Thailand

Pai is a charming small town in Mae Hong Son province, next to the Myanmar border in northern Thailand. It is located 112 km from the region's capital and 150 kilometers from Chiang Mai.

Surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Pai River, this town is a true paradise for nature lovers. It's a perfect tourist destination for trekking in the mountains and rejuvenating amidst magnificent landscapes of lush nature and clean air.

Ideal for partying, Pai is also a relaxed and vibrant nightlife destination. When night falls, the streets come alive with bustling crowds. Street vendors abound, food is plentiful, bars fill up quickly, and music is, of course, on offer!

History

Pai was established 800 years ago by Shan migrants from northern Burma. Originally located 3 km from its current location, it remained isolated from Thai civilization and the northern kingdom, particularly that of Lanna.

Pai's isolation ended between the 14th and 15th centuries, when Lanna kingdom settlers took control of the town. The inhabitants revolted in 1481, but Lanna continued to settle there and eventually established their authority while allowing the Shans to remain on their land.

In the 19th century, the road connecting to Chiang Mai was constructed, and other Siamese populations began to arrive.

During World War II, the Japanese developed the town with their infrastructure, but Pai only began to thrive towards the end of the war.

Pai today

Today, Pai has a reputation as a festive town and backpacker hub. Indeed, numerous backpackers can be seen stopping by and enlivening the streets at nightfall. Bars and nightclubs play music late into the night. The nightly market that takes place in the town's streets welcomes visitors and locals alike in a festive atmosphere. Nevertheless, Pai has managed to maintain its peaceful and laid-back character, which is well-loved by many.

The town remains fertile thanks to the Pai River. However, the activities of its residents are no longer limited to agriculture (rice cultivation, lychees, cotton, etc.). They have expanded with the growth of tourism in recent years.

Exploring the town

Given its tourist appeal, the town offers several attractive activities and various sites to discover.

Visit the temples

Don't hesitate to visit the temples to learn about their fascinating history and the culture of the town. While exploring the town and its surroundings, you can visit Wat Klang, Wat Nam Hu, Chédi Phra That Mae Yen, Wat Sri Don Shai, and more.

Embrace nature

Nature is both abundant and easily accessible in Pai. Rent a scooter or hire a private driver to explore the surrounding areas. Its lush nature, composed of hills, rice fields, canyons, and jungles, will not disappoint.

To enjoy its benefits, don't hesitate to visit Split Land, Pai's hot springs, Sai Ngam, Pam Bok, and Mo Paeng waterfalls, Mae Yen waterfall, Pai Canyon, Lod Cave, Piranha fishing park, and Thom's Pai Elephant Camp.

The Pai Memorial Bridge is also a must-visit spot to admire the beauty of the landscape while soaking in a bit of the town's history.

City life

In the evening, the town has several nice places to go out for a drink, eat, and listen to live music.

Its nightly market is held every evening on the pedestrian street. Don't miss the opportunity to find handicrafts, artwork, souvenirs, and especially to discover the local cuisine. However, nights can be rather chilly in the dry season. Bring a sweater and a jacket.

Thoughtfully designed for your well-being, the town offers many yoga classes, Reiki sessions, massages, and other relaxation activities.

Visiting the town during festive periods is also fun and enriching. Especially during Loy Kra Tong, the fireworks festival, Kin Wo, the Thai New Year, and the rocket festival.

Climate

Pai has a tropical savanna climate. Heat dominates throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of 23.7 °C, but summers are rainy, and winters are rather dry.

The average annual precipitation is 1,716.2 mm. In July, the wettest month, rainfall averages 343 mm. However, rains are rare in winter, and in the driest month, February, they average only 2.7 mm.

Winter is mild, and the temperature is always pleasant in Pai, ranging from an average of 19°C to 28.3°C. To fully enjoy the beautiful weather, it's best to visit the town in the winter. It's advisable to plan your visit between November and April.

How to get to Pai?

To get to Pai, it's best to first go to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Located just 150 km away, it has all the necessary transportation options to connect the two towns. You can choose between a plane, bus, minivan, taxi, or scooter to fully enjoy the beautiful road.

Buses and mini-vans can be found at the Chang Puak bus station in Chiang Mai. Departures are every two hours for buses and approximately every thirty minutes for mini-vans. Note that if you are there for a connecting journey, it's best to buy your transportation ticket once you are there. The journey between the two towns takes three to four hours.

Getting around the town

You can easily explore the center of Pai on foot to discover all its shops, local restaurants, and massage centers. If you wish to leave the town and explore its surroundings, we recommend renting a scooter or hiring a taxi or motorcycle taxi.

Bicycling can be an option for the sporty. The town is surrounded by mountains, so don't be afraid of the uphill climbs.

Thanks to its friendliness, unique atmosphere, and beauty, Pai is a popular destination for travelers, yogis, partygoers, and trekkers.