Pai is an acquired taste. Some absolutely swear by it while others hate it. Some see it as a secluded paradise away from Chiangmai and others see it as another trendy tourist location with a lack of culture. A lot of ex-pats and backpackers raved at how much they loved Pai. Describing it as Heaven on earth and peaceful getaway with waterfalls mountains and endless nature so naturally, I had to check it out for myself.
Everything about Pai is an Adventure starting with the three-hour bus ride that includes over 700 turns. This was the most intense insane roller coaster ride of your life. Driving through the extremely green and scenic mountains of the gorgeous northern Thai countryside. With green hills and mountains as far as your eyes can see.
Arriving in Pai felt like I was placed at a 1969 Woodstock festival. There were many tourists and the streets were covered with energetic vibrant psychedelic murals. There were many delicious smells of not only Thai food but western cuisine as well and an insane amount of scooters. Best of all we were surrounded by luscious green mountains and hills. I knew it was going to be an adventurous day.
Preparing for Pai
I know you are excited about taking this journey to Pai whether you are debating taking a day trip or weekend excursion or simply adding things to your Thailand bucket list. Here are a few things to get you started before you embark on this beautiful journey.
Before you take this journey to Pai I suggest booking your bus tickets at least a day in advance. The vans tend to hold about 12 people so if you have a larger group of people it could be booked up quickly. I suggest using this website 12goasia. It is simple to uses and takes most forms of payment such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Paypal. The site is fully in English and you can book your tickets in just a few minutes without the hassle of trying to figure out how much seat availability is left. The cost of a seat is fairly inexpensive costing about 200THB or $6 USD for a one-way trip. This is a steal for a three-hour journey through the mountains of Thailand and the least expensive way to get to Pai also the safest I wouldn’t recommend you to take this journey on your own.
Pai is located in the mountains and it is said that the ride to Pai has over 700 turns which can feel like a roller coaster. If you do get motion sickness or partied hard the night before chugging too many Thai Chang beers than I would recommend you to get some kind of motion sickness medicine before hopping on this Van. The Van will take one very short stop where you can grab snacks and use the restroom. So if you feel sick there’s not much you can really do on this three-hour bus trip.
Finally, for preparing for your trip to Pai I would suggest you have an international driver’s license. The reason for this is so that you won’t have any issues with the local law enforcement. In order to get around Pai comfortably, you will need a scooter. Scotter rentals will gladly take your money if you don’t have a driver’s license but you still will run the risk of being fined 500THB or 15Usd by local Thai police. To avoid this apply for the International license before you come to Thailand in your home country. If not just prepare to possibly pay the fine.
When you Arrive
When you step off the Van into Pai town one of the first things you should do is rent a scooter or bike, I 100% recommend you to get a scooter if you have an international drivers license but if you don’t and you want to avoid local law enforcement and fines Id suggest you get a city or mountain bike. On a bike, you will get tired and probably not want to travel as far. A scooter will cost you about 250TBH ($8) per day and a traditional mountain bike will cost you around ($3). A scooter will allow you to see much more of the countryside and your legs will definitely thank you the next day.Vespai Rental is one of the best places to Rent your scooter because not only will they give you a scooter they will also give you a lesson on how to properly use your scooter so that you won’t have issues with it while you are using it. Most scooter and bike places will require you to give up your passport in order to use one of there vehicles as insurance that you won’t run off with one of them or damage it. Some people say this is risky but in my experience, I didn’t have any issues.
10 Things to do in Pai
If you are a nature lover and love hikes, coffee and sunsets than Pai is the right place for you. One of the best things about traveling around Pai is that all roads lead back to Pai town so its virtually impossible to get lost so you can get lost in exploring and adventure. Here are 10 things I would recommend you to do while in Pai.
Pai town
Pai town is where your journey through Pai will begin and end. This is where the bus will drop you off and how you will most likely leave. Pai town is a part Hippy part, Thai part, western with many foods you can try and things you can buy. It’s the most popular place in Pai so it does get really crowded with tourists. At night you can find many bars and plenty to do in Pai town.
Cofee in love
Cofee in love is a great starting point for your adventure if you don’t want to be in Pai town around a lot of tourists. this coffee shop is cute and quaint with really really friendly people. Did I mention the view? The view of coffee in love is absolutely breathtaking and you want to just spend time taking in the beautiful sight of the mountains. The coffee and food here are also extremely good and healthy. This may sound a bit strange but I also like the bathroom here. Yes, the bathroom. It was so atmospheric and beautiful with an outdoor feel. Probably the most beautiful bathroom I’ve ever done my duty in.
Explore the countryside
Visiting the countryside is an adventure of its own. You will find beauty in everywhere you look. You will see mountains, waterfalls, farms, hot springs, and cute themed shops on your journey. You don’t have to look too far. Just get lost and have fun and admire all the natural gems Pai has to offer.
Pai Canyon
Pai canyon is the perfect place to end your crazy day and introduce the night. Watching the sunset is absolutely beautiful here. Getting up to the top of the canyon entails an easy 10-minute walk which will make you break a sweat but definitely worth it. My advice is to come early because this spot will be swarming with tourists.
Big Budah (Temple on the Hill or Wat Mae Yen)
This is another great workout that you definitely will feel the next day. Big Budha can be seen all around Pai because it is huge! There are many stairs with amazing designs and architecture that leads up to this Beautiful peaceful temple area where you can rest and look around and be at peace. There are many other tourists who are here and a great place to meet others but be respectful and remember to take off your shoes in any temple.
Pai walking street
Everywhere in Thailand, you can find a block party-style walking street and Pai is no different. The walking streets are closed to bikes, scooters, and cars so you can walk around in peace. You can find unique fashion, food, handmade crafts, and all the food your stomach can handle. There are many vendors and no shortage of things you can buy. Even if you are not big into shopping the walking street is great to people watch and that itself can be entertaining.
Mor Paeng waterfall
Pai has many waterfalls but I would recommend Mor Paeng Waterfall because out of all them it is the easiest to find and overall the nicest.
Wat Toong Pong
At Wat Toong Pong, you’ll notice a spiritual park housing various shrines belonging to various religions. However, the most impressive memorial rests in the back. There’s a bridge which interestingly interchanges colors at the end. The bridge leads to a beautiful and giant, iridescent white Buddha. If you are into different religions and spirituality this is great to check out and just admire.
Enjoy some Pai Nightlife.
For a small town, there’s a hell of a lot of awesome bars and clubs to party the night away! Yep, Pai’s nightlife is infamous. If you’re looking for a truly epic night out, then head to Boom Bar. This is the place to be for backpackers, and with cheap cocktails, a beer pong table, and pumping music, it’s a guaranteed fun night out.
Backpackers Paradise
If you are a backpacker and want to socialize with others and meet new friends than Backpackers Paradise is perfect. Live music, Fire shows, and drinks. Need I say more? The price all depends on you and how much or little you wish to spend. Ranging from $4-$35 USD&125-1100 TBH). The facility is clean and highly recommended by many tourists.
Pai is a very unique town and I hope if you are in Chiang Mai you decide to take a weekend trip out to explore Pai. It Definitely was a highlight for me on my trip to Thailand and It will be yours too. Have you been to Pai or considering going? If so what were your favorite things to do?