However, tickets are easily available through the 12Go app, and the minivan conveniently drops you off at Pai Walking Street, which is central and close to many hostels and hotels.

Taxi

I chose a private taxi as I was traveling with my boyfriend, and we split the costs. We found our taxi driver through the ‘Our Pai Family’ Facebook group. A tip: reach out to several drivers to negotiate the price, but be polite and reasonable in your haggling!

Motorcycle

Another option is to rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai and ride to Pai. However, if you have a lot of luggage, this might not be practical. You’ll need a 150cc or higher bike to manage the steep inclines on the way.

Where to Stay in Pai

Most accommodations in Pai are centrally located, making it easy to explore the town on foot. I stayed about a 20-minute walk from Walking Street, which was ideal for me—quiet yet still close to everything. Pai is a small town, so wherever you stay, you’ll never be too far from the action. I’ll include a map to highlight the main area for reference.

How Many Days to Spend in Pai

I stayed in Pai for one month, as I prefer slow travel, spending more time in one place to truly get to know the area and become part of the community. This way is also more cost-effective, allowing me to trael for longer. However, if you’re on a faster travel schedule, 3-4 days in Pai should be enough to cover the main attractions.

How to Get Around Pai

Pai is a very small town, making it easy to walk around. However, there are some amazing spots just outside the town that are worth visiting. Scooters (motorbikes) are the main mode of transportation in Pai. There are plenty of rental shops, and I had a great experience with GM Pai Moterbike Rental even offered to drop us home after returning the bike. Renting a bike in Pai typically costs between 100-200 THB per day on a monthly basis.

There are no Uber or Grab services in Pai, but you’ll find plenty of local taxi drivers, many of whom can be contacted through the ‘My Pai Family’ Facebook group. I recommend having a few numbers on hand for easy booking via WhatsApp. If you’re not confident riding a scooter, don’t worry—there are many tour companies in town offering trips to the attractions.

What to Do in Pai

Pai is perfect for nature lovers, surrounded by stunning mountains and natural beauty. Below are some of the main attractions in Pai, including both those I visited and others that are popular:

Pai Canyon
Tipsy Tubing
Bamboo Bridge
Tham Lod Cave
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Chinese Village
Land Split
Karen Long Neck Village
Pai Lemun (Sauna and Pool Rental)

Where to Eat in Pai

Pai offers some of the best food I’ve had in Thailand, with a mix of Northern Thai cuisine and amazing Western dishes, which can be hard to find in other parts of the country. Here are the places you must try:

Sugar Cane for amazing Thai food and the best smoothies.
Buddies Café for a delicious English Sunday roast.
Earth Tone for fresh, healthy vegan and vegetarian options.
ครัวแองจี้ for her incredible soups.
Charlie and Lek for cheap and tasty Thai food.
The Pedlar is a great café for working, with excellent breakfast and coffee.
The Blue Ox for outstanding Western food, especially the pasta.
Bom Bowls for delicious smoothie bowls.