Understand

Located in a stunning valley to the north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a town that is focused on tourism. It offers a laid-back atmosphere with a diverse mix of Western hippies, Thai rastas, and Muslims. This unique blend of cultures gives the place a special vibe that attracts visitors who are looking for something out of the ordinary. In recent years, there has been a surge in the construction of guest houses and bars, resulting in plenty of available rooms during the off-season. Thai people have also started flocking to Pai after it was featured in a popular Thai film called "Pai in Love." However, finding a room during the busy season can be challenging. The town now boasts around 350 guest houses and hotels, and its city center has transformed into a bustling tourist hub with Western-style restaurants, souvenir shops, live music venues, tattoo parlors, and bars catering to the growing number of tourists and package tours. Pai has also experienced an increase in mainland Chinese tourists and group tours, likely due to the popularity of the Chinese movie "Lost in Thailand," which was filmed in northern Thailand. As a result, Chinese characters can now be seen on many signs in the tourist areas of Pai. Despite its rapid growth, Pai has managed to maintain a tasteful development approach, preserving its tranquil charm during the low season. The town remains a serene haven amidst the stunning natural beauty of the valley.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing