When we first got to Pai, we figured we’d be there for only a few days. But after the town’s chill vibe hit us, we had a hard time leaving and decided to extend our trip!
We learned quickly that Pai isn’t defined by one single area. Instead, it’s a collection of a few little pockets around a valley, each with their own energy.
But Pai is also growing fast. New accommodations keep popping up everywhere. Not just in the town’s center, but all over the surrounding countryside. It gives you a ton of options. But that also means you need to make a choice.
In this guide, I break down the 4 different areas you can stay in Pai, share my honest take on each, and explain who they are best suited for. Whether you’re staying for 3 days or 3 weeks, you’ll have a clear picture of which part of Pai suits your needs.
Where to stay in Pai
Here’s my breakdown of the 4 main areas to stay in Pai. I also include a mix of hostels, boutique stays, and quieter countryside bungalows. Each area has its own vibe, its own pace, and its own type of traveler it suits best. This should help you figure out which part of Pai matches the kind of trip you want.
Wiang Tai (Central Pai)
Wiang Tai is the heart of Pai and where most of the town’s accommodations are located. It’s where you’ll find Pai’s walking street, night market, cafes, bars, restaurants, scooter rentals, shops, and pretty much everything you’ll need for your stay. If Pai had a ‘downtown’, Wiang Tai would be it.
Staying in Wiang Tai is all about convenience. You can walk everywhere, easily find a restaurant, and go bar hopping without ever needing a motorbike. It is the easiest place to base yourself if you want to be in the center of the action and Pai’s social scene.
But on the flip side, Wiang Tai can feel a bit chaotic, especially at night when the walking street and bars fill up. If you don’t care to socialize in crowds or are just looking for a calmer place to stay, then look elsewhere.
That said, Wiang Tai does have a few pockets of calm. Once you get off the main streets and onto the back roads, the energy dies down pretty quickly. In my Wiang Tai accommodation guide below, I include a few of those spots to give you options.
Now on to the next area in Pai…
Mae Hi (Southeast Pai)
Mae Hi is the area located east of the Pai River and stretches south of the town center. It’s a big area. Some parts are close enough to walk into central Pai, while others sit deep in the countryside amongst rice fields, country roads, and wide open views.
But no matter where you stay, Mae Hi is more of a quiet rural farming area. It goes along with the free-spirited yoga vibe of the type of people who stay there.
Though at the same time, Mae Hi has grown a lot in recent years. New accommodations and restaurants have popped up all over Mae Hi, so there are plenty of choices in places to stay.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more rural area with a free-spirited vibe, then Mae Hai is the place to be.
Wiang Nuea (North Pai)
Wiang Nuea is the quieter, more residential side of Pai. It is a local neighborhood first and foremost, which gives it a very different feel from the rest of Pai. You won’t find bars, shops, or cafes clustered together there. Instead, you get a quiet, local, countryside experience.
The type of accommodations in this area are usually small, locally run bungalows and cottages. Hostels are rare because of the relative remoteness.
That said, if you choose to stay in Wiang Nuea, I recommend renting a motorbike. Walking into Pai’s center is not practical, and you won’t find very many songthaews going up and down the roads if you want to catch a ride.
But what Wiang Nuea does provide is a peaceful local countryside experience if you’re looking for something different than the usual Pai backpacker vibe.
Nam Hu (West Pai)
Nam Hu is all about the views.
It sits on the western side of Pai Valley, tucked away into the quiet hills that are far removed from the busier areas. Out here, the landscape opens up into mountains and gardens that give the entire area a peaceful vibe.
Most accommodations in Nam Hu are bungalow-style, surrounded by plants and trees. Staying there feels more like being in a garden. You won’t find any hostels or nightlife in Nam Hu. It feels closer to the old days of Pai, when the entire area was known for being laid back.
If you stay in Nam Hu, I recommend renting a motorbike, since public options are nonexistent. But in my opinion, it’s worth it if you’re looking for slow living in a beautiful area.
Where to stay in Wiang Tai (Central Pai)
Pai Village Boutique Resort
Pai Village Boutique Resort is a spot with two distinct vibes.
On one side, you have the modern rooms. They sit in the main building and blend a clean, contemporary hotel design with touches of Thai Lanna style.
But once you step across the property, the vibe changes. Here you’ll find the standalone bungalows, built in a traditional Hmong style. The area is lush, green, and feels like a private backyard.
