Pai

Pai (ปาย) is a small town (pop. 3,000) in Mae Hong Son Province, Northern Thailand. It is a major stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, which takes Rte 1095 from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, then Rte 108 back to Chiang Mai. The city is named after the Pai River.

Understand

Pai street

Set in a large picturesque valley north of Chiang Mai, Pai is tourism-oriented, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a vibrant tourist and backpacker scene. The town's permanent residents are a seemingly harmonious mix of common Thai folk, a significant minority of whom follow the Islamic religion, with an admixture of Western hippies, Thai rastas and in the cool season, affluent Thais from Bangkok thrown in, which gives the place a unique vibe which may be appealing to some and off-putting to others. Pai is now sometimes referred to as the "Khao San Road of the North".

A sudden boom in guest house and bar construction from 2006 onwards has resulted in a great deal of spare capacity in the off-season. There has been a large increase in Thai people visiting after Pai was featured in a romantic Thai film, Pai in Love. It can be hard to find a room during the busy season (Oct-Feb). There are now around 350 guesthouses and hotels in Pai, and the city centre has transformed into a tourist warren of Western-style restaurants, souvenir shops, live music venues, tattoo parlours, and bars that cater largely to the now significant influx of tourists and package tours. Since the early 2010s, there has been a large influx of mainland Chinese tourists and they now sometimes outnumber the western backpackers in Pai. The legalisation of cannabis in 2022 has led to a profusion of shops selling weed and the pungent smell of marijuana pervades the main walking street.

While the growth of Pai has been rapid and more or less every farm in the valley seems to rent bungalows, development so far has been largely tasteful and the town remains relatively serene during low season. That said, be prepared for large crowds of tourists and even traffic jams during the higher seasons.

Get in

By road

Rte 1095 which connects Pai with Mae Hong Son (50 km as the crow flies, but approximately 110 km by road) and Chiang Mai (135 km) is a very scenic route through the mountains which takes several hours. It's a steep and winding drive, with lots of curves, so take a plastic bag and some motion sickness pills if you need them. Police report that an average of two accidents a day happen on the Chiang Mai-Pai road, and more in the rainy season.

By motorcycle

Rte 1095 isn't as bad as people make it out to be. There isn't much traffic and you can hear the cars and trucks coming. The downside is the road is crappy, but not uniformly so. But because you never know what lies around the next bend, you're forced to drive conservatively. If you're a little adventurous, rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai and make the ride up to Pai. You can stop at the waterfalls and small towns along the way, and you'll really enjoy the trip, as opposed to being motion sick in a bus for hours, and being forced to stop at the driver's friends restaurants. Make sure to take some warmer clothing on your bike, as it tends to get a bit chilly in the higher portions of the ride. As a novice rider, expect the trip to take around 5 or 6 hours, including stops at sites and restaurants along the way. aYa Service offers one way rentals from Chiang Mai to Pai (or vice versa) with free luggage delivery for 300 baht (Sep 2017) depending on the motorbike. They will keep your passport and send it along with any baggage to aYa in Pai.

By bus

• 1 Pai Bus Station. As of 2017 September, Prempracha is the only transport provider into Pai with Minivans (150 baht) that leave hourly from Chiang Mai (Arcade terminal) and Mae Hong Son between 05:30 to 17:30. There is also once daily fan bus (actually songthaew for 80 baht) running, but foreigners are usually refused to take them. The trip takes some 3 hours and can be gruesome cramped in a minivan in mountainous road, but there is a comfort stop at the small half-way village of Mae Sae (food, water, toilets [3 baht]). You can reserve a seat at Prempracha website. After you made a payment (via credit card, Paypal or 7-11), they will email an e-ticket to you. Alternatively, aYa service provides direct minivan to guesthouses/train station/airport in Chiang Mai. Most guesthouse in Chiang Mai will book the ticket for you, but its schedule and cost depends on the season and who you book with. (updated Sep 2017)

