Pai, North Thailand
Pai is a small town in Thailand’s northern Mae Hong Soon Province, famed for its hot springs, gorges, waterfalls and cultural experiences like arts and crafts shops and takeaway food. Among the hot springs in the area is the Tha Pai Hot Spring.
The most well-known waterfall is the towering Mo Paeng. To explore local culture, head to the town centre on the banks of the Pai River, where you'll find dozens of takeaway street food stalls as well as the Pai Walking Street, which is known for its arts and crafts shops. Here you can find all sorts of souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your travels.
Just west of town, the traditional Chinese village of Baan Santichon offers authentic Yuunan cuisine, clay houses and shops, as well as a park with themed rides. The Pai Night Market provides a rich cultural experience with dozens of vendors showcasing locally made arts and crafts. Expansive views of the entire region can be found at Yun Lai Viewpoint, while at the Pai Canyon and Pai Land Split, you can witness the aftermath of an earthquake whose fury tore the land apart.
The best time to travel to Pai, Thailand, largely depends on your preferences and what kind of experience you’re seeking. The cool and dry season from November to February is the most popular, with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and pleasant weather for outdoor activities, but chilly evenings. The hot season from March to May offers warmer temperatures and lush landscapes, making it great for hiking and enjoying waterfalls. If you appreciate the serene beauty of Pai during occasional showers, the rainy season from June to October, while less crowded, can provide a more tranquil experience, but it comes with the possibility of road closures due to heavy rains.
I visited Pai in October and found the rain showers not too bad. The roads were not closed either. The only pity was that the waterfalls were not very impressive to see.
There are several ways in which to get to Pai from Chiang Mai. Pai is found about 135 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai. Though some would argue it is worth the risk, we do not recommend that you make this journey by motorbike. The winding roads are subpar at best, and drivers rarely seem to abide by the rules of the road, including keeping on the left-hand side or speed limits, for example. Save yourself the hassle and instead travel from Chiang Mai to Pai by car, bus, or plane.
Bus from Chiang Mai to Pai
Though the four-hour bus ride can be brutal (especially if you are prone to getting car sick), this is by far one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to Pai. The cost of most minibus services is ฿200 (about $6) per person. You can pay an additional ฿50 (about $1.50) charge to pick you up directly from your accommodation option.
AYA is a popular bus service that runs from Chiang Mai to Pai. It runs 5 times a day and starts running at 9 a.m. The last bus is at 2:30 p.m. It is well-known around town for being reliable, and you can bring one free piece of luggage, which is included in the cost of a ticket. Any additional luggage can be stored in the AYA office for ฿100 a day or transferred to Pai. It depends on the bag’s size and space availability! Prepare for some sick (pun intended) turns and maybe bring a puke bag, just to be safe.
Prempracha Transport is also a well-known reputable bus service that leaves from the Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, every hour starting from 6:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m., daily. The cost if booked directly at the bus terminal is ฿150 one-way.
The Best Hotels in Pai
Reverie Siam
Resort. Charming. Highly elegant. Superb interior design. Offering 2 outdoor pools and an all-day Mediterranean and contemporary Thai cuisine restaurant, Reverie Siam is located in Pai. Guests can enjoy extensive collection of wines and live performances.
Pai Village Boutique Resort
Resort. Delightful property. Charming. Great location. Popular among couples. Situated along the banks of Pai River, within tropical gardens, Pai Village Boutique Resort provides rustic wooden cottages. It provides massage services and is only a 5-minute walk from Wat Pa Kham Temple.
Family House Zen Boutique Resort
Resort. Relaxing atmosphere. Superb breakfast. Situated in Pai, 300 metres from Pai Bus station, Family House Zen Boutique Resort features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. This 4-star resort offers luggage storage space.
Puripai Villa
Resort. Boasting panoramic views of mountains,Puripai Villa offers modern Thai-style accommodation with relaxing experience. This pet-friendly property is located in a valley and features free WiFi and free round trip airport shuttle service from Pai Airport, which is a 5-minute ride away.
Yoma Hotel
Resort. Cosy rooms. Great views. Yoma Hotel features views of Mount Mae Yen and Pai’s natural landscape, as well as free shuttle services to the town and airport. A 5-minute drive from Pai Airport and the Walking Street Market, it features an outdoor pool with jet stream.
The Oia Pai Hotel
Resort. Elegant. Great breakfast. Comfortable beds. Featuring Mediterranean architecture and a fine restaurant, The Oia Pai Resort offers eco-friendly accommodation with free WiFi. Free shuttles go to Pai Walking Street, Pratad Mae Yen temple, Pai Airport and the local fruit factory.
The Quarter
Resort. Great location. Great value. The Quarter Pai offers spacious rooms with a balcony and scenic mountain views. The hotel features an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi.
Ai Pai
Popular among couples. Offering an outdoor pool and views of the mountain, Ai Pai Hotel is located in Pai in the Mae Hong Son Province Region, just a few steps away from Pai Night Market. The hotel has a terrace and views of the pool, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Pai Vimaan
Resort. Nice style. Comfortable beds. Great value. Located in Pai Town, Paivimaan Resort is a 10-minute drive from Pai Airport. Set amidst a tropical greenery, it features free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony.