It’s exactly how you’d imagine a small Thai resort: thoughtfully designed and has the kind of charm that makes your stay memorable.
Overall, Pai Village provides a modern hotel feel when you want it, or a traditional bungalow if you prefer something more authentic.
Cha Li’s Family Hotel & Hostel
Cha Li’s Family Hotel & Hostel is where we stayed during our time in Pai. It’s a newer spot with a more modern feel, set just far enough from the main drag to feel calm while still being within walking distance to Pai’s core.
They offer both private rooms and dorms.
Our private room was quiet, spacious, and exceptionally clean. We looked forward to returning there every day after our adventures.
The dorms follow the same standard. They are sleek, airy, and well designed, with solid bunks, individual lights and outlets, and lockable cupboards built right into the frame. Even in the larger dorms, the layout gives everyone enough personal space.
The shared areas add a bit more, including an outdoor pool, a cafe that sells food and coffee, and plenty of space to relax. Showers and bathrooms stay consistently clean, and the staff were helpful anytime we had a question.
Overall, Cha Li’s is a solid choice if you want a clean, quiet, modern place to stay in Pai.
Atlas Central
Atlas Central sits exactly where its name suggests… right in the middle of Pai. But they somehow manage to carve out their own little oasis. There is enough space around the grounds, and the pool tucked away in the back gives it a relaxed feel.
They offer both dorms and private rooms.
Their dorms are large and clean, and each bunk has a little mirror that makes you feel like you have your own private room. It’s a nice little touch that I haven’t seen elsewhere.
Their private rooms are top-notch. Spotlessly clean with a comfy bed, nice bathroom, TV, and kettle.
Because Atlas is in the center of Pai, you are surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. But despite all that, the side street where Atlas is located stays nice and quiet. You can easily stumble back to your room after a night out on the town.
The Quarter
The Quarter is the place to stay when you want Pai to feel more like a vacation. Their rooms are spacious, comfortable, and each one has either a balcony or patio.
It’s the type of place where you start off your morning with breakfast at the hotel, and then come back for a swim in the pool after exploring Pai.
The hotel’s rooms are clean, and its grounds are landscaped. You won’t have a hard time relaxing here.
Overall, if you want a stay in Pai that feels calm and effortless, The Quarter is a solid choice.
Where to stay in Mae Hi (Southeast Pai)
Society House Luxury Hostel
Society House is a spot located in Mae Hi, just outside central Pai.
As its name implies, it feels a step above the usual hostel.
It’s set around a small inner garden framed by its wooden bungalows and greenery. And it’s located just outside of the busy area of town, so it has a calm, tucked-away vibe.
Now, onto the rooms themselves. Their dorm setup gives you a good sense of privacy, even with many beds. Everything is clean, including the bathrooms.
The hostel’s location is about a 10-minute walk to town. Perfect if you want to go into Pai to party, then come back to some peace and quiet.
Overall, Society House is a great choice if you want peace and comfort without being too far from the action in Pai.
KuadKhonThoe Pai Cottage
If you want to sink into Pai’s countryside, KuadKhonThoe is hard to beat. Its located amongst Pai’s farmlands, surrounded by mountain views. And since it its more like a small resort, it has a sense of privacy.
Each room is spacious and clean, with complete furnishings. Even the most affordable options have balconies or outdoor seating areas. The property also provides daily cleaning and drinking water so you can focus on exploring.
The hotel is located pretty far from Pai’s center, but they do offer a shuttle into town for an additional price, as long as it’s before 9 pm. And if you don’t want to venture all the way into town, you can just order food right at the hotel. Super convenient.
Overall, KuadKhonThoe is ideal if you want a calm space amongst the scenery of Pai’s farmlands.
The Nest House
The Nest House consists of a few wooden bungalows laid out inside a tropical garden against a backdrop of mountain views. Each bungalow is made of wood and bamboo, so it has an authentic vibe.
The accommodation’s location is one of its best parts. It sits just across the river from Pai’s walking street, with a few bamboo walking bridges going over the river that lead directly into the action at Pai’s center.
Staying at The Nest House also includes breakfast. There is a range of dishes to choose from, so you can start the day fueled and ready to explore Pai.
Overall, The Nest House is ideal if you want a relaxed stay and easy access to Pai town.
Where to stay in Wiang Nuea (North Pai)
XPai Guesthouse
XPai is a guesthouse located in the farmlands of North Pai in a quiet residential area with almost no other accommodations around.
The property has two room types: a hostel-style dorm and private ensuite rooms.
