All you need to know to visit Pai

Accommodations in Pai

Pai has many accommodation options but in high season finding a room to sleep if you did not book in advance can be hard. The city is very popular, very touristy. Many accommodations are located on Thesaban Soi 1, this is where you will most likely find a bed if you have no booking. In Pai, there are many places offering basic bamboo huts at a rate of less than 250 baht per night. They are part of the image that travelers have of city. It is not easy to find a place in those bungalows. They are located across the river from the bus station, there is a small bamboo bridge to cross to the river, on left in the street going down. But you will find other more comfortable resorts too of course. On Soi 1 and Soi 2.

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How to go to Pai ?

To go to Pai, you will first have to go to Chiang Mai and then get to Pai by local bus or passenger van from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal. There are vans leaving very regularly. It is advisable to book your seat in advance if you want to be sure to leave at a specific time (see below).

If Pai has a small airport, there are no more any commercial airline that offer flights to Pai since Kan Air ceased operations. Only Air Asia offers a formula combining a Bangkok - Chiang Mai flight with a transfer by van to Pai (better to book it directly on the airline's website). The road to pai through the mountains is very winding so take your precautions if you are car sick. Every time I went there, people vomited.

And to go to Chiang Mai by transport, you can choose between the train, the plane or the bus depending on your departure city and your budget. Passenger minivans also regularly connect Mae Hong Son to Pai as well as a local bus.

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How to get around in Pai ?

Pai is a small town, there is no transport. But there are motorcycle taxis almost opposite the bus station that can take you to the main points of interest in the surrounding countryside. A sign indicates the rates for each destination. But renting a scooter is the best option to enjoy Pai surroundings. Renting a bicycle is also possible but prefer mountain bikes with gears or you may suffer because Pai is in the mountains and have hilly roads.

Festivals in Pai ?

Here is a list of the main festivals taking place every year in Pai. I mention their dates as soon as they are official on Thai Festivals page.

How to ask in Thai to go to Pai ?

I want to go to Pai / Yak paï ti Baï.
Where is Pai ? / Baï you ti naï ?