By plane

• 2 Pai Airport. Pai has a small airport where passenger services begin and stop every few years (because the airline has went bankrupt). As of July 2024 there are no services. (updated Aug 2020)

Get around

Pai town centre is compact and best explored on foot. But the greater Pai area is sprawling. For exploring further afield, bicycles (40-100 baht/day) and motorbikes (from as little as 100 baht/day) can be rented from many agents along the main street. As the roads around Pai are steep and obtaining a decent mountain bike with fully functioning gears is surprisingly difficult, a motorbike is definitely the better option if you can ride one. aYa Service in the town centre rents motorbikes for 100 baht and a 100 baht helmet deposit, plus 40 baht for damage insurance, 40 baht for theft insurance (passport taken as deposit). You'll want a motorbike if you're planning on staying in some of the outlying bungalows in the valley around the town.

Motorbike and 4WD taxis are also readily available.

Suggestions in guidebooks that Chinese Village (Ban Santichon, 50 minutes walk) and Lisu Village (Ban Sai Ngam, 4 hours walk) might be reached on foot are optimistic.

See

The town itself has no special sights; most people come simply for the relaxed atmosphere. Nearby attractions include hot springs and waterfalls, villages and a hilltop temple.

View of rice farms in Pai

• 1 Chinese village (Santichon). Village settled by Yunnanese hill-tribes who crossed the border in the middle of the 20th century to escape Communist rule. Shops selling different Chinese teas with varying health properties, and other interesting oddities include a human-powered Ferris wheel. Well worth a look, even as a brief stop on the way to Mo Paeng waterfall 

Pai canyon is best at sunset

• 2 Pai Canyon (Kong Lan) (signposted from the Chiang Mai road; approx 8 km from Pai). Somewhat optimistically described as Pai's answer to the Grand Canyon, it could more accurately be described as a narrow red ridges with steep-sides valleys either side filled with pine and dipterocarp forests. The steep 50m drop either side and stunning views over the surrounding countryside are impressive, but you'll need to be careful here - the path is extremely narrow in some places and requires a scramble in others. A set of steps up to a viewing platform provides the safest way to admire the scenery and the canyon makes the perfect spot for a sunset 
• 3 WWII Memorial Bridge (on the road to Chiang Mai, approx 8 km from Pai). The original bridge here was built by the occupying Japanese. The current steel truss bridge which sits alongside the present main road was assembled in its current position in 1976, but as with Pai's "canyon", the bridge invites very loose comparisons with the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. 
• 4 Village Farm (Pai Village Farm), 205 Moo 1, Mae Hee, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand, 58130 (From Pai town, cross 'Pai River' by the South East bridge. Then travel a few hundred meters down the road you will find a 2 way junction with a small drive way up the hill in between the 2 main roads. Head up that hill for a few hundred meters you will find the farm to the left.), ☏ +66 53 698 152, reservation@paivillage.com. 10:00 - 16:00. Less than 5-minutes from the center of Pai, the Village Farm offers the chance to experience a unique world of fruits, flowers, animals, including the star attraction, a lovely pair of Alpaca known as Rosemary & Aron. You will also enjoy local coffee and snacks as well as a souvenir shop. The Village Farm is the perfect scenic opportunity for the most memorable photos of Pai. 40 - 80 baht per person. 

Events

Poi Sang Long is a famous Buddhist ordination of children festival, especially in Mae Hong Son. Thai Yai cultural dance show can be seen at the temple fair in the evening.

Waterfalls

The Mo Paeng waterfall is good for swimming

Knowing the word waterfall in Thai language can be helpfull when following directions: น้ำตก / namtok.

