I had to kick this blog post off with a picture of Khao Soi! I honestly think I ate this everyday whilst I was in Pai, Thailand. ( for reference we ate at Charlie & lek often! It’s right next to purple monkey backpackers) I think Pai was my absolute favourite place in Northern Thailand, and I could quite happily spend months there. It is up in the mountains, with gorgeous walks to waterfalls, and surrounded by nature.
Be prepared for a slower pace at life when you go to Pai, it very chilled out and relaxing. The sort of place you can find plenty of hammocks to laze about in and just enjoy life. You will find plenty of backpackers with the hippie elephant trousers, smoking and dancing with fire. When I first arrived in Pai I was like, what the hell is going on here?! And I slowly fell in love with the place. At this point in my travels I had met so many people that we became a big group of people, all traveling together, maybe 1 or 2 days apart!
This guide will give you tips you need to know for your trip to Pai. Including hostel recommendations and some ideas for things to do!
Wear warm clothes in the evening, it’s gets really chilly quickly after the sun goes down
Getting to Pai, Thailand
I’m not even going to sugarcoat this, but the bus journey for me was rough. My advice is, get a good nights sleep before and DO NOT, do this journey on a hangover. I was so rough, and had heard horror stories of the drive to Pai from Chiang Mai. I thought, it’s just a bus journey how bad can it be? Trust me, the road to Pai has over 700 bends! I literally sat by the window for 4 hours with my eyes closed praying for it to be over haha!
There really is only one way into Pai, and that’s the bus. The 4 hour journey should cost you around 220TBH = £5. I always book through 12go.Asi
Where to stay in Pai, Thailand
Pai itself is only a small town, you can pretty much walk to the town from most hostels. Pai walking street is pretty central, so anywhere around that area will be fine.
Here are some recommendations of some of the best hostels to stay in during your visit to Pai, Thailand. What’s good about most hostels, is that you can chill out at other hostels, socialise, drink and have food even if you don’t stay there!
Hostel recommendations, Pai, Thailand
Slow life Sabaidee Pai
Slow Life is perfectly located, literally a few minutes walk from the town. They have large dormitories and also private rooms, which a lovely little wooden huts. is great for socialising as they have a swimming pool, pool table and a cool hangouts with loads of hammocks. They also organise games and activities to get everyone together! Also very good for budget backpackers, as the beds are super cheap!
Tribal Pai backpackers
Tribal Pai is a budget backpackers dream, very cheap dorms but still located in a brilliant location. Only a few minutes from Pai walking street. They also offer free wifi, free tea & coffee, a free pick up from the bus station and free beer pong! I don’t know about you, but I love the word FREE, especially when I’m backpacking!
Deejai Backpackers
Deejai backpackers have a couple of hostels in Northern Thailand and have a very good reputation! The views are stunning, as the hostel is situated around 2.5km from the town centre – but don’t worry they offer free transport to town! They also offer free breakfast, free tea & coffee and free activities! The vibe here is second to none and always highly rated.
Pai Backpackers Paradise
Pai backpackers paradise is the place in Pai for those special shakes aka mushroom shakes. You can enjoy your psychedelic drink while watching hippies dance with fire (if that’s what you’re into). Don’t make the mistake and walk up to the bar and as for a ‘shroom shake’, you will get refused to be served! Just ask for ‘a drink’, or ‘happy drink’
Pai in the sky backpackers
A relaxed and chilled out hostel. Pai in the Sky is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for more privacy, whilst still have the benefits of staying in a dormitory. Pai in the sky is for those that want a more calmer stay, and still be located very close to the centre. They offer private rooms and a large mixed dorm room.
Best things to do in Pai, Thailand
Pai Walking street
I have no doubt you will be taking a walk up and down Pai walking street at some point. Even if you come across it by accident. It’s the main strip in Pai, and where all the stalls are situated, shops, bars, restaurants and where you can book all your tours and transport.
Ta Pai hot springs
We rented a scooter for the day from our hostel and visited the natural hot springs in Pai. They are located right near Pai Canyon and are the most popular of the hot springs, due to their size and numerous layers of springs. We went later in the afternoon, some of the springs were covered in the shade and some directly in the sun, so you could enjoy both!
Fee into Ta pai hot springs
Entry fee into the hot springs is roughly 300 TBH and that includes your parking!
Pai Canyon
Visit Pai Canyon, roughly 8km just outside Pai Town, you can get there easily by scooter. There is no entrance fee for Pai Canyon, just park your scooters and climb up the stairs to the canyon. The best time to visit is early evening, so you can watch sunset and also the it starts to cool down at this time so the walk is not too extreme. There are always people there selling cold drinks and refreshments!
The land split, Pai, Thailand
It was pretty surreal how deep the split goes, and the pictures don’t really show you the extend of what the earthquake caused. And what I found more interesting was the fact that the local Thai man just lets everyone come onto his property to just be nosey and wander around! Defo worth a visit!
Rent scooters and explore
One of my favourite things to do, is just rent a couple of scooters and go off exploring. Looking on the maps and being where there are some waterfalls and then go and see what you can find.
Speak to the locals and ask them what’s good to do, and is there anywhere that’s safe to go swimming!
Play that game, left or right, and take it in turns to chose which direction your going to take next!
Mushroom shakes, Pai
Probably an experience that deserves it’s own blog post! Haha! You will hear about shroom shakes in Pai before you get there. One of the best places to enjoy a mushroom shake is Pai Backpackers paradise hostel, and sunny hostel. Remember to ask for a ‘happy shake’. DON’T mention the word mushrooms and shrooms as you will be refused service.
Pai even do ‘happy pizzas’ – You will see signs for them here and there. If you see the words ‘happy’ or ‘special’, then you know what’s what
White Buddha - Wat Phra That Mae Yen
The white Buddha in Pai sits on the mountain side, that you can access by a huge set of white stairs leading up to it.I suggest going early morning or late evening, before the sun sets. So that you are climbing the stairs at a cooler temperature!A lot of people gather in the morning for a early meditation whilst it is emptier and peaceful.
Remember to cover knees and shoulders when visit. You can rent a cover up for 20 THB if you need to
Entrance fee: It is free to visit the white Buddha however you can give a small donation at the entrance point
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