After spending a week in Chiang Mai (read my Chiang Mai Guide here),
The Road to Pai:
As our van started zipped around the 760-plus curves that it takes to drive to Pai from Chiang Mai, I was worried that I wouldn’t make it without getting sick. I’m proud to say no barf bags were used on this ride. But I learned my lesson. The next time I boarded the van I was armed with
For the love of everything that is good and holy, listen to my advice and TAKE A DRAMAMINE BEFORE YOU GET IN THIS VAN.
THINGS TO NOTE: Tickets can be bought from the Chiang Mai bus station for a minivan that will take you the whole way. They leave every hour and cost 150 baht ($4-$5).
Where to Stay:
Pai Country Hut
Surrounded by tropical greenery, this down-to-earth bungalow hotel right off of
What to Eat and Drink:
Om Garden Cafe
This place has an amazing breakfast (yogurt, fruit and homemade muesli for 80B ($2.50.) I love the vibe it’s the perfect spot to read a book, work a bit from your laptop, or share breakfast with friends.
Earth Tone
If there is one place you HAVE to eat at in Pai it’s Earth Tone. Earth Tone is a vegan/vegetarian cafe that will have you enjoying every delicious bite. When
Art in Chai
Located along a quiet lane a few minutes from the main street, this cafe serves up tasty drinks and healthy bites in a homey environment. It’s a great place to read, write, and relax. They have live music on the weekends.
Charlie and Lek’s
We ate here two nights during our trip to Pai. The food is incredible. Great variety of Thai dishes for 50-100 baht ($1.50-$3.) I got the Khao Soi, Thai iced tea, and mango sticky rice for dessert. After thailand mango sticky rice is now my all-time favorite dessert.
Lemon & Thyme
Eggs Benedict, baguettes, and avocado toast. Lemon Thyme specializes in a breakfast and brunch menu. One of the coolest things about this place is the attached pool. If you buy a meal you can swim for free!
What to Do:
Funny Story… One morning
THINGS TO NOTE: The tour was by Pai Let’s Go and cost around 500 baht ($15). This included transportation, all of the park entry fees, and lunch. Which was a crazy good
Tour Lod Caves
Located about 45 kilometers toward Mae Hong Son there is a beautiful cave called Tham Lod. I suggest taking a van or local took-took. To visit the cave, you have to pay for a raft; this raft can take three people at a time. It’s about 6 dollars a raft unless you have already paid through a tour company such as Pai Let’s Go.
Watch the Sunset at Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is a popular place to watch the sunset. We went twice, once for a hike mid-day and later in the week, to watch the sunset. I ended up sketching this Shiva for
Things to Note: prepare for hot temps. Make sure to bring a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses.
Pai Walking Street
Most of our evenings were spent strolling through the night market before turning in early — we were exhausted from all the go-go-going. The night market and walking street was the perfect low key entertainment option.
Swim at Mor Pang Waterfall
On a hot day, this is the perfect place to cool off. You can slide down the waterfall or relax in one of the natural pools.
Visit the Bamboo Bridge
The bamboo bridge is about a 30-minute drive outside of Pai. Its pathway goes over the rice paddies and through the farmlands surrounded by flowers. During and after the wet season, the land is a beautiful, vibrant green.
Things to Note: If you decide to take a scooter, be wary. Some of the hills are pretty treacherous on a bike.