• 5 Mae Yen (น้ำตกแม่เย็น) (9 km out of town with no bikes allowed for the last 6 km of that. Head east over the bridge heading out of Pai and follow the signs. At 3 km from town there is some 3 parking space from where you can walk the remainig 6 km.). 
• 6 Mo Paeng (น้ำตกหมอแปง) (west of Chiang Mai past Santichon). A little more accessible than most of Pai's waterfalls, this multi-tiered waterfall flows through a verdant green valley and is popular for its pools to swim in. The upper section of this waterfall is a natural water slide during the dry season. The rocks are smooth, just find a small section and slide on down like the locals do. 
• 7 Pam Bok (น้ำตกแพมบก) (on the road to Chiang Mai before Pai Canyon). Nice secluded waterfall with high cliffs surrounding it, making this a cool place to escape the heat. Go for a relaxing bathe in the shade during the dry season. 

Do

Renting a bicycle or motorbike and riding around the countryside seems to be the most popular activity. You can easily create an itinerary to include visits to the nearby waterfalls and hill tribe villages. Potential day trips include the Tham Lod Bat Cave 55 km away in Pangmapha, best visited when the bats emerge just before sunset.

Pai is also a major starting point for organized trekking tours which are offered by every guest house and travel agent.

Go off-road through the mountains of Pai on an off-road motorbike tour. Here there are better off-road possibilities and better prices than in Chiang Mai. Ask your guest house where to book.

Elephant riding

• Elephant Trek. For several years now, travellers have enjoyed riding an elephant and concluding the trip with a romp in the Pai River. For this adventure, take as little as possible, you'll be enjoyably wet as the elephant is encouraged to shower you. Some operators, and there are several, are willing to take photos of you while you enjoy the elephant antics in the river. 
• 1 Pai Adventures, 28 Moo. 3 Chaisongkram Road (Walking Street), ☏ +66 53 699 326, pairafting@hotmail.com. 08:00-22:00. Family-owned and -operated eco adventure company that specializes in white water rafting, jungle trekking, jungle survival, and caving. They offer 1- and 2-day rafting adventures as well as 1- to 3-day trekking adventures. 1,200 to 1,800 baht. (updated May 2017)

The Sai Ngam hot springs

• 2 Sai Ngam Hot Spring. Basic hot springs in a rustic riverside setting. It is signposted. 200 Baht. (updated Feb 2022)
• 3 Sor Wisarut Muay Thai, 259 Moo 1, Mae Hi, ☏ +66 86 1826483. Managed by a friendly Thai/Italian couple, this camp offers professional training. Not far from town centre, the camp is surrounded by mountains that present a breathtaking view. Two sessions a day (morning, evening) with reasonable prices and accepting trainers at all levels. 
• 4 Tha Pai Hot Springs (signposted from the Chiang Mai road). Bathing here is supposed to have therapeutic properties, but you'll want to save it for a cool day. Sulphuric water bubbles out of these hot springs at temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius and simple baths have been created where the springs meet a stream which cools temperatures to bearable levels. A short, marked forest trail takes you through the compact national park more noticeable for its smells than its sights. Last entry to the springs is at 18:00. You can also bathe in a mineral pool in the nearby Aroma Pai Spa or Pai Hotspring resort for much more reasonable price of 80 baht, and as it is open later, enjoy the hot water after sunset as it gets cool. The price for government run hotspring is 300 baht for foreigners, 100 Baht for Thai. (updated Sep 2017)
• Tubing. Floating down river on an inflated rubber tube has long been a favourite pastime of SE Asian backpackers, and the gentle current of the Pai River and attractive scenery make this a good spot to try. Unlike the more famous Vang Vieng in Laos, the Pai River isn't lined with raucous bars playing loud music, which some may consider more a blessing than a curse. 
• Whitewater Rafting. Some of Thailand's most spectacular rapids are found between Pai and Mae Hong Song, and a few operators offer both one- and two-day rafting trips. 
• PaiFineRiceThaicooking. Enjoy a wonderful day with activities and Thai cooking classes in Pai. Gain knowledge, have fun, and enjoy delicious dishes 950 baht. If you're interested, please contact us : Phone/WhatApp +66 834965222 PaiApartHotel@gmail.com
• 5 Sapaiya Spa, 412 Moo 8 Wiang Tai Pai (Near by the clock tower, Kad Pud market), ☏ +668 12366644, sapaiyaspa@gmail.com. 11:00-22:00. The Spa's name means means "comfort" or "living to be happiness". The spa package combines both Thai and Chinese medical backgrounds. The signature treatment is the 4-element hot oil massage which high quality essential oil. For women, there is the Queen of Sapaiya gold and organic honey facial mask. Start from 500 Baht for basic treatments. (updated Oct 2017)

