Pai
Thailand

This page will tell you why you should stop by Pai, and sums up where to sleep and shop, where to eat and party, and what to see and do in this hippy and cool town!

But Pai is not just all about party party...

The hills and scenery around Pai is all for you to explore and enjoy ...

Where to sleep

Here are a few of many choices. I spent the nights at Shan Guesthouse. I told the driver to take me to Sun Hut, but I ended up at Shan`s. I was lucky to end up there though.

The other guesthouses on this list are guesthouses mentioned by fellow travellers.

View inside Shan GH area

Shan Guesthouse

Price per night: 300 Baht (Oct/Nov 2007)

It`s in a quiet spot and the bungalows are spacious with attached bathroom, hot showers and TV. Everything you need!

The only thing I can come up with is that they have thin blankets, and it can get very cold at nights -- that's just how the climate is in Northern Thailad.

So bring a sweater if you're coming to Pai.

Where: On Th Rangsiyanon -- the entrance is half a minute after you see the Pai welcome-sign.

Phone: 053.699162

Other accommodations in Pai, Thailand

Family Hut Bungalows -- north of the river Phone: 0810.280843

Pai River Lodge on Th Wangtai

Mr. Jan`s behind Th Charongkham.
It's located near Jazz Up Cafe. Phone: 053.699554

Pai in the Sky Guest House. Phone: 053.698145

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Where to eat and relax

You can get dishes from all over the world in Pai; Thai, Mexican, French, Indian, German and much more!

But don't expect that the Western food tastes or looks the same way as it does at home. I mean, almost every restaurant in Pai has pizas on their menu, and most of them served only cardboard-pizzas.

Ban Benjarong is popular because of its Thai dishes, and offers a spectacular view of Pai`s nature while eating.

There is a family-owned restaurant by the entry to Shan Guesthouse. They serve cheap Thai dishes.

I tried a delicious soup with white noodles, shrimp scampi, fish balls, beef, pork and green vegetables (around 15-20 B).

What`s a Pad Thai...

It`s a noddle dish with bean sprouts, garlic, eggs, tofu, shallot, sugar, fish sauce, chilli pepper, tamarind and Chinese chives. For those who want meat, you can get a Pad Thai with chicken, pork, shrimps etc.

When it`s ready, you can sprinkle it with raw bean sprouts and crushed peanuts -- something that will likely make you drool! I also like some lime juice in it.

In the evenings, Rangsiyanon Rd and Th Charongkham are full of food stalls and vendors. Here you can get super cheap yummy banana pancakes (or other types of pancakes -- 5-10 B) and Pad Thais.

Other stalls sell barbequed chicken, fresh fruit, fresh juices, shakes and so on.

All about coffee (on Charongkham Road) also serves luscious salads and sandwiches in their teak wood house. Inside you`ll see a gallery of paintings and drawings. I went there every lunch because of the relaxing atmosphere.

A new coffee shop opened when I was in Pai during november 2007. I don`t remember the name, but it`s on Charongkham Road, on the opposite side of All About Coffee. They serve great coffees, sell t-shirts and other fun stuff.

The Sanctuary on Th Wangtai, near the school. The Sanctuary is known for serving excellent bakery goods, shakes and juices using organic produce.

Eat cheap Indian food made by an Indian-Thai couple on Charongkham Rd. You have to pass the rental bike shops to get there.

So, why should I try street food?

I prefer street food because it`s cheap and authentic!

Authentic food...?

There are no clear general definitions on what makes food authentic. It`s up to each individual person if they think a dish is authentic or not...

But my definition of authentic food is that a dish, like Thai street food, has been prepared in a traditional way and used traditional Thai ingredients in the flavoring. And also the eating surroundings -- I get a more authentic idea of the food if I`m eating it at a food stall than a high-class Western restaurant.

But this is just me.. It`s up to you to decide!

There is a restaurant on Th Charongkham Rd where you can get Mexican quesadillas (they have of course other stuff on the menu).

They provide private "cinema" rooms where you can watch a movie while eating on Thai cushions (you choose the movie). It's the perfect place to be if you're tired of partying too much!

Happy Internet Cafe on Th Ratchadamnoen. Internet access (Skype as well) and oversea calls. They serve different types of coffee, tea and cakes while you`re
e-mailing!

If it`s a full house when you get there, there`s another internet cafe next to it. Otherwise, there are several other internet cafes scattered around Pai.

The morning market can offer very cheap breakfast. Like a rice soup costs 5 B! And the coffee they serve isn't that bad. The coffee in Laos is much worse.

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Where to party

Fire shows at Ting Tong

Here are the popular ones:

Bebop on Th Rangsiyanon

A bar where both Thais and travellers hang out, dance, play pool and listen to live jazz, blues, RnB & reggae music.

I loved the wild atmosphere, and NO dress codes here!

Ting Tong

An outdoor bar on Th Ratchamnoen. There are flame shows at night (even the audience can try this). But handling the flames can be hard. One guy tried it and had to stop cause the flames came in touch with his balls.. Ouch!

On top of the flame shows, you can dance under the stars or play in their small out-door basketball court. You can be part of the crazy atmosphere!!

Other party places:

Mellow Yellow is a cool bar and a restaurant. You can relax in one of their hammocks and listen to mostly electronic music!

Fubar is a place where Thai and travellers get together to dance, drink and play free pool.

Where: It`s near the swimming pool.

Bamboo Bar is next to the Pai river. People usually go here after they`ve danced all night.

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Where to shop

Day-time

There are several shops on Th Charongkham and Rangsiyanon Rd. Here you can get cool Pai t-shirts, postcards and buttons.

Hilltribe products can be found at Jaymee Shop.

And some shops on Th Charongkham (opposite of All About Coffee) have mail boxes where you can mail your postcards. Otherwise, you have the day market on Th Khetkelang. Here you can get fruit, vegetables and some meat as well.

Evening market

The streets of Th Charongkham and Rangsiyanon Rd are packed with sellers who sell everything from souvenirs, clothing, shoes (even fluffy Indian-looka like boots) colourful scarves, cool money belts and you name it.

Siam Used Books on Rangsiyanon Rd have second-hand books.

7-11 on Rangsiyanon Rd.

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Activities in Pai

It also includes recreation and tattoo.

Here's what to do in Pai Thailand

You`re done with Pai Thailand, where do you want to go next?

Read about Luang Prabang.

Going (back) to Chiang Mai?

Return from Pai Thailand to Backpacking Tips Asia.