What to do
in Pai Thailand
"Activities and Shopping in Pai"
"What to do in Pai Thailand" was last updated on Nov 22, 2011
All information below is subject to change
Wondering about what to do in Pai Thailand?
The best and cheapest thing to do is to rent a moped (80-100B per day)
from e.g. Aya Service on
Th Charongkham and
drive outside town to explore the scenery by yourself.
Make your way to the waterfalls, hot springs, rice patties or caves.
Another option is to just drive and stumble across small villages and meet friendly locals.
Maybe you'll find your very own
hot spring or something like that.
It's easy to navigate in the area, and the chances of getting lost are minimal. If you still get lost, stop by a village and ask for directions.
Lack of communication might be a problem though.
Aya Services in Pai Thailand
However, make sure you start early so you won't need to drive in the dark (makes it almost impossible to find your way back),
and watch out for the rocky and dusty roads. And tell at least one person where you`re heading, in case you go missing!
Note: Be careful when driving a
moped!
Don't think accidents won't happen to you! They happen frequently, and
it happened to me. I was told at the hospital that dozens of Thai people come in EVERY day. I came to the hospital for wound check
11 days in a row, and I witnessed this myself. For the damages, I had to pay 1500 B for scratching the moped.
If you do get in an accident, get to Pai hospital which is a 10-15 minute walk from downtown Pai. Even better, get someone to drive you!
It's not the cleanest hospital I've seen, but it's good enough. The staff knew what they were doing when they stitched me up.
Another thing:
I can personally tell you that I will not underestimate mopeds again
after a wild incident in Pai.
When we hired a moped,
my friend wanted me to try first (none of us had tried a moped before). I told myself that it wouldn't be a problem, so
I got on the moped with my friend sitting behind me.
But when I turned the handle, I turned it too fast!
And before I even knew it,
we were on a fast track towards a food stall selling pork meat! The poor old man who owned the stall, waved and waved, trying to shout at us.
I stopped and was 4 inches from ruining his business..!
On top of this, we were in a crowded area and I felt pretty embarrased at that point. And my friend just kept laughing and laughing.
The day couldn't get any better.
Other things to do in Pai Thailand
Back Trax Trekking & Rafting
-- On Th Charongkham
Back Trax arranges visits to the hilltribe villages
where the amazing Hmong, Lisu, Lahu and Karen hill tribes live.
It's a good way of getting to know Thai culture and you get to spend a day in the wild green part of Pai.
You'll never get bored by taking pictures here.
But do remember to ask before taking a photo of the hill tribe people! (especially the elderly ones)
If you're interested, Back Trax can also arrange
other trekking trips.
Thai Adventure Rafting
-- On Rangsiyanon Rd
Experiencing the Pai River was wild, and you will learn a lot. Many of the local guides are experienced and will tell you all about the
surrounding species in the jungle, and some will even learn you some Thai culture! -- Yes, many of them can speak English!
You can also stop by the hot springs to take a quick roll in the hot mud.
But the trip itself could have been better. It was in the beginning of the dry season, and the rapids were slow.
I fell into the water once and it was kind of disgusting, because the water was brown and not clear as it should be.
But once I got used to the water, I just laughed loud and thought what a heck. It's not everyday I get to go rafting.
I also tried "body rafting"
and felt like a 8-year-old again. They usually run trips from June through January.
 Pai in the Sky Rafting, Jungle and Trekking.
Thom's Elephant Camp Tours on Rangsiyanon Rd.
Check out the program and prices on their homepage.
Monk procession
Get up early (around 6:30) to see a monk procession.
Here the locals offer the novices some food (I saw people giving them money as well).
Experiencing Pai at this hour might be fresh and chilly - bring a sweater. You have to go the main road of town to watch
the procession.
Reggae Festival
Reggae festival in Pai!
The festival was on November 10th the last time I was there, but the festival runs in January or February as well.
Musicians from Pai and other parts of the country gather up, and play cool music, included ska.
I experienced ONLY happy faces and a lot of dancing to cool reggae tunes played by Thai bands!
The music can be heard all over Pai, and the hippie factor is high!
Price for ticket: about 400 B (per person)
Fun and Recreation
Chanya Massage delivers great Thai, oil and foot massage.
Pai Cookery School at the House of Glass.
Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes, including
vegetarian dishes. 1-3 days classes are available and range from 700-1000B.
Try Reika Crystal
Healing aromatherapy on Rangsiyanon Rd.
I decided to try something new, and came across this place. I didn't know what it was about
until this nice Australian lady (not sure if I caught her dialect right) put stones on my forehead. I felt warm and refreshed after the session.
For one hour I paid 600 B (Oct 2007). Look for a street sign near Mam Yoga!
Otherwise, there are lots of other reiki specialists in Pai.
Meditation retreats. I never tried it myself, but it was bragged
about by fellow travelers.
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Tattoo Shops
Here are the tattoo shops I've heard about. I never got a tattoo in Pai
(only Chiang Mai), so I can't recommend specific ones I'm afraid.
Monkey Magic is located on the main street of Pai.
It's also a bar and a restaurant.
At Space Tattoo you can get bamboo tattoos!
Korn's Tattoo: Here you can get bamboo tattoos!
To read about Korn and his tattoo shop
in Pai Thailand, click here.
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Shopping in Pai Thailand
Day-time
So many markets can be found in Pai, where they sell daily items, spices and fresh food.
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.
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
vendors 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 Road
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QUICK TIP!
I heard rumours
about a "street designer" on Th Charongkham (he tends to stand across Aya Service in the evenings) who sells cool t-shirts,
hoodies and jackets.
He makes prints on clothes, and the design is awesome. The common theme was: Rock.
I bought several t-shirts and a hoody.
It was tough to bargain cause he was so nice.
But at the end, I got two t-shirts and a hoodie for 400 B.
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Share Your Tips, Reviews and Stories
about Your Favorite Place in Pai
Pai Tips and Stories
Did you enjoy your stay in Pai? What did you get to see? What was your favorite attraction? What's your favorite thing to do in Pai? Did you trek around Pai, or visit the hot springs?
I'm dying to find out! Share your tips and stories right here! ;-)
PS: I reserve the right to delete a submission if it's not original, or if it's too short.
By original I mean the content is NOT copied from another website.
Any submission below 10 sentences will be deleted.
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