Buy

Pai's burgeoning tourist industry has resulted in a range of cutesy hippie-influenced souvenirs sold in shops throughout the village.

Some of the hill tribe members sell handicrafts in the local market, although what's on offer here pales in comparison to the range available in Chiang Mai.

Pai has an abundance of bookshops, some of which carry harder to find titles. Many are along the bus stop road, past aYa Services.

Eat

The Pai Walking Street operates in the evenings in peak season

For such a small town, there are an astonishing number of restaurants, most of them catering for needs and tastes of foreign travellers but also including a wide range of Thai regional cuisine. In the evenings, various stalls open at the main street with different offerings at different days.

• 1 Art in Chai. Beautiful place built by an artist, Otto. Warm cosy atmosphere with great chai and cakes and cookies. Nice atmosphere for playing your instrument. Free Wi-Fi. 
• 2 Boomelicious Cafe, 92 Moo 4, Amphoe Pai (Coming into town from the direction of Chiang Mai, turn at Buffalo Exchange and head in the direction of walking street. On your right). 08:00-20:00. Some of the best breakfasts/brunches food in Pai. Great Australian coffee. 60-180 baht. 
• 3 Burger House (100 m east of the traffic light on the main road). Owner Nat and husband, Matt, offer 12 different real beef burgers, chili, sandwiches, specials, dinners, pork chops the size of a Clive Cussler novel, beer, wine. 
• 4 Charlie & Lek's, 234 Rangsiyanon Rd (on the road to Chiang Mai, just before the police station: look for a sign with the restaurant logo, We Love Lettuce!). The vegetables used in the cooking are grown fresh on their own farm and the bar has a wonderfully relaxed and romantic atmosphere. They also offer cooking classes for 750 baht a day. Thai food is 50-100 baht a plate. 
• 5 Fat Cat, 7/1 Moo 1 Ban mae yen Mae Hi (cross the bridge on Ratchadamrong heading towards the hot springs, go past Reggae Bar, go past the rice paddies and slow down; on your left just before the 90-degree right turn). In a community focused on organic and healthy eating, Fat Cat is Pai's best kept secret. Almost all ingredients used are from their organic permaculture farm. If you order a salad, you can literally pick your own ingredients from the soil. Specialties include homemade yogurt, kefir, and pure kombucha. Great sandwiches and baked goods, all baked in their mud oven. Permaculture farming and mud oven building classes available. 50-100 baht. 
• 6 Na's Kitchen. Na still works in the kitchen everyday, serving northern food to tourists and Thais. She speaks great English, and will even teach you a bit of Thai if you ask nicely. Na's is always a favourite of the long-stay travellers and the ones returning for a second, or third go at Pai. 60-150 baht. 
• 7 No Name (Opposite the Pai District Office). The Thai local restaurant of choice. Very few Westerners to be found, but the menu is in English. Excellent Thai salads and sticky rice. 
• 8 Nong Beer Restaurant (On the corner of first traffic light on walking street). Family-owned restaurant that serves "fast Thai food" (food is already cooking and comes straight from the pot). Very good food and very cheap. Kao soi beef for 40 baht. 
• 9 Peace of Pai, 203, Mae hee (Edge of town, direction Mae Hong Son), ☏ +66 89 9554548, +66 82 1822383. Home grown organic food is served here but the main attraction is the postcard-perfect view from the upper floor terrace. Hemp clothing is sold downstairs, which may or may not fully explain the prominent THC signs. 
• 10 toast office ปังษณีย์ ปาย 烤面包 (Thai style toast and Soy milk 豆浆), 412 Moo8 Wiang Tai (near Wednesday Market ,street behind Police station), ☏ +66 91 878 3860, dompai99@gmail.com. Tu-Su 09:00-20:00 closed M. Toast office is a Thai snack style,serving whole wheat bread toast with butter with many style and First Soy milk cafe in Pai.The place so relaxing and comfortable also free high speed wifi. wooden decoration style surrounding by a unique beautiful building. 15-120 baht. (updated Apr 2015)