Their dorms are simple, clean, and have comfortable beds, while their private rooms give you plenty of space to spread out. The property also has a small pool and an outdoor kitchen area.
It’s a super quiet area, and really one of the only accommodations around, so you’ll feel like you’re really out there.
But its seclusion comes at a price. Like everything else in the north Pai area, it’s quite a way outside of town. However, XPai also rents out scooters so you can get around easily.
Overall, XPai works well if you want peace and comfort in a rural area of Pai.
Tulip Resort Pai
Tulip Resort is a small hideaway in North Pai. It’s the kind of spot that you go to spend some calm nights surrounded by nature.
The setting is pure countryside. It’s the kind of spot where you wake up to mountain views, enjoy coffee on your balcony, then move over to the quiet pond beside the common area where they serve breakfast under a bamboo-thatched roof.
The accommodations consist of 3 bamboo huts. Each one is beautifully designed with a rustic, eco-friendly feel but still equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning and a full bathroom.
But since it’s located a ways outside of town, I only recommend this place if you are using a motorbike to get around.
Overall, Tulip Resort is ideal if you’re looking for a slow stay in Pai’s countryside.
Pura Vida Pai Resort
Pura Vida is a lovely spot tucked away in the farmlands of North Pai. Its bungalows are set inside a lush tropical garden surrounded by plants.
The gorgeous grounds are dotted with comfy areas to sit, so you won’t feel guilty just spending your morning hanging around the property.
The rooms themselves are cozy and clean. Each one has a balcony, a sofa, and a refrigerator. Easy to get comfortable and perfect for longer stays. And better yet, breakfast is included, so you can get a good start to your day before heading out to explore Pai.
Overall, Pura Vida is perfect if you’re looking for a base with plenty of comfort and space to slow down.
Where to stay in Nam Hu (West Pai)
The Lookout Pai
The Lookout is a spot that sits in the hills of West Pai, surrounded by farms. It is beautifully designed, with a warm, homey feel.
The style of their rooms is rustic but in an artistic way. They are spacious and filled with little touches like books and art materials. There is also a shared kitchen, which is convenient for making a hot drink or cooking a meal.
Mornings are the highlight at The Lookout. Wake up early to watch the fog roll off the hills as the sun slowly rises above the valley. It’s the picturesque Pai view.
Pai Kiang Fa
Pai Kiang Fa is a spot in an amazing location that really leans into its incredible views. The property looks out over the Pai valley, and has a unique three-level structure with netted lounges where you can hang out and take in the scenery.
As for rooms, Pai Kiang Fa has a few different choices. They have various individual bungalows in different styles, or a dorm-style hostel room if you’re on a budget. Everything is well maintained, and all the rooms have AC, so you can stay comfortable no matter the time of year.
Overall, Pai Kiang Fa is perfect if you’re looking for a scenic stay and a mix of bungalow and hostel options.
Bannamhoo Bungalows
Bannamhoo Bungalows is the kind of place you stay at when you want to hang out and connect with nature.
The bungalows come in a few different styles, but all are quite basic. They come with a hammock, a fan, and outdoor bathrooms. Their rooms don’t have AC, but the temperature in Pai is usually cool at night.
The property has a dedicated chill-out area with hammocks, plus dogs, cats, and chickens roaming around. So if your idea of a chill afternoon is lounging around with the animals, then you’ll be right at home.
Like other spots in the area, Bannamhoo Bungalows sits well outside town, so you’ll need a motorbike to get around. But what you get in return is a peaceful little retreat surrounded by greenery with cosy and clean rooms.
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Are You Following Our Pai Blog Series?
We spent 7 days in Pai and found so many things to do there… from canyons to mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Start planning your trip here: Pai Travel Guide
- Our ultimate guide to Pai: 14 Incredible Things to Do in Pai
- Our Pai accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Pai
- Best place to wander around in Pai: Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
- Our favorite place to swim in Pai: Sai Ngam Hot Spring
- Best sunrise views in Pai: Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Our favorite temple in Pai: Wat Sri Don Chai
- Best sunset in Pai: Pai Canyon
- Pai’s Chinese Cultural Village: Santichon Village
I hope you enjoyed our guide to where to stay in Pai!
Great post! As someone working in the tourism sector, I really appreciate the way you’ve presented this topic. It’s insightful and very helpful for travelers.
Awe! Thanks for the kind words. Where’s your favorite place to stay in Pai?