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Town in Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Photo: Kansaikiwi, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pai (ปาย) is a small town (pop. 3,000) in Mae Hong Son Province, Northern Thailand. It is a major stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, which takes Rte 1095 from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, then Rte 108 back to Chiang Mai. The city is named after the Pai River.
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Santichon
Village settled by Yunnanese hill-tribes who crossed the border in the middle of the 20th century to escape Communist rule. Shops selling different Chinese teas with varying health properties, and other interesting oddities include a human-powered Ferris wheel. Well worth a look, even as a brief stop on the way to Mo Paeng waterfall
Kong Lan
Somewhat optimistically described as Pai's answer to the Grand Canyon, it could more accurately be described as a narrow red ridges with steep-sides valleys either side filled with pine and dipterocarp forests. The steep 50m drop either side and stunning views over the surrounding countryside are impressive, but you'll need to be careful here - the path is extremely narrow in some places and requires a scramble in others. A set of steps up to a viewing platform provides the safest way to admire the scenery and the canyon makes the perfect spot for a sunset
The original bridge here was built by the occupying Japanese. The current steel truss bridge which sits alongside the present main road was assembled in its current position in 1976, but as with Pai's "canyon", the bridge invites very loose comparisons with the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.
Pai Village Farm
Less than 5-minutes from the center of Pai, the Village Farm offers the chance to experience a unique world of fruits, flowers, animals, including the star attraction, a lovely pair of Alpaca known as Rosemary & Aron. You will also enjoy local coffee and snacks as well as a souvenir shop. The Village Farm is the perfect scenic opportunity for the most memorable photos of Pai.
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A little more accessible than most of Pai's waterfalls, this multi-tiered waterfall flows through a verdant green valley and is popular for its pools to swim in. The upper section of this waterfall is a natural water slide during the dry season. The rocks are smooth, just find a small section and slide on down like the locals do.
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Nice secluded waterfall with high cliffs surrounding it, making this a cool place to escape the heat. Go for a relaxing bathe in the shade during the dry season.
For several years now, travellers have enjoyed riding an elephant and concluding the trip with a romp in the Pai River. For this adventure, take as little as possible, you'll be enjoyably wet as the elephant is encouraged to shower you. Some operators, and there are several, are willing to take photos of you while you enjoy the elephant antics in the river.
Family-owned and -operated eco adventure company that specializes in white water rafting, jungle trekking, jungle survival, and caving. They offer 1- and 2-day rafting adventures as well as 1- to 3-day trekking adventures.
Basic hot springs in a rustic riverside setting. It is signposted.
Managed by a friendly Thai/Italian couple, this camp offers professional training. Not far from town centre, the camp is surrounded by mountains that present a breathtaking view. Two sessions a day (morning, evening) with reasonable prices and accepting trainers at all levels.
Bathing here is supposed to have therapeutic properties, but you'll want to save it for a cool day. Sulphuric water bubbles out of these hot springs at temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius and simple baths have been created where the springs meet a stream which cools temperatures to bearable levels. A short, marked forest trail takes you through the compact national park more noticeable for its smells than its sights. Last entry to the springs is at 18:00. You can also bathe in a mineral pool in the nearby Aroma Pai Spa or Pai Hotspring resort for much more reasonable price of 80 baht, and as it is open later, enjoy the hot water after sunset as it gets cool. The price for government run hotspring is
Floating down river on an inflated rubber tube has long been a favourite pastime of SE Asian backpackers, and the gentle current of the Pai River and attractive scenery make this a good spot to try. Unlike the more famous Vang Vieng in Laos, the Pai River isn't lined with raucous bars playing loud music, which some may consider more a blessing than a curse.
Some of Thailand's most spectacular rapids are found between Pai and Mae Hong Song, and a few operators offer both one- and two-day rafting trips.
The signature treatment is the 4-element hot oil massage.
Beautiful place built by an artist, Otto. Warm cosy atmosphere with great chai and cakes and cookies. Nice atmosphere for playing your instrument. Free Wi-Fi.
Some of the best breakfasts/brunches food in Pai. Great Australian coffee.
Owner Nat and husband, Matt, offer 12 different real beef burgers, chili, sandwiches, specials, dinners, pork chops the size of a Clive Cussler novel, beer, wine.
The vegetables used in the cooking are grown fresh on their own farm and the bar has a wonderfully relaxed and romantic atmosphere. They also offer cooking classes for 750 baht a day.
In a community focused on organic and healthy eating, Fat Cat is Pai's best kept secret. Almost all ingredients used are from their organic permaculture farm. If you order a salad, you can literally pick your own ingredients from the soil. Specialties include homemade yogurt, kefir, and pure kombucha. Great sandwiches and baked goods, all baked in their mud oven. Permaculture farming and mud oven building classes available.
Na still works in the kitchen everyday, serving northern food to tourists and Thais. She speaks great English, and will even teach you a bit of Thai if you ask nicely. Na's is always a favourite of the long-stay travellers and the ones returning for a second, or third go at Pai.
The Thai local restaurant of choice. Very few Westerners to be found, but the menu is in English. Excellent Thai salads and sticky rice.
Family-owned restaurant that serves "fast Thai food" (food is already cooking and comes straight from the pot). Very good food and very cheap.
Home grown organic food is served here but the main attraction is the postcard-perfect view from the upper floor terrace. Hemp clothing is sold downstairs, which may or may not fully explain the prominent THC signs.