Vegetarian

• 11 Chew Xin Jai Restaurant, 222 Moo 4 Wiang Tai (Off a Raddamrong side street in the direction of Chiang Mai, look for a vegetarian sign and turn). Classic Thai/Taiwanese-influenced vegan restaurant. Two mains from a buffet and rice cost 35 baht at lunch. Delicious and favored by many expats. Dinner is a la carte. Thai food is 30-70 baht a plate. 
• 12 Good Life. Serves organic and vegetarian foods at decent prices. Rice (including brown) dishes with vegetables starting at 40 baht. Breakfasts from 100 baht. Has a good selection of tea. 

Drink

There are many bars selling beer and cocktails, especially along the main street that leads to the Chiang Mai bus stop. There's a wide choice of live music, typically involving Thai bands playing their way through reggae classics. There are also many tea and coffee shops, including herbal brews. Late night venues are found clustered on the fringes of town, across the bridge on the eastern fringe and on the road to Chiang Mai on the west

• 1 Bamboo Bar, Raddamrong Rd (Across the bridge on the east edge of town). Bamboo-floored venue perched on the riverside next to the other late night venues. Open until late, cosy atmosphere and good food. 
• 2 Bebop Bar (Be-Bop Karaoke & Nightclub) (on the edge of town on the main road to Chiang Mai). Offers a range of live music. Amazing Saturday night show starts at 22:30. Variety night 21:00 on Wednesdays. Great talent friendly atmosphere. 
• 3 Don't Cry Bar, Raddamrong Rd (across the bridge, next to Bamboo bar). Mostly open-air bar with fire shows, reggae music, and pool table. One of the only bars open after 00:00 but usually deserted before then, kind of expensive. 
• 4 Reggae Bar, Rural Rd Mae Hong Son 4024, Wiang Tai (on the road to Chiang Mai, just past Ting Tong). This hard-to-find bar is the place for hippie hang-outs. Look for the people sitting around a camp fire with acoustic guitars and djembe drums. Live music every night sometimes provided by the customers. Feel free to bring along your own instrument! 
• 5 Yellow Sun Bar, 64 m.3 tadsaban 1 rd.. Great hangout with good selection of reggae music, a pool table, and friendly owner. A pre-night popular hangout with most of the travelling crowd. 
• 6 Mojos (Mojo Bar) (Down the road from Yellow Sun Bar, towards the walking street). Blues and jazz bar, open every night but Monday. Live music 19:30-23:00. (updated Dec 2017)

Sleep

There's an abundance of guest houses in Pai, most of them in the budget range (a bungalow goes for around 150-500 baht depending on amenities included and the season). Mid-range options are available and there are now even luxury hotels.

At the bus station there is a map of Pai. Get this as it will show you the location of most of the guest houses (>100 places). There is also a discount for motorbike rental.

If your accommodation is far away from the two main streets of bars, be careful if walking alone of the packs of dogs that roam the empty streets at night. They do get territorial and intimidating, so if you come across them then remember to keep a safe distance away and make noise to scare them away.

For accommodation with lots of character try out a bamboo hut on the river. Head east from the bus station and either take the first left or continue straight. Either way you'll reach a bamboo bridge. Across the bridge you'll find plenty of cheap accommodation (about 200-400 baht per night).

