Reasons to visit Pai, Thailand

Pai is the city that travelers intend on visiting for a few days and end up staying for weeks. Maybe it is because of the cool weather or the enticingly chill vibe this city has going on that turned Pai from a stopover destination to a top one in Thailand. Whatever it is that brought you to Pai, Thailand, you will be happy when you visit this city and here is why.

The vibe

Pai, in short, is laid-back. Whether you choose to spend your days cruising around the twisting jungle-fringed lanes on a moped, tubing down Pai River or watching the world go by in one of the many quirky cafés, it is impossible to feel anything but relaxed.

Chilling out at Fluid Swimming Pool

Just want to chill out the whole day? Go to Fluid Swimming Pool, just outside Pai’s center, in the direction of the White Buddha. It is a small pool with nice music, a pleasant atmosphere, a little mat on a grassy field and good food. The swimming pool opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but can be closed during off-seasons.

Being great after dark

While not a party town, there is still enough to tempt you out after dark for a Chang beer or three. Whether you fancy watching live music from the comfort of your own hammock at Edible Jazz down by the river, or chilling by the fire pit and listening to reggae at Bob Marley-themed bar.

Varied activities

In addition to a plethora of outdoor activities, Pai also provides a wealth of other things to do. Brush up on your Thai cooking skills and learn how to make local dishes at a cooking class, rejuvenate your body and spirit at a meditation or yoga retreat, and learn more about local life with visits to ethnic hill tribe groups.

There are Muay Thai gyms, language workshops, and even a circus school to add even more diversity. You will also find many temples and cultural attractions for fun days of sightseeing.

Forage for your own fruit

Pai is quickly becoming a mecca for organic, integrated, and permaculture farming methods. The man behind this movement is Manop, the founder of the Life Development Center. However, he works with many farmers in Pai who are eager to welcome visitors to their farms and will allow guests to pick their own fruit according to the season.

Read more: Top things to explore in Pai, Thailand

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The most beautiful attractions in Northern Thailand

Although Northern Thailand suffers from a dreadful lack of islands, this region is usually known as one of the worth-visiting destinations in Southeast Asia. The best places to visit in Northern Thailand are so diverse. The culture inspired by Lanna, Shan, Karen, and other indigenous ethnic groups has provided a noticeably friendlier atmosphere.

Chiang Mai

Known as the largest city in Northern Thailand and once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is such a significant city in this region. In the Lanna language, Chiang Mai means "New City". The city offers the classic features that attract visitors: friendly locals, great food, and affordable prices. With the usual amount of frugality, you get more bang for the travel buck in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand in general than in Bangkok or the islands.

Chiang Rai

The city of Chiang Rai is an anomaly among the places to go to Northern Thailand. The most famous of Chiang Rai attractions is the iconic Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) which was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Another famous work from Chalermchai is Chiang Rai’s golden clock tower set prominently in a roundabout in the center of town. Unveiled in 2008 as a tribute to the King of Thailand, the clock tower comes alive every hour as one would expect an ornate clock tower to do.

Chiang Dao

Located around 90 minutes from north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is the place to go for picturesque limestone cliffs and Thailand’s third-highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao (7,135 feet). Although the mountain is barely a pebble when matched up against the massifs in Asia’s Himalayas, Chiang Dao is the premier place for bird watching in Thailand. Over 300 species, many of which are rare and can be spotted.

Read more: Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand

Pai

A bit less than four hours north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a much smaller, chilled-out, riverside option for getting away from concrete. Although still mostly green, Pai’s popularity and its development have grown tremendously in the last decade. So far, the charm has survived. Travelers of all budgets and nationalities cram into minivans to visit Pai. A surprising number come and decide not to leave.

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The best coffee shops you should try in Pai, Thailand

The town of Pai, Thailand is famous for its coffee shops and it is easy to see why. Coffee shops line the street of this little town, all offering a different vibe and menu. Looking for epics view while sipping on coffee shops? Want to practice a little yoga before getting your morning fix? Prefer a quiet spot where nobody can find you? Below are some coffee shops for you to explore.

Ten Belles

Ten Belles was one of the city's original specialty coffee shops, it continues to turn out high quality house blends roasted by Belleville Brulerie. But due to its small square footage, this spot does brisk takeaway business. Expect regulars, coffee fanatics, and tourists on a stroll through the neighborhood.

Pai Siam Bistro

It is as though there is some kind of force from the gods that brings people to visit, and fall in love with, Pai. It may be because it is a quiet town surrounded by mountains and gorgeous rice paddy fields, or that the journey to this place, from Chiang Mai to Pai, is a treacherous drive through the mountains that makes it seem like all other forms of civilization are beyond physical reach.

Coffee in Love 

The most famous coffee shop in Pai is one actually on the outskirts of town, Coffee in Love. Every one of my Thai friends that is visited Pai has spent well over two hours here just drinking a latte and taking photographs, as it is so beautiful. Built like a Swiss chalet, it has a beautiful view looking out over a stunning valley with mountains in the distance.

Do not miss sitting out on the lovely wooden deck, where you can enjoy one of the best hot lattes. Do not forget to take pictures too, particularly next to their famous sign. Located on the main highway into town, just a couple of minutes from Pai.

Cafecito

Cafecito’s popularity for Mexican food is undeniable, and the coffee is no afterthought. In fact, Cafecito’s coffee is amongst the best rated coffee in Pai and was number 1 until The Pedlar came along.

Alongside its great coffee, Cafecito serves authentic Mexican food, with an all-day breakfast menu and a short list of well-prepared Mexican classics. The in-house baker makes all their breads and flour tortillas from scratch, with a daily selection of home-baked cakes as well.

Read more: Top things to explore in Pai, Thailand

Khaota

Khaota has a loyal following amongst local Thais in Pai, so much so that even in this small town, they have two locations.

Khaota roast their own coffee in-house using locally sourced Thai coffee beans, and though a little on the darker side, the coffee is nonetheless good. Aside from the occasional cookie, there is no food menu at Khaota, so do not plan for breakfast here.

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