Buzz
Anyone who has visited Pai would surely agree that this lovely little town in Mae Hong Son, located in northern Thailand, is unbelievably beautiful. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and you can unwind in the quaint cafés by the roadside. Isn’t that what paradise feels like?
There’s a paradise called Pai in Thailand
While Bangkok is loud and bustling, Pai is charming, gentle, and wonderfully peaceful. That’s why tourists often call it the 'True Paradise of Thailand.'
How to Get to Pai
Pai is a small town in Mae Hong Son province, located in northern Thailand. From Chiang Mai, it takes about a 3-hour bus ride to reach Pai, passing through 762 winding mountain bends with picturesque, romantic hill-country scenery along the way.
You can easily travel to Pai from Ho Chi Minh City as well. The recommended budget airlines for this route are Nok Air and Air Asia, both offering affordable fares. If you have a bit more to spend, you can also consider booking a flight with VietJet Air to Chiang Mai for added convenience.
You can take a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai with VietJet Air
A one-way ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai with VietJet Air costs just 97 USD. If you break it down, the ticket itself (before taxes and fees) is about 700,000 VND. That’s incredibly affordable for an international flight to Thailand! You can also compare flight prices from other airlines on the booking platform Mytour.vn.
To get from Chiang Mai to Pai, you can fly, but Kan Air is the only airline offering this route. The ticket is quite expensive, costing around 100 USD for a short journey, which is why few people opt for this option.
Alternatively, many people prefer taking the bus. From Chiang Mai, you can take a taxi to the Arcade Bus Station to catch a bus to Pai. Buses run every hour from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily, with fares ranging from 150-250 Baht.
Where to stay when you stop by Pai?
Once you have your flight ticket to Pai, it's time to find the perfect hotel for your stay.
Many say that when in Pai, you absolutely must experience staying in one of the charming bungalows along the river. The Pai River is incredibly beautiful, romantic, and peaceful, making it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. During the off-peak season, bungalow room rates typically start at 200 Baht or more.
Immerse yourself in nature with the stunning hostels in Pai
The most affordable option is Family’s Hut bungalow. The price is 200 Baht per bungalow, which includes two beds and an attached bathroom. During peak season, prices can double or even triple, so if you plan to visit during this time, make sure to book your room early to secure the best price.
If you’re looking for a great view at a good price, consider staying at Baan Riverside Resort. This resort receives high ratings from many travelers. It’s located right by the river, offering a relaxing space with a large balcony perfect for enjoying a beer with friends or simply watching the stunning sunset over the Pai River. The resort also features swings and charming white furniture.
Don't forget to book early to avoid price hikes
Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a hostel or dorm room. Dorms in Pai are quite diverse, with prices ranging from 80 to 200 Baht during the off-peak season. Based on reviews, the top 3 hostels with the best dorms, lively atmosphere, and great service are Common Ground, Spicy Pai, and Circus School.
Immerse Yourself in the Paradise of Pai
No frills, no noise or rush, Pai is wonderfully peaceful and serene. Its tranquility comes from the roads lined with vibrant wild sunflowers in November, the cool, romantic air, and the small, cozy guesthouses scattered around.
Pai is incredibly peaceful
The simplest way to explore Pai is to rent a motorbike, which costs only 150-200 Baht per day. This way, you can freely roam and discover the beauty of Pai.
If you’re looking for a spot to admire Pai from above and watch the sunrise, Pai Canyon is a perfect choice. However, it’s best to go around 4 PM, as the sunset at that time is more breathtaking than any other moment of the day.
Relax to your heart’s content at Pai’s hot springs
Take some time to soak in the hot springs. Tha Pai is a well-known hot spring in Pai, but entry costs 200 Baht per person. Additionally, there’s another beautiful hot spring on the way from Pai town to Pai Canyon. Look to the right side of the road for a sign that says 'Hot Spring,' and follow the path to reach the spring.
Located 147 km from Pai, Pang Ung Lake is one of the most picturesque tourist spots. If you have time and arrive early in the morning, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos as the mist rises over the lake.
Just a short 20-minute motorbike ride away, you’ll find the Chinese Village’s Viewpoint – a village full of Chinese-inspired architecture. The serene, breathtaking scenery here will make you want to stay forever.
Pai is home to a very popular café. Nearly every visitor to Pai wants to sit at this café and take in the stunning view of Pai Valley. When you visit Pai and enjoy its café culture, you’ll realize the unique aesthetic taste of the locals.
When it comes to waterfalls in Pai, the Mae Yen Waterfall, Mo Paeng Waterfall, and Pam Bok Waterfall are considered the three most beautiful and famous. Tourists visiting these sites not only get to immerse themselves in nature and explore the diverse flora but can also enjoy a variety of exciting adventurous activities.
Pai is as gently beautiful as Hoi An in Vietnam
Nestled among the hills, Pai Valley is softly embraced by the small, clear stream of Pai River. The day in Pai starts late. As the morning breaks, a thick fog envelops the town, making Pai look enchantingly mystical. The afternoon sun is bright but gentle, like the early morning light. Many tourists enjoy spending the afternoon bamboo rafting near the Memorial Bridge, then heading to Pai Canyon to watch the sunset, with the distant mountains lush with green forests. Afterward, they visit charming roadside cafés, sipping hot coffee while taking in the cool twilight air in this magical place.
Let’s explore Pai’s culinary paradise
When you visit Pai, Thailand, you absolutely cannot miss the local flavors of this beautiful region, especially in Pai town. Pai boasts a wide variety of delicious dishes, each bursting with flavor, including must-try specialties like Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Thai hot pot, Thai milk tea, red and green curry, and mango sticky rice. Additionally, there are plenty of mouthwatering drinks, such as smoothies, all at very affordable prices.
In Pai, make sure to indulge in the amazing food offerings here
Here are some popular and famous restaurants in Pai to check out:
+ Art in Chai: A restaurant primarily serving famous cakes.
+ Burger House: Specializes in a variety of Hamburgers, offering up to 12 different flavors.
+ Charlie & Lek’s: Known for their vegetable-based dishes.
+ Chew Xin Jai: Famous for its delicious dishes combining Chinese and Thai flavors.
+ Lan Nong Nueng Thai: An affordable and tasty restaurant, perfect for travelers on a budget exploring Pai.
Pai is just like that. Simple and charming, Pai is peaceful and unpretentious, yet captivating. It's not loud, but it easily steals your heart... Pai is a place to visit, Pai is a place to love! If you haven't been to Pai yet, why not give it a try and experience it for yourself?
T. Year, 14/07/2022 14:20