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	less than 500 baht
Mid-range	500-1,500 baht
Splurge	over 1,500 baht

Budget

• 1 Abodaya Guesthouse (Turn left out of the bus station & head into the small soi called Wanchalerm Rd. Abodaya Guest house is just a short walk from the junction). Cosy, clean wooden rooms with attached bathrooms and fan. Nice hot shower. Front porches attached to most rooms with couches and cushions provided. Rustic environment coupled with the convenience of location. Both 7-Elevens are less than 5 min walk away, and to the activities on the main road. Friendly and helpful staff. 300 baht. 
• 2 Baan Pai Village (Baan Pai Nai Wieng), 51/1 Ketkelang Soi 2 (Off the bus station road down a small road opposite Les Artistes bar/restaurant). A friendly Thai family offering luxury bamboo bungalows with hot water private bathrooms, mosquito nets and small terrace. Central relaxing location with lovely surroundings and a popular restaurant. 720-1,100 baht. 
• 3 Darling View Point Resort, 120 Moo 1, T. Maehee (Across the river on the hillside, 400 m to town.), ☏ +66 89 5596267. Gorgeous views over Pai, river and mountains with restaurant, swimming pool, pool table, campfire, sunset in the hammocks, hot shower, free Wi-Fi/computer, towels, bed linen. Free pickup. Dorm, 150 baht; room, 400 baht; bungalow, 400 baht; camping, 100 baht. 
• 4 Eden Guest House, Mae Hi (About 1 km down the road heading towards the hot springs and just past). Rooms are a clean, bungalow-style with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and hot showers. Beds can be a little hard but just ask for another mattress or quilt. The owner is friendly, offering discounts for people staying long-term and rides into town on the back of her motorbike if you are staying there alone. The garden is well-maintained and beautiful with a relaxing common area. A good place for those wanting privacy and solitude. 200 baht in the off-season. 

Lodging

• 5 Ever Green Guest House, 220 Moo 4 Wanchalerm Rd (5 min walk from bus station), ☏ +66 82 6191390. Wooden Thai-style housing in central Pai. Reasonably priced rooms with hot shower and fan. Free Wi-Fi. 200 baht single, 350 baht double (May 2017). 
• 6 Happy House Guest House (On the small soi opposite the gas station and 7-Eleven). Large clean rooms. Free pool table. Free Wi-Fi. Stove and dishes for cooking your own food. There is a bar down stairs with a sociable atmosphere. 250 baht, 500 baht in the busy season. Dorm beds for 150 baht. 
• 7 Pai Nam Now Guesthouse, 178/1, Mae1 Yen, Mae Hee (at the end of the main street (bus station, exit to your left) cross the bamboo bridge and walk 200 m), ☏ +66 93 039 4548. Very cozy, clean organized bungalows with real walls, doors and windows. Good double beds with mosquito net and silent fan. Every room with own bathroom, real flushing toilet, and hot shower and a veranda with a hammock. The owner (Tom) is incredibly friendly, happy and helpful. Very good room for the price Double room, 300-400 baht. 
• 8 Tacomepai, Thung Yao (6 km from town on the Chiang Mai Rd), ☏ +66 86 1123504. Simple bamboo bungalows in an organic forest. Knowledgeable owner will teach you about sustainable living and farming at daily classes. You will be invited to participate in farm life and to cook in the communal kitchen. Food picked from the farm costs 15 baht/meal. Free pickup at bus station. Free Wi-Fi. 100 baht. 
• 9 Thale Mhog Guest House, 116 M.6 Vieng Tai, ☏ +66 81 9010346. Cosy accommodations. Bungalows: 250 baht. 
• 10 Mr. Jan's Guesthouse (68/6 M.3 Vingtai), ☏ +66 53 699554. Check-out: 12:00. Amazing garden with aromatic herbs. Centric, but away from the main street noise. Free instant coffee. Bungalows: 300 baht (double, after bargain, in Feb2016}. 

