Travel in Pai
Pai is known as a backpacker destination in northern Thailand. But there is much more to Pai than just bars, music, and lounging around. You can explore its red sandstone canyon, hike over bamboo bridges, or relax in a hot spring.
How to Get to Pai
Pai doesn't have an airport of its own. Most people get there from Chiang Mai.
Here are some of the most common ways to get to Pai:
Pai Day Trip from Chiang Mai
If you are based in Chiang Mai, you can check out the top-rated Pai Highlights Private One Day Trip, which includes transportation and a guide to Pai.
Shuttle Bus/Van
In our opinion, the best method for traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai is booking a van with 12Go. That’s how we got to Pai.
Our best tip for riding a van to Pai is to avoid being the last to board. The last to board gets the last seat choice — usually in the rear. The rear seats are cramped, and most people get motion sick back there.
Once you get to Pai, the van drops you off on Pai Walking Street.
Songthaews are readily available right at the van drop-off point, so if you’re staying further out, you can hop in a songthaew to get to your final destination.
Best Time to Visit Pai
We recommend visiting Pai anytime between October to February. These months see cooler temperatures, making them perfect for outdoor activities.
If you want to see Pai's rice fields in full growth, we recommend visiting in October before they are harvested.
Where to Stay in Pai
Pai has endless options for where to stay, from hotels to hostels to bungalows!
We enjoyed our stay at Cha Li's Family Hotel & Hostel so much that we ended up extending it for a few more days. The place was super clean and comfortable.
Here are some of our suggestions on where to stay in Pai:
- ChaLi Hotel & Hostel ($-$$$)
- Society House Luxury Hostel ($)
- Kuad Khon Thoe Pai Cottage ($$)
- The Nest House ($$)
- Pai Cherkaew ($$)
- Pai Village Boutique Resort ($$$)
If you prefer to find your own place to stay, you can visit Booking.com to explore all your accommodation options in Pai.
How to Get Around Pai
The best way to get around Pai is by motorbike. There are a bunch of motorbike rental vendors in Pai. Motorbike rentals in Pai typically start at around 150 baht per day.
Keep in mind that when renting a motorbike in Pai (or anywhere in Thailand), you usually need to leave some form of collateral. Typically, either your passport or a cash deposit of around 2000-3000 baht.
If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, you can also get around Pai by hiring a songthaew. Songthaews go to all the most popular spots, but you'll need to share them with others as they are a shared taxi service.
You can even hire a songthaew for a tour around Pai if you want to go sightseeing. Just be sure to negotiate the rate before starting your ride.
Our Free Pai Google Maps Locations
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