Pai lies in the mountains of northern Thailand and is a wonderfully relaxed stop on our route. The road there has about 762 curves, so sit in the front of the minivan if you get carsick easily. Three days gives you room so the travel day south doesn’t feel like lost time. This is a deeper look at the Pai stop of our 3-week Thailand itinerary.

What we did in Pai

The Pai Walking Street

Every evening we strolled along the Pai Walking Street, with fun food stalls and stands selling original souvenirs. It is the perfect place to try all kinds of street food.

The hot springs

We also visited the hot springs, but we weren’t hugely impressed. There are nicer places in the world to visit pools like these.

Pai Canyon

Take in Pai Canyon too. If you have ever been to the Grand Canyon in America, this is clearly the miniature of the miniature version. Still, it is a fun spot, especially around sunset.

Monks in the early morning

In the early morning there is a good chance you’ll see monks along the road, on their way to the temple. This monk happened to be relaxing on a bench.

Tubing on the river

You can also go tubing in Pai: you float down the river in a big inner tube, a fun activity.

👉 Book river tubing:

Exploring Pai without a scooter

Want to explore the area around Pai without a scooter? This half-day tour from Pai is a good option: you visit seven spots, including the bamboo bridge and a waterfall, and end with sunset at Pai Canyon (4.7 from 76 reviews on GetYourGuide).

👉 Tours and activities in Pai:

Where to stay in Pai

We stayed at Family House Zen Boutique Resort, just outside the center on the other side of the river. There used to be only a wooden suspension bridge over the water, which was regularly washed away in the rainy season. Now there is a concrete bridge, so you can be sure to reach the center. The pool is lovely and so is the breakfast, although we often skipped it because of all the fun places to eat in the center of the village.

Where to eat and drink in Pai: Recommendations

• Two Sisters Restaurant for local food: Thai and Burmese dishes, with mountain views upstairs.
• Baan Pizza when you crave a good pizza.
• Witching Well by the Walking Street, a fairytale restaurant with witch decor and a courtyard with a well. Arrive early for a spot and bring cash.

From Chiang Mai to Pai

It is about 80 miles through the mountains on a road with 762 curves and the trip takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. There is no train and no flight. Many travelers do it on a scooter (read: motorbike), and the rental company can even deliver your luggage to your address in Pai.

Keep in mind that many accidents happen. Without an international license and a motorcycle license, you have a big problem and your travel insurance probably covers nothing. We chose an Uber and passed all the beautiful viewpoints that way. Our driver needed a break now and then, so we had a coffee together and stretched our legs at a nice viewpoint. We were very lucky with our driver! Also read our Chiang Mai guide.

From Pai to Ao Nang

You travel back to Chiang Mai (minivan, 3.5 to 4.5 hours) and fly from there to Krabi. There are 7 direct flights a week (Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways), so plan your departure day around a direct flight. A flight via Bangkok is possible too, but takes much longer. From Krabi airport we took a taxi to Ao Nang. Read on in our 3-week itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about Pai

How many days do you need in Pai?

We spent three days. That gives you room so the long travel day doesn’t feel like lost time.

How do you get from Chiang Mai to Pai?

By road, about 80 miles with 762 curves, in 3.5 to 4.5 hours. There is no train and no flight. You can take a minivan, an Uber or a scooter.

Is it safe to ride a scooter to Pai?

Many accidents happen. Without an international license and a motorcycle license, your travel insurance probably covers nothing. That’s why we chose an Uber.