Mid-range

• 11 Amy's Earth House, 99 Moo 5, Mae Kong (4 km north of Pai (turn right at the airport)), ☏ +66 53 065099. Seven eco-friendly adobe houses and 3 dormitory rooms set in beautiful gardens with a wonderful view over the valley and mountains. Fan-cooled rooms (air-con unnecessary due to the natural building style), TV and Wi-Fi in all rooms. Laundry service and very clean rooms. Pool table. Restaurant with Thai and European food. The owners speak English, German, and Thai. Free shuttle service (the bus station will call for you). 500-950 baht. 
• 12 Rim Pai Cottages, 99/1 Moo 3, ☏ +66 26 730966, fax: +66 22 119656. One of the more up-market options in Pai. Offers several kinds of wooden cottages. Breakfast served on a nice open terrace overlooking the Pai River. From 700 baht including breakfast. 

Splurge

• 13 Yotaka @ Pai, 108 Moo 3, Viengtai. Air-con bungalow in Pai town. 1,600-2,800 baht. 
• 14 Baantawan Pai, 117 Moo 4 Viengtai (By the river), ☏ +66 53 698116. Peaceful location close to town and tourist attractions. Bungalows and rooms (fan or air conditioned). Wi-Fi. Offers guided motorbike tours. 400-2,500 baht. 
• 15 Butterfly Hostel, ☏ +66 53 115270, info@stayatbutterfly.com. A teak private 3-villa connected compound and 3 mud houses for daily or weekly rental. Right in town just up the road from Pai Hospital and walking distance to the evening walking street. All made of teak with 2 of the villas serving as bedrooms with king-size beds and the large villa is the living and lounge area. Bathrooms in all villas have outdoor showers in both bedrooms. Staff on-site to provide daily cleaning. Hin, Din, & Sai are 3 mini-mud villas in a creative cob-style built from the soil, sand, and stones of the local area. Resort in same compound serves and delivers authentic delicious Thai food. A fantastic option for anyone interested in chilling with privacy yet right in town. 1,800-8,000 baht. 
• 16 Hotel des Artists Rose of Pai, 99 Moo 3, Viengtai (At the end of walking street near the river and the bamboo bridge), ☏ +66 53 699539, roseofpai@gmail.com. 3,500 baht; river view, 4,000 baht high-season. 
• 17 Pai RiverCorner Resort and Restaurant, 94 Moo 3, Wiangtai (At the town end of the bamboo bridge), ☏ +66 53699049, fax: +66 53 064408, info@pairivercorner.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Close to everything, on the river, with 8 rooms (basic or deluxe) in a garden setting. 1,800-6,900 baht. (updated Nov 2022)
• 18 Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm (Baan Pai Village), 88 Moo 3, Vieng Tai (Within the center of Pai, the hotel next to the walking street on the West bank of Pai River.), ☏ +66 53 698 152, reservation@paivillage.com. Small boutique resort, consisting of natural bamboo cottages surrounded by lush gardens and equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and hot water showers. Beautiful design, peaceful atmosphere and friendly service. 1,200-5,000 baht. 
• 19 The Quarter Hotel, 245 Moo 1 Chaisongkram Rd, Viengtai, ☏ +66 53 699423, info@thequarterhotel.com. 3,500-12,000 baht. 

Connect

Pai has several Internet cafés, most on Ratchadamnoen Rd and Rangthiyanon Rd. They are a uniform 30 baht/hour for ADSL. There are some places with free Internet for customers of food and drink. There is also one place that accepts donations for use of a wireless connection.

Phone operators TOT, AIS, Truemove and dtac offer 4G coverage in and around Pai, AIS also 5G.

Go next

• Chiang Mai - Thailand's second largest city and a hub of the north of the country
• Mae Hong Son - Town with a picturesque lake surrounded by wats, that has given the name to the Mae Hong Son Loop (which also includes Pai)
• Pangmapha - Natural caves and interesting hill tribe villages, less touristy than Pai