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Posted by on Aug 8, 2013 in Countries, Thailand | 5 comments

Things to do in Pai – Thailand

Things to do in Pai – Thailand

There are lots of amazing Things to do in Pai – Thailand for less than 15$. You’ll be impressed by the variety of activities and options  this tiny little city has to offer.

When I first arrived to Pai I wanted to stay closer to the nature, so I ended up staying at a hostel that had really high ratings in hostelworld and tripadvisor, the Spicy Pai.

Unfortunately this place turned out to be a serious source of stress and problems and after 2 days I left, and asked for my money back. I moved to another place, Family Huts, 2 minutes walk from the center of the city, located in the nature and near the river Pai. I had a whole Hut for myself for 100thb! A great atmosphere, great people! I totally recommend it!

This is when fun started and I could start exploring for Things to do in Pai – Thailand!

 

 Eco friendly activities – TOP Things to do in Pai

 

Explore the nature around Pai on a motorcycle!

 

You can walk everywhere within Pai, it’s really tiny, but if you want to explore the surroundings and the nature, then get yourself a motorcycle and go!

 

Photo: Denis Jarvis CC License

They cost 100thb for 24hs, a great price, specially if you split it with a buddy like we did! There are so many things to do in Pai and the near by areas, that a motorcycle will give you the freedom you need to move around..

 

Explore the cafes and restaurants in Pai.

 

Things to do in Pai - Thailand

A cafe in Pai

 

Things to do in Pai - Thailand

Pai is falling in love!

 

Pai is so beautiful and colorful!It’s a delight to walk around in the little city, explore the little cafes. I think Pai is the prettiest place I’ve ever been to!

 

Train some Thai boxing / Muay Thai in Pai.

 

Things to do in Pai - Thailand

Train some Thai Boxing in Pai

Yes! Pai has a Muay Thai Academy where you can train! If you’re into training Muay Thai, but don’t want to stay in a big city, you can do it in Pai. I actually met a guy who travels to Thailand once a year and trains in Pai. He said life quality is best there, prices are low and it’s a paradise for a long term stay.

 

Dancing, relaxing or getting a Tattoo in Pai

 

There are plenty of bars in Pai, they’re not clubs or wild discos, but nice little bars with either live music, a DJ or someone jamming at night. You can dance to all styles of music, from Jazz, to electronic, reggae and even punk rock!

I have to admit I rarely saw a little city offering so much variety, but… as in most of Thailand, Reggae is the king here!

 

Things to do in Pai - Thailand

So many things to do in Pai

 

There are also a lot of Tattoo art studios and this might be the cheapest place in Thailand to do them.
Most artists are extremely talented and qualified. The studios are spotless clean and the needles are all new.

I actually wanted to do a traditional Thai tattoo, but I had no idea, Pai would have been the best and the cheapest place to get one.

 

Explore the Canyons of Pai!

Photo credits: Paiexplorer

 

Get the motorcycle and explore the amazing canyons on the outskirts of Pai. There’s no entrance fee and you can walk around the amazing formations for as long as you want.

Take the camera with you!

 

Waterfalls around Pai

Pai has no beach, but on the other hand Pai has a lot of amazing waterfalls nearby!

Some of them are deserted and you can be there by yourself and your friends without being interrupted by a crow of Japanese tourists with their cameras!

 

Things to do in Pai - Thailand

The beautiful waterfalls around Pai

 

There are 4 waterfalls in Pai. Some more accessible than others. If you’re into hiking, you can get to the ones in the middle of the jungle.

We went to the most accessible one, near the canyon and there was no body there, but us!

The water is fresh but not freezing and it’s crystal clear!

 

Pai offers great Thai massage

 

There are many massage parlors in Pai.

Photo: Tara Angkor hotel

 

It’s a bit more expensive than Chiang Mai, but still extremely cheap for western patterns. The massage shops are very clean and pleasant.

Some of the masseuse are trained in Chiang Mai, which is good.

 

Cooking classes while in Pai.

 

You won’t have market tours like in Chiang Mai, but still… taking a cooking class will probably be one of the most fun activities around.

Although Thailand is a meat eating country, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian options on the school menu and by the end of the class, you get to eat your dish.

 

Photo: Connie Ma CC LIcense

 

Traveling is all about experiencing and experimenting new things, and new foods are always on the top of my list. Learning how to cook a traditional dish is a skill you can take home with.

 

 

All in all I loved Pai and looking back I think this is one of the most magical little spots in the whole country!

There very hippy vibe, almost makes you believe you’re back in time, in the 60’s! I met amazing people there and had a really good time. Pai will always stay in my memory as my favorite place in Thailand!

 

ECOTOURISM RESORTS  AND ECO FRIENDLY HOTELS

I find that booking online has great advantages. I don’t have to risk not having a room at a specific hostel / hotel and don’t need to walk around asking prices. Agoda seems to be the most famous  and cheapest on line booking in Asia, and that’s the service I personally use. These are 3 excellent eco-friendly options in Pai.

BUDGET HOTEL PAI

AMY’S EARTH HOUSE

Amy has a guesthouse with Earth Houses just outside Pai with beautiful views over the valley. It’s open to guests who love to stay close to nature, surrounded by local culture and mountain views.

 

 

Mind you, you will not be inside Pai, you’ll have to rent a bike (approx. 10 minutes, 4 km from town) or use other means of transportation to get to and from Pai. However, you will be away from the beaten track and be surrounded by the beauty of Pai valley. We have have free WiFi, billiards, restaurant.  This is one of the best rated budget hotels in Pai.

For the cheapest rates, book online with AGODA HERE

 

PURA VIDA PAI RESORT

 

Offering guests an experience in beautifully furnished Thai-style rooms, Pura Vida features landscaped gardens in what used to be an orange orchard. It offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. Free pick-up and drop-off service from Pai Airport, Pai Bus Station and Aya Service Minivan Stop.

 

 

Pura Vida Pai Resort is 4 km from Pai’s town centre and a 10-minute drive from Pai Airport. It is about a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai. Guests can order delicious Thai meals from Pai’s finest restaurants, delivered to the resort’s lobby. For the lowest prices, book online with AGODA HERE

 

LUXURY HOTEL AND RESORT PAI

 THE OIA PAI RESORT

 

Featuring Mediterranean architecture, The Oia Pai Resort & Spa offers eco-friendly accommodation with free Wi-Fi. Free shuttles go to Pai Walking Street, Pratad Mae Yen temple, Pai Airport and the local fruit factory. Guests can also enjoy kayaking.

Uniquely designed, modern air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar and personal safe. Some rooms have a sofa and balcony. En suite bathrooms come with either a bathtub or shower.

 

Surrounded by a man-made saltwater lake, The Oia Pai Resort & Spa provides free bicycle rentals. Guests can visit the spa for a relaxing massage or arrange a day trip at the tour desk.

Light meals and drinks can be enjoyed at the snack bar, accompanied by the beautiful scenery of Pai. Book it online for the lowest rates with AGODA HERE

 

 

Do you need more info about Pai? Here’s the official Tourism website for Pai – Thailand.

5 Comments

  1. We are currently in Pai and loving it!! Such a cool place

    • Pai is a very special place, probably one of the top gems in the whole country! Enjoy and have fun!

  2. Thanks for the tips.
    we are now in the Referie Siam Resort. This place is the best!!! So incredible nice food and the staff is mega friendly!

    Cheers!

  3. Hey, I’m looking at taking a trip to Pai during my stay in Chiang Mai in April and a few people recommended the Spicypai Backpackers hostel. What was it that you didn’t like about it !? x

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