Toast office is a Thai snack style, serving whole wheat bread toast with butter with many styles and First Soy milk cafe in Pai. The place is so relaxing and comfortable and there is also free high speed Wi-Fi.
Classic Thai/Taiwanese-influenced vegan restaurant. Two mains from a buffet and rice cost 35 baht at lunch. Delicious and favored by many expats. Dinner is à la carte.
Serves organic and vegetarian foods at decent prices. Rice (including brown) dishes with vegetables starting at 40 baht. Breakfasts from 100 baht. Has a good selection of tea.
Bamboo-floored venue perched on the riverside next to the other late night venues. Open until late, cosy atmosphere and good food.
Be-Bop Karaoke & Nightclub
Offers a range of live music. Amazing Saturday night show starts at 22:30. Variety night 21:00 on Wednesdays. Great talent friendly atmosphere.
Mostly open-air bar with fire shows, reggae music, and pool table. One of the only bars open after 00:00 but usually deserted before then, kind of expensive.
This hard-to-find bar is the place for hippie hang-outs. Look for the people sitting around a camp fire with acoustic guitars and djembe drums. Live music every night sometimes provided by the customers. Feel free to bring along your own instrument!
Great hangout with good selection of reggae music, a pool table, and friendly owner. A pre-night popular hangout with most of the travelling crowd.
Mojo Bar
Blues and jazz bar, open every night but Monday. Live music 19:30-23:00.
Cosy, clean wooden rooms with attached bathrooms and fan. Nice hot shower. Front porches attached to most rooms with couches and cushions provided. Rustic environment coupled with the convenience of location. Both 7-Elevens are less than 5 min walk away, and to the activities on the main road. Friendly and helpful staff.
Baan Pai Nai Wieng
A friendly Thai family offering luxury bamboo bungalows with hot water private bathrooms, mosquito nets and small terrace. Central relaxing location with lovely surroundings and a popular restaurant.
Gorgeous views over Pai, river and mountains with restaurant, swimming pool, pool table, campfire, sunset in the hammocks, hot shower, free Wi-Fi/computer, towels, bed linen. Free pickup.
Rooms are a clean, bungalow-style with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and hot showers. Beds can be a little hard but just ask for another mattress or quilt. The owner is friendly, offering discounts for people staying long-term and rides into town on the back of her motorbike if you are staying there alone. The garden is well-maintained and beautiful with a relaxing common area. A good place for those wanting privacy and solitude.
Wooden Thai-style housing in central Pai. Reasonably priced rooms with hot shower and fan. Free Wi-Fi.
Large clean rooms. Free pool table. Free Wi-Fi. Stove and dishes for cooking your own food. There is a bar down stairs with a sociable atmosphere.
Very cozy, clean organized bungalows with real walls, doors and windows. Good double beds with mosquito net and silent fan. Every room with own bathroom, real flushing toilet, and hot shower and a veranda with a hammock. The owner (Tom) is incredibly friendly, happy and helpful. Very good room for the price
Simple bamboo bungalows in an organic forest. Knowledgeable owner will teach you about sustainable living and farming at daily classes. You will be invited to participate in farm life and to cook in the communal kitchen. Food picked from the farm costs 15 baht/meal. Free pickup at bus station. Free Wi-Fi.
Cosy accommodations.
Amazing garden with aromatic herbs. Centric, but away from the main street noise. Free instant coffee.
Seven eco-friendly adobe houses and 3 dormitory rooms set in beautiful gardens with a wonderful view over the valley and mountains. Fan-cooled rooms (air-con unnecessary due to the natural building style), TV and Wi-Fi in all rooms. Laundry service and very clean rooms. Pool table. Restaurant with Thai and European food. The owners speak English, German, and Thai. Free shuttle service (the bus station will call for you).
One of the more up-market options in Pai. Offers several kinds of wooden cottages. Breakfast served on a nice open terrace overlooking the Pai River.
Air-con bungalow in Pai town.
Peaceful location close to town and tourist attractions. Bungalows and rooms (fan or air conditioned). Wi-Fi. Offers guided motorbike tours.
A teak private 3-villa connected compound and 3 mud houses for daily or weekly rental. Right in town just up the road from Pai Hospital and walking distance to the evening walking street. All made of teak with 2 of the villas serving as bedrooms with king-size beds and the large villa is the living and lounge area. Bathrooms in all villas have outdoor showers in both bedrooms. Staff on-site to provide daily cleaning. Hin, Din, & Sai are 3 mini-mud villas in a creative cob-style built from the soil, sand, and stones of the local area. Resort in same compound serves and delivers authentic delicious Thai food. A fantastic option for anyone interested in chilling with privacy yet right in town.
Close to everything, on the river, with 8 rooms (basic or deluxe) in a garden setting.
Baan Pai Village
Small boutique resort, consisting of natural bamboo cottages surrounded by lush gardens and equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and hot water showers. Beautiful design, peaceful atmosphere and friendly service.
By motorcycle
Rte 1095 isn't as bad as people make it out to be. There isn't much traffic and you can hear the cars and trucks coming. The downside is the road is crappy, but not uniformly so.
By bus
By plane
Pai town centre is compact and best explored on foot. But the greater Pai area is sprawling.
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Mae Hong Son · Regional · HGN
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