{"id":9342,"date":"2021-06-10T11:36:41","date_gmt":"2021-06-10T11:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adventureinyou.com\/?p=9342"},"modified":"2021-06-15T21:42:32","modified_gmt":"2021-06-15T21:42:32","slug":"travel-guide-to-pai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adventureinyou.com\/thailand\/travel-guide-to-pai\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Travel Guide to Pai, Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you carry on reading, you should know that Pai is one of my favourite places in Thailand. There is just something about it that I can\u2019t shake off. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s the laid back infectious vibe that everyone has, the hammock outside almost every bungalow which overlooks the trees and fields, or just the fact that Tom and I spent a perfect couple of days there when we first met.<\/p>\n

Although there is no denying that it is slowly becoming very touristy. \u00a0However, in my opinion,\u00a0there is still something alluring about this place in Northern Thailand.\u00a0To me, falling in love with Pai is\u00a0well….as easy as pie! (sorry, I couldn’t help it!) Read this guide, head on over there and see for yourself!<\/p>\n

\"tom<\/p>\n

Falling in Love with Pai<\/h2>\n

Located in Northern Thailand, just three hours away from Chiang Mai is this laid back hippie town that is reminiscent of the good old days. Everywhere you go, you will see people, lounging around as they have mastered the art of doing nothing. Whether you sit in one of Pai\u2019s many cafes and restaurants or stay perched in your bungalow hammock, life in Pai is simple and laid back.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, you will find a strange mix of people who flock towards Pai. Those that are in search of a restful solace for a couple of nights, those that are looking to party and enjoy the hippie but very atmospheric vibe of Pai, and the seemingly endless Chinese tourists who take a million and one photos of themselves in every tourist spot.However, despite all of this, everyone that I have met that has been to this small quaint town absolutely loves it!<\/p>\n

\"pai<\/p>\n

How to Get to Pai<\/h2>\n

Many people head to Pai after spending a couple of days in Chaing Mai. From Bangkok, you would still need to take a bus to Chiang Mai and transfer on another one heading to Pai. From Chiang Mai, there are three options which you can take to reach Pai.<\/p>\n

For a more comprehensive guide, check out our: Travel Guide: How to Get from Chiang Mai to Pai<\/strong><\/a>. Be warned, this road from Chiang Mai to Pai has a total of 762 curves. Take motion sickness medicine regardless if you’re planning to take the bus or ride a bike! You can thank me later.<\/p>\n

Read: 10 Awesome Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"thailand<\/p>\n

Things to do in Pai, Thailand<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve had enough lazing around, finding things to do isn\u2019t difficult either as there is always something going on. Yoga retreats, piranha fishing (yes, you heard me!), trekking, or even partying the night away are just a few of the options for those that are looking to spend a couple of days here.<\/p>\n

In order to get around, renting a motorbike is definitely the best and cheapest way to see the place. If you are only learning how to drive, rent one with caution as some of the roads are unforgivable.<\/p>\n

Read: Incredibly Useful Tips when Renting a Motorbike in Thailand<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Watch the Sunset at Pai Canyon<\/h3>\n

Head up towards the Pai canyon where you can watch the sunset along with other travelers as it sets amidst this stunning canyon. The stillness of your surroundings, the quiet chatter of the people around you, and the treacherous 100ft drops of the canyon.<\/p>\n

You can walk along it and explore as long as you like, but be mindful that getting back to the entrance might be difficult to do in the dark so head back early before nightfall. During our visit there, we ended staying there longer than the rest of the crowd so we were lucky to enjoy the empty canyon as we took in the beauty of it all.<\/p>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Bring a few snacks and a few cold bottles of Chang and have an impromptu picnic as you watch the sunset. Trust us. It\u2019s the way to go!\"pai<\/p>\n

Head to the Waterfalls<\/h3>\n

The Mor Paeng Waterfall is one of the most popular destinations in Pai. It is often busy with both locals and tourists. Slide down the waterfalls or it in the shallow pools of water. It is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day! If you want to avoid the crowds, head there early or hike a bit further to the bottom of the waterfalls.<\/p>\n

Usually, there are fewer people willing to venture out that far. To those that are looking for a more adventurous hike, head on over to the Mae Yen Waterfall located deep in the forest jungles of Pai. The waterfalls is only accessible by foot and take around 3 hours to hike.<\/p>\n

Soak in the Hot Springs<\/h3>\n

Ironically, you can spend a couple of hours in Pai soaking in their \u201csecret hot springs\u201d. Here, you can find a shallow lagoon which is pretty much kept au natural.<\/p>\n

This is located a little bit further from town but only costs 20 Baht to enter plus another 20 Baht for the motorbike. Apart from this, there is another closer to town which charges around 200 Baht. The road leading to the further hot springs can be a bit trickier when driving!\"pai<\/p>\n

Play Tourist<\/h3>\n

Funny enough, located all over Pai are these overly tacky but highly entertaining spots to take photos. Remember those hoards of Chinese tourists I mentioned? Well, it seems that a lot of the attractions in Pai were designed just for them like the Coffee in Love place and the Pai See Tong Strawberry Farm. Our advice?<\/p>\n

Embrace it and take advantage of all the kitschy decorations. Oh, and do yourself a favor and order a strawberry milkshake while you\u2019re in the farm.\u00a0 They are divine!<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0Backpacker’s Guide: What to Pack for Thailand<\/a><\/strong>
\n\"pai<\/p>\n

Other Things to do While in Pai<\/h2>\n