Pai
This is the hippie, vegan, boho capital of Thailand. If you’re looking for a place to just chill, get high, eat healthy food and meet cool foreigners, Pai is your place.
How to get here
Okay so this is actually kind of part of the experience of visiting Pai which makes it so unique. There’s no airport, so you’ll have to fly into Chiang Mai, then hop on a 3 hour bus ride up the WINDY road to get here. Alternatively, you can go wild and rent a scooter to go at your own pace. It isn’t necessarily a difficult drive to do on your own, but your ass will be slightly upset.
Where to stay: Pai Village Boutique Resort and Spa
This is a cute spot that’s actually on the nicer end of places to stay in the city. This is more of a hostel town anyway. But this place had a solid breakfast included in the mornings, a cute (albeit freezing) pool, lovely grounds, and nice service. Plus, the location is ideal, just a couple minute walk from pretty much anywhere in town.
Where to have dinner on the first night: Pai Walking Street
The Pai street food scene is a bit unique in the sense that there is a bit more international flair and health considerations, you know, for all the Instagram healthy lifestyle influencers to enjoy. But in all seriousness, this street gives you everything you need and so much more, plus its an interesting place to people watch.
Where to walk on ridges during sunset: Pai Canyon
This is what everyone does in this area. You go to Pai Canyon a bit before sunset, find some friends (everyone is friendly here), roam around the ridges, and find a spot to enjoy the sunset while drinking a Leo. Just make sure to not drink too much because there are some tough spots to navigate in the canyon.
Where to chill in a natural jacuzzi: Tha Pai Hot Spring
Before you head to Pai Canyon, lounge in the hot springs of Tha Pai. There’s a bunch in the area, but given the proximity of Tha Pai to the Canyon, it just made sense to go to this one. There’s an interesting little walkway around a few other hot springs that are too hot to be enjoyed, and then there are a few pools closer to the entrance which you can swim in.
Where to watch the sunrise: Yun Lai Viewpoint
Watching the sunrise is another common thing to do in Pai, and they’ve got a whole setup at Yun Lai. Just be careful, its absolutely freezing in the mornings. I’d say this was the coldest I ever felt in Thailand.
Where to see another buddha, because why not: What Phra That Mae Yen
Look, no matter how many I go to, I still enjoy seeing a big old buddha looking out over the townsfolk. This one is just like the others. Nothing special. But its close enough and its a good spot for photos, so why not.
Where to get a drink and meet a German/Brit/American/French: Boom Bar
The scene here is actually quite wild, people are going hard and you’ll pretty much only find foreigners here. People will spill out into the street as the night goes on, and its just a good vibe overall.
Where to have coffee with a view: Coffee in Love
There’s a great coffee culture in Pai, but if you want a place with coffee and a view, head down to Coffee in Love.