Pai

Introduction

Pai is an unexpected find in a remote mountain valley. Twenty years ago the town of Pai used to be a few dirt roads and shops, as tourists soon discovered the natural beauty of the Pai River and it’s surrounding valley, businesses and development followed not long after and it turned into the little backpacker settlement that it is today. Popular amongst hippy and artistic types both Thai and foreign alike, the feel is very much new age.
This small town is filled with bohemian style cafes, restaurants, bookstores and guesthouses. During high season in the months of October until February, the nightlife comes alive and the tunes of Bob Marley can always be heard, during the day visitors take advantage of the hot spring, rafting and trekking opportunities in the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Sights and Activities

• Pai Hot Springs

Located 8km southeast of the town are Pai Hot Springs. You can enter for free, but if you want to take a dip its 50bt.
A stream flows through the park and mixes with the hot spring so the temperature of the water is comfortable.
There are also small public bathing houses.

• Wat Phra That Mae Yen

This temple sits on a hilltop offering good views of the Pai valley below. There is a 400m sealed road that leads to the top. You can walk to it bu heading 1km east of the main intersection in town, across a stream, village then the 353 stairs to the top.

• Trekking and Rafting

One of the most popular activities in Pai.
Established local agencies are
Back Trax (053 699739) and Duang Trekking (by Duang Guesthouse)

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Plane

By Car

By Bus

From Chiang Mai, buses leave 5 times daily.
Fan approx 80bt, Air-con approx 150bt
Journey time is 3-4 hrs through steep windy mountainous roads

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

Pai town is easily accessible on foot. To get to the surrounds bicycles or motorbikes can be hired.
Bicycles approx 80bt/day Motorbikes range from 100-500bt depending on size and make.

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

• Golden Hut

Tel: 053 699949
50-500bt
Has thatched huts on stilts, dorm beds and double rooms

• Shan Guesthouse

Tel: 053 699162
100-300bt
Central location for nightlife

• Charlies House

Tel: 053 69039
100-600b
Very clean, cheap and in the centre of town. Rooms are simple

• Mr Jan's Bungalows

Tel: 053 699554
200bt +
Plain and dark rooms set in a medicinal herb garden

• Duang Guesthouse

Tel: 053 699101
200-500bt
Right in the centre of town in an old 2 storey building that has rooms and bungalows

Mid-Range

• Blue Lagoon Hotel

Tel: 053 699 998
Motel-like rooms, little character but has a decent sized pool, restaurant, bar with big screen to watch movies

• Rim Pai Cottage

Tel: 053 699133
www.rimpaicottage.com
Has dark wood bungalows set in a lovely garden.

Upscale

• Pai River Corner

Tel: 053 699049
www.pairivercorner.com
3,000-6,000bt
Exquisite rooms with design you would expect at this price. All rooms have river facing balconies, some have lounges and an interior spa pool.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Thailand Post is the Thai postal service that deals with all local and international mail in Thailand. The business is operated from local post offices. Post offices are easy to recognise with their red white and blue motifs and the words 'Thailand Post' in English and Thai above the entrance. They are open from Monday to Saturday, usually 8:30am to 4:30pm (main ones until around 8:00pm), though keeping shorter hours on Saturdays (usually until 1:00pm). They are generally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Each post office offers a comprehensive service which includes an Express Mail Service (EMS) and parcel post. They also have a price calculator for letters, postcards and parcels, both domestically as well as internationally. They also have a track and trace system and money transfer services.