If you are walking around Bangkok wondering if this is all that Thailand has to offer, then you need to take a trip to Pai. Not on the itineraries of most western travelers, Pai is a place full of character and will give you a unique perspective on the Thai life that you will not get in the southern cities.

Pai is nestled in the Mae Hong Son Province in Northern Thailand and is named after the local river that runs through it. Because of Pai's proximity to Myanmar, there is an interesting fusion of Thai and Burmese culture throughout. Its charming atmosphere and scenery make Pai a destination for those looking for somewhere off the grid.

Commuting Around

Just a short commute from the city of Chiang Mai, Pai is easy to get to and will not be a grand detour from your journey. To get to Pai, you will need to take one of two bus options. The first option is the minivan option. This is the tourist route and will take about 3 hours. It will cost around 150 Baht and the best place to buy tickets is at the Chiang Mai bus station. Keep in mind that the mountain route has over 700 twists and turns, so if your stomach is a bit weak, this may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking for a true Thai experience, take the local bus. It is right next to the tourist minivan area at the bus station, and the ride will take about 4-5 hours and cost about 80 Baht. On your local bus journey, you will experience loud conversations, extreme driving, and some local eateries that should satisfy your courageous appetite.

If the local bus is not adventurous enough, consider renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai  and driving to Pai. Depending on how advance your motorbike skills, the journey could take anywhere from 3-6 hours. Renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai will cost around 150-250 baht plus petrol per day. It is recommended to splurge on renting a helmet and the added insurance as well, in case anything happens, you do not want to go home with a Thai motorbike injury aka a "Thai Tattoo."

Once you are in Pai, getting around is very easy. You can walk the town without much effort, but for exploring, you are going to need a motorbike. There is a plethora of motorbike rental shops lining the main street and they cost around 100-200 Baht plus petrol per day to rent. If you are traveling with a group, consider bargaining with the bike shop for a lower rate on the bikes.  

Resting the Nogan

There are several guest houses and hostels to choose from. If you are on a budget, the most recommended is Spicy Pai. They offer dorms (150 Baht) and private bungalows (400 Baht), and an absolutely stellar atmosphere. It is around a 10 minute walk from the town and is always filled during high season (October to February). The hostel has group outings and activities, which is nice especially if you are a solo traveller.

Several other guest houses include the Kanravee Guesthouse and Purple Monkey Pal, which have dorms and private bungalows ranging from 150-500 Baht. You can also find some places to camp just outside the small town.

Things to Do

The greatest part about Pai is that there is no check list of things to do. If you want to ride your motorbike through the rice terraces or eat food from the local Chinese Village, you can do it at your own pace. Some of the scenery highlights include the three local waterfalls: Mae Yen, Mo Paeng, and Pam Bok, which are all easy to get to, but do require some hiking. The night market is also great and has all the hippie gear you could ever buy, at very reasonable prices.

Eating is also a highlight in Pai. On the main street, there are several bungalow style restaurants serving everything from green curry to hamburgers. You should probably stick with the Thai food and trade in that Chiang Beer for a cup of local tea or coffee. If you have been partying in Bangkok or living it up during the Full Moon Festival, a cup of mountain green tea will refresh and detox you.

If you are thinking that Pai is the place to continue the party, you will be disappointed. The nightlife is much more tame in comparison to other Thai cities. This is the place to have one nice drink and then call it a night. Throughout the Main Street there are bars, but you will not find clubs or anything exotic going on. The bars often play light reggae music and are filled with comfy seating.

Where to go from here?

From Pai, it is highly recommended heading on a bus to Chiang Rai. It is a very scenic town, but also is a connection hub for travelling into Laos. Laos is a hidden jewel that is often missed with travellers, and has breathtaking scenery and a unique culture setting. You can also take a bus back to Chiang Mai and head for the beaches or connect to Cambodia or Myanmar. If you are looking for the Full Moon festival, make sure to check the dates and schedule your accommodation as early as possible.