Pai Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 3 days
Best Time: November to February Read More
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"Hippie hillside"
Pai Tourism
Located between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai, this beautiful little town of Pai is surrounded by mountains everywhere, and is a dream destination for a traveller. The alluring river Pai flows across this town which makes rafting a popular sport here. Besides that, trekking and hiking are other adventurous options.
Pai is a stunning destination for both kinds of people: who want a lazy and chilled vacation, or an adventurous one. It is one of the most picturesque landscapes of Thailand offering endless mountains to hike, and the beautiful Pai river to rest by. There are also a few Burmese style temples, waterfalls and hot springs to visit. A lot of travellers sometimes get involved with the ethnic hill-tribe villagers for a local and natural experience. Since 2006, tourism in Pai has increased greatly, resulting in a lot of accommodation options for travellers to choose.
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Nightlife in Pai
When it comes to nightlife, Pai has a very happening one. There are many sidewalk bars as well as pop music dance parties. Some of the most popular bar options are Bamboo Bar, Don't Cry Bar, Edible Jazz and Ting Tong. In contrast to the sleepy town that it is in the day, Pai's nightlife is surprisingly awesome.
Shopping in Pai
This colourful town has a very cute and pleasant shopping feel. The walking street of Rungsiyanon road is not very crowded and shopping here is more relaxed than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The most popular souvenirs you can buy from Pai are magnets, postcards, artsy t-shirts, handmade jewellery and Thai paintings.
Exchanging Money in Pai
Most of the banks and ATMs are on the main street of Rungsiyanon and some ATMs are also there down Chaisongkran. All these banks provide currency exchange services. However, if you want to be on the safer side, exchanging currency from Bangkok before visiting here is a better option.
All the major cards are accepted at most guesthouses, hotels and restaurants. The local vendors at the walking street and drivers don't accept cards. So carrying a sufficient amount of Thai Baht in your pocket is advisable.
All the major cards are accepted at most guesthouses, hotels and restaurants. The local vendors at the walking street and drivers don't accept cards. So carrying a sufficient amount of Thai Baht in your pocket is advisable.
Daily Budget for Pai
A day in Pai will include 600-700 Baht for food, 100 Baht for transportation, 500 Baht for all entertainment purposes like entry fees, and 300-400 Baht for alcohol. So a total of 1,600 Baht would suffice for one day in Pai.
Religion of Pai
The key religion followed in Pai is Buddhism, followed by Islam.
Pai Customs
Pai is a growing tourist destination and doesnÂt follow any strict practices for dress codes. Being a hot town, you can wear comfortable clothing without hesitation. However, if you visit a temple here, it is advisable to cover yourself appropriately. When getting involved with the village tribes, be careful to follow some basic ettiquets like not touching them, not pinting the feet at someone. Tipping is not common in Thailand, although, goos service can always be appreciated.
Language of Pai
Thai is the common language spoken in the town of Pai. Almost all the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants have English speaking staff. A few local vendors and drivers might not know English, so you can take the help of a tour guide or learn basic Thai phrases for better communication.
History of Pai
According to Pai resident Thomas Kasper, the history of Pai is a long and interesting one. 2,000 years ago, the Lua tribe was the group living in Pai. Just 800 years go, the Shan immigrants settled here, now known as Ban Wiang Nuea. Later, in the 14th and 15th centuries, settlers from Chiang Mai came to Pai. The other history is related to World War II when the Japanese built a route between Pai and Burma, now called the memorial bridge. And the recent history is the wave of immigration. After Shan and Lanna, Muslim people have arrived in Pai in around 1950.
Best Time to Visit Pai
Nearby Places
How to Reach Pai
How to Reach Overview
Travellers can take a car, motorbike or bus from Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai to Pai. There is also one flight that operates between Chiang Mai to Pai.
How to reach Pai by flight
Kan Airlines is the only airlines operating betwwen Chiang Mai and Pai. It is the only airlines that flies in and out of the Pai airport. Travellers can also fly into Bangkok or Chiang Mai and then reach Pai by road.
How to reach Pai by road
A car journey from Mae Hong Son or Chiang Mai to Pai is a tiring journey, but worthwhile because the route is very scenic. However, it can be an expensive affair.
How to reach Pai by bus
Some buses and mini-buses depart from Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son to Pai. Public buses from Chiang Mai take 3-4 hours and cost 80 Baht, and minivans from the Arcade bus station take 180 Baht, which is a better option. It is better to book in advance, especially in peak season. The tickets can be purchased from this website.
Local transport in Pai
This town can be best explored on foot. If not prefered, bicylcles and motorbikes are available for rent at aroung 50-80 Baht per day.
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FAQs on Pai
What is the best time to visit Pai?
The best time to visit Pai is from November to February when the climate is cool and pleasant. April to June are the hottest and humid months of Pai and travelling is very undesirable during that time. March is the month when the farmers of Pai burn their fields to prepare for regrowth, hence the air becomes polluted. July to November experiences rainfall and exploring the region at that time is not a great idea.
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What is the local food in Pai?
More than Thai food, Pai offers a greater range of western cuisines. Some good places that serve Thai food are:
1. Na's Kitchen
2. Toa's.
The walking street also has stores with delicious local Thai food. Pai is also known for the excellent coffee which you can find at almost all restaurants.
For western breakfast and coffee: Pai Lonely, Big's Little Cafe and Why Not
For a fine dining experience: Silhouette Restaurant
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1. Na's Kitchen
2. Toa's.
The walking street also has stores with delicious local Thai food. Pai is also known for the excellent coffee which you can find at almost all restaurants.
For western breakfast and coffee: Pai Lonely, Big's Little Cafe and Why Not
For a fine dining experience: Silhouette Restaurant
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What is the best way to reach Pai?
Travellers can take a car, motorbike or bus from Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai to Pai. There is also one flight that operates between Chiang Mai to Pai.
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What are the top hotels in Pai?
There are 844 in Pai which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Pai are Heywood Hotel, CYPRESS CABIN INN in the Woods, SoCo Hideaway, Hyde Park House, SoCo Treehouse Studio, Hill Country Lake Home. You can see all the hotels in Pai here
What are the places near Pai?
The top places near to Pai are Bangkok which is 14747 km from Pai, Phuket which is located 15434 km from Pai, Krabi which is located 15397 km from Pai, Pattaya which is located 14817 km from Pai, Phi phi islands which is located 15436 km from Pai
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