Buzz
Unlike the crowded hustle of Bangkok or the busy weekends of Chiang Mai, Pai embodies a simple, serene charm. A day in Pai could be likened to a year with its seasons reversed: chilly autumn mornings, scorching hot summer noons, warm and cozy spring evenings, and frosty winter nights.
1. Transportation
From Chiang Mai, I booked a ride to Pai for 200 Baht. You can book it anywhere with a sign saying “Bus to Pai”. I booked it right at the guest house, and when it was time, a Songthaew arrived to take us to the meeting point, where we then boarded a Van to continue our journey.
It's advised not to tackle this route by road; hopping on a plane to Pai would be far more convenient, a sincere recommendation. With about 120 kilometers from Chiang Mai to Pai, and a staggering 762 hairpin bends along the way, you'd be tempted to throw away all your belongings. Due to these numerous twists and turns, the journey by van takes about 4 hours (including a 30-minute rest stop), as speeding too much would make the driver's hands tremble.
2. Pai – The town that time forgets
I arrived in Pai at the beginning of February, as Pai gracefully transitioned into spring. The trees adorned in golden leaves, reminiscent of autumnal scenes in Pai's forested areas. Initially, I anticipated Pai to be scorching hot, with temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius at midday. However, the coldness of the nights and mornings, with temperatures dropping to around 16 degrees Celsius, made me want to snuggle up.
The center of Pai must be tiny, the night market surely covers it all in a bit. But once you set foot here, you'll feel mesmerized, everything exudes a serene charm. Neither bustling like Bangkok nor crowded like Chiang Mai on weekends, Pai embraces a simple, rustic beauty, genuine and peaceful.
Even the bar plays soft chill music, everyone living at a slower pace. Even the dogs lazily sprawled along the streets, completely carefree. In many corners, I found Pai tranquil like Japan in the movies: with single-story houses nestled closely together, occasionally interspersed with charming wooden cottages.
In the evening, it's a good idea to visit Ton & Kung Buffet – a Thai hotpot and grill spot near the night market on Wiang Tai Street, offering a buffet for only 159 Baht per person starting from 6 PM. It's cheap but the quality is surprisingly good: tender meat, a variety of hotpot ingredients, noodles, fruits, and even ice cream. Grilling on top while enjoying hotpot below, it's unbelievably delicious.
Furthermore, the night market offers a wide variety of international cuisines if you're a buffet enthusiast. Remember to try dishes like fragrant strawberry waffles, authentic Japanese ramen, mini pizzas, tacos, Gyoza, mixed berries, and more. The food at Pai's night market is like taking a culinary trip around the world, with mostly European-style dishes and few local specialties, though nothing particularly outstanding.
3. Accommodation
I booked a fan room for 420 Baht per night at Pai Klang Vieng (in Thai, Klang Vieng means 'located in the center'), and it's incredibly convenient as it's just steps away from Pai's central area, with the night market just a few strides away. This place is also really thoughtful; during my two-night stay, on the second day, I found them hanging two bottles of water and toilet paper outside my room. Most other guesthouses only offer a welcome drink on the first day and then neglect their guests for the rest of their stay, even if it's three days like when I stayed in Chiang Mai.
4. Points of Interest and Transportation
When visiting Pai, you can either join a half-day tour for 300 Baht or a full-day tour for 500 Baht to visit popular check-in spots. Otherwise, just rent a bike like I did because Pai is pretty small, and these places aren't too far. You can rent a bike at AYA service for around 100-150 Baht per day. Avoid renting from places outside, as they are both expensive and charge hefty late fees (250 Baht per day and 40 Baht per hour over).
If you're renting a bike, make sure to mark Pai police station on Google Maps and steer clear of that road or area! As soon as they spot a tourist, they'll pull you over and demand to see your international driving license. Failure to produce one will result in a fine of 400 Baht on the spot. The police only operate around the station area; they don't venture elsewhere.
Popular spots people often visit for photo ops in Pai include:
The White Buddha (@mo.hulst)
Sai Ngam Hot Spring (@nathaliewagemaker)
Yun Lai Viewpoint (@lovely_kitten_jin)
Mor Paeng Waterfall (@fien.depaepe)
Pai Canyon is a wonderful spot to admire the sunset (@nicomartinezduran)
Lod Cave (@dialoner)
Bamboo Bridge (@jacys.world)
Coffee in Love & I Am Pai (@hn.nhatha)
4. Detailed Information:
-From Chiang Mai, book a ride to Pai at a place with the sign “Bus to Pai”: 200 Baht. It's advisable to fly for those prone to motion sickness.
-Fan room: 420 Baht/1 night at Pai Klang Vieng (extremely close to Pai's central area with the night market)
-Tour to visit famous check-in spots:
Half-day tour 300 Baht
Full-day tour 500 Baht
-Rent a bike like I did because Pai is quite small. Rent from AYA service for around 100 – 150 Baht per day. Avoid renting from places outside, as they are both expensive and charge hefty late fees (250 Baht per day and 40 Baht per hour over).
5. Conclusion:
I spent 2 days in Pai, with one day dedicated to the mysterious Ban Rak Thai near the Myanmar border. Stay tuned for the next part if you want to explore this area further. See you soon, folks!
Source: Foodholicvn
Compiled by: Lys Võ
Posted by: Vanessa Vu
Keywords: Exploring the serene town of Pai - where time stands still (2D2N)
