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Pai is one of those cities that travelers intend on visiting for a few days and end up staying for weeks. Maybe it’s 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 the country. Whatever it is that brought you to Pai, Thailand, we are so happy you chose to visit this incredible city … and here’s why.

 

Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To see the Stunning Landscapes

The city of Pai is found inside a flat valley. Venture a mere ten minutes from Walking Street in the city center, however, and find yourself surrounded by Northern Thailand’s most awe-worthy of natural landscapes. One of the city’s most notable characteristics is the Pai River that runs through it. There are also many viewpoints that are a short drive away from the city center that will provide visitors with excellent, naturistic views as far as the eye can see. In addition to the landscapes, there are plenty of hot springs and natural caves within driving distance, as well.

 

To see the Stunning Landscapes - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Chinese Village in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Taste the Amazing Coffee and Visit the Cafes in Pai

From delicious baked goods to one too many types of java to choose from, Pai’s caffeine scene is a thriving one. Head down to Walking Street and check out the trendy cafes lining this popular road, with favorites including Boomelicious Cafe, Cafe de Pai, and Big’s Little Cafe. Enjoy a brew alongside the Pai River at Sawasdee Pai Yoga. Art in Chai is a vegetarian and vegan cafe that serves up Laos coffee and soy milk as a dairy substitute. Chang Puak Coffee House is a cafe that doubles as an archery course and found on the outskirts of Pai. The options are seemingly endless! Be sure to check out an entire list of the best coffee shops in Pai, here.

 

To Taste the Amazing Coffee and Visit the Cafes in Pai - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Coffee at Boomelicious Cafe in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Have a Good Night Out and Discover Pai’s Nightlife

There are many of venues lining the narrow streets of Pai that are at the ready to provide visitors with a fun night out on the town. There is a bar to please every type of traveler, with everything from live music venues to trance bars to choose from. If you are looking to stay up late, head down to Don’t Cry Bar. This after-hours venue blares trance music late into the night. Boom Bar hosts live DJs almost every night of the week and also has a beer pong table, making it a great place to be social. If you want to bust a move, venture to Jazz House. Mad Monkey Hostel Pai is another great venue for a night out. The hostel fosters one of the most social atmospheres and has nightly events like fire shows to keep visitors entertained. Check out this article for a complete list of the best bars in Pai!

 

To Have a Good Night Out and Discover Pai's Nightlife - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Blah Blah Bar in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To get in a Workout

Travelers mainly venture to Pai to relax, however, those of you who are keen on getting in a good sweat will be delighted to see that Pai has many yoga studios, Muay Thai gyms, and more. While your fellow backpackers indulge in the laid-back hippie vibes we all know and love, you can be perfecting your warrior one pose or burning your thighs riding a bicycle around town. For more information on where to get your sweat on, check out our complete fitness guide to Pai.

 

To get in a Workout - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Muay Thai Gym in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Pamper Yourself and Visit Pai Spas & Wellness Centers

No trip to Thailand is complete without getting a Thai massage (or two). Thai massages are an ancient practice in the country. It is believed this healing process originated in India by the personal physician of Buddha. However it is it came about, we are just happy that it did! Thai massages start out at as little as ฿100 (about $3) for an hour of kneading, pulling, and massaging. For a complete list of our favorite spas and wellness centers, check out this complete guide to pampering yourself in Pai!

 

To Pamper Yourself and Visit Pai Spas & Wellness Centers - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
On Thai Massage in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To go on all the Excursions

As relaxed as this city seems to be, Pai is still teeming with cool things to see and do. The Pai Canyon is a unique landscape that is perfect for frequenting at sunset. The slender trails here weave in and out of forestry as far as the eye can see. Large crowds hike on these until they find the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. The Land Split is another unique piece of land. It is here you can see the aftermath of earthquakes as well as sip on homemade roselle wine. It is certainly an interesting combination. Be sure to check out this list of the top 20 things to see and do in Pai before venturing here!

 

To go on all the Excursions - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Land Split in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Eat all of the Delicious Food

In addition to seeing all of the excursions, eating your way through Pai is a must. The city, though small, has just about every type of international cuisine your appetite could ever crave. If you are feeling nostalgic, this city’s cuisine has got you covered. There are also plenty of delicious Thai restaurants and street food vendors that take over Pai Walking Street at sunset. This is one of the best cities in which to sample out new Thai dishes. Almost every restaurant is incredibly affordable and there is an abundance of them to choose from, as well! For a complete list of the best Thai, international, vegetarian restaurants, and more, check out this complete dining guide.

 

To Eat all of the Delicious Food - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Thai basil meal in Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Save Some Money

Broke backpackers to Pai will be delighted to see that everything from accommodation to entire meals are relatively affordable. One does not have to splurge in order to indulge in a delicious meal, stay at a social and clean hostel, or even to go on some pretty memorable day trips. Transportation is often not needed because some of the coolest sights are within walking distance of one another, as well. For excursions that are outside of the city center, motorbikes can be rented for as little as ฿100 (about $3) a day. Bicycles can also be rented for as little as ฿50.

 

To Save Some Money - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Pai, Thailand © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Relax and Enjoy Paid’s Laid-Back Vibes

This is probably the number one reason to visit this northern oasis. Pai continues to grow in popularity. Backpackers are not beelining to this city because of its excursions or neat attractions, however. Most travelers come with the intention of relaxing, for once, during their epic trip to Thailand. Whether you choose to lounge along the banks of the tranquil Pai River or post up in a quaint cafe for the day, there are plenty of places to chill in Pai, Thailand.

 

To Relax and Enjoy Paid's Laid-Back Vibes - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Restaurant along the Pai River © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey

 

To Stay at Mad Monkey Hostel Pai

If you are traveling to Pai, be sure to book Mad Monkey Hostel Pai. This hostel is found near the peaceful Pai River. It is far enough away from the city center that you can get a good night’s rest but is also close enough for backpackers to be able to walk to and from the bars, should they want to enjoy a night out. In addition to the comfortable dormitory and private rooms, Mad Monkey Hostel Pai has a swimming pool and nightly events to keep guests on their toes and socializing with their fellow backpackers. They also have yoga sessions, barbeques, fire shows, and much more to look forward to during your stay! Book your bed here!

 

To Stay at Mad Monkey Hostel Pai - Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Pai, Thailand
Mad Monkey Hostel Pai © Courtesy of Mad Monkey

 

 

More Information on Things to see and Do in Pai, Thailand

Did you love this article about why you should visit Pai, Thailand? Do you want even more information on things to see and do in this incredible city? Then be sure to look at these articles that we have rounded up to help you make the most out of your time in Pai, Thailand!

  • The Top 15 Things to do in Pai, Thailand by Greg Rodgers for TripSavvy
  • Pai, Thailand: a Complete Backpacker’s Guide to this Northern Thai City by Kelly Iverson for Mad Monkey
  • 10 of the Best Things to do in Pai by Alesha and Jarryd for Nomadasaurus
  • Why Pai, Thailand is a Hippie Paradise by Iona Proebst for Culture Trip
  • Top Things to do in Pai for The Broke Backpacker
  • 20 Best Things to do in Pai, Thailand by Christine Kaaloa for Grrrltraveler

 

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About the Author

Mad Monkey is Southeast Asia’s leading hostel operator — born in Cambodia with more properties in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Laos, and the Philippines. We pride ourselves in creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences for our guests, whilst promoting socially responsible tourism.