menu facebook twitter instagram pinterest youtube search chevron-down chevron-up
  • About
    • About Kristin
    • Press
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
  • Blog
    • Archives
    • Best of the Blog
  • YouTube
  • Solo Female Travel
  • Home
  • Tours
  • Destinations
  • Travel Resources
    • Outdoors 101
    • Itineraries
    • Spiritual Travel
  • SEARCH

Be My Travel Muse

Solo Female Travel

8 Reasons Why I’m so Hopelessly in Love with Pai

12/09/2013 by Kristin 35 Comments

Pai, just a few hours outside of Thailand’s second biggest city, Chiang Mai, is a hippie oasis I’ve been dreaming about ever since I left.  I had visited for 5 days almost exactly a year before, and had loved it so much that it made my very short list of places I just had to return to.

When my time in Europe drew to a close, I knew where the first leg of my third Asian journey would take me: right back to Pai.

Why do I love it so much? Let me count the ways:

things to do in pai thailand
So darn beautiful

1) Mhor Phaeng Waterfall

Or known as the “slide” waterfall, given there are a few parts along the falls that can be slid down or even jumped into.

mhor phaeng waterfall things to do in pai thailand
Me sliding down the waterfall

On a hot day (and let’s be real, they’re all hot in Pai!) it’s an amazingly refreshing way to cool off.  Plus, I love the drive to this place.

As serendipity would have it, I met a French guy who found some sunglasses on the lagoon floor, decided they didn’t suit him, and passed them onto me (thanks!), followed by taking a group of Thai kids up on their offer to help pull me out of the lagoon so I could slide again. It’s just a feel-good place.

2) The Canyon

Pai Canyon’s landscape is truly unique. Tall pillars of rock make for quite the treacherous and interesting climb, but a worthwhile one, because the vista is simply beautiful.

pai canyon things to do in pai thailand
Yellow rock and green trees

3) The Land Split

I dedicated an entire separate post to this one, just because I think it’s such a cool idea.  The farmer who owned the land happened upon a giant crack in his soybean farm one day several years ago.

things to do in pai thailand
Relaxing at the Pai Land Split

With his crop and land destroyed, he came up with a creative new plan: he now makes jams and drinks out of hibiscus and offers tourists a place to relax during the day while dining on fruit.  He simply asks for a donation in return.

4) Pam Bok Waterfall

Also known as the “jumpy” waterfall, since there’s a rock to jump off of and a pool just deep enough to accommodate it, this is my favorite waterfall because I can swim right up to it and stick my face under the running water.

pembok waterfall things to do in pai thailand
Such a tranquil place

Plus, it’s just such a serene place and the drive to get there is beautiful.  I’ve returned five times just to experience it again and again.

5) The drive from Pai to Mae Hong Son

Driving by motorbike all around Pai is probably my favorite part of visiting (but seriously, get travel insurance before you attempt it, just in case).  I haven’t really seen landscape that is more naturally stunning than that surrounding Pai, especially the 2-hour drive to Mae Hong Son.

things to do in pai thailand
A field of purple flowers
things to do in pai thailand
Just go for a drive and be wowed

It was cool seeing the town itself, but the drive was more of the draw for me.  I had just learned how to ride a motorbike and really enjoyed the feeling of the wind in my hair.

6) Captain Jack Sparrow

Always in character, selling postcards, and even sporting a Captain Jack Sparrow email address, this guy truly is the Thai Captain Jack Sparrow:

things to do in pai thailand
The Captain!

7) The circus school

I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance with fire, and had no idea that it was so easy to pick up.

This is what I learned in only a few hours without ever having touched poi before.  Well done, circus school!

8) The people I meet there

When asked what it is that I really, truly love about Pai, I always respond that it’s the people I meet there.  Last year, I met a group of three other girls whom I toured the rest of Thailand with, and have since met up with in Melbourne and again in London.  Another friend I met there ended up being my roommate in Melbourne.  This time around, I was lucky enough to meet up with another close friend whom I met in Pai a year ago, which was wonderful.

On my last day there before heading to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng, I looked around my group and realized that we were all solo travelers from different parts of the world who had been strangers days before and were now new friends.  It’s truly wonderful knowing that this is the kind of place I’ll always meet amazing people who I’ll wish to keep in touch with.

(Book Pai hotels here, or hostels, if that’s more your thing 😉 )

Want to do it yourself? All of these attractions are best accessed with a motorbike, which can be rented in town from Aya Rentals or your guesthouse. 

Click to read more posts about

pai thailand
281 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Get the guidebook for solo female travelers!
« 30 Amazing Photos from One Year of Traveling the World
What is Living the Dream, Exactly? When Traveling Sucks »

Hello There!

headshot

Welcome to Be My Travel Muse, one of the top female travel blogs in the world, welcoming over 5 million readers annually.

I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

Click here!

Get the Solo Female Travel Guidebook

Popular Posts

I am currently in:

The USA!

Check it out on Instagram Stories!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Lois says

    12/09/2013 at 9:05 am

    I think everyone who comes to Pai just leaves their heart here. This is what I wrote about it 2 years ago: http://www.wearesolesisters.com/2011/11/10-reasons-why-i-fell-in-love-with-pai.html

    Can’t wait to come back this weekend and do the Pai-Mae Hong Son Loop again.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/09/2013 at 7:35 pm

      I think so too. That’s why I had to go back!

      Reply
    • Axel says

      08/04/2018 at 9:51 pm

      Because Pai is very cozy place =)

      Reply
  2. Jeremy says

    12/09/2013 at 9:14 am

    Don’t forget about Fluid! It’s a random pool club down the street from Spicy Pai Hostel that costs like a dollar for the entire day and has an amazing olympic sized pool, “gym”, restaurant, books, wi-fi and a really chill vibe.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/09/2013 at 7:34 pm

      I went once and it was cool. I just much prefer the waterfalls so it didn’t make my list. I kind of hate chlorine 🙂

      Reply
  3. Simone says

    12/09/2013 at 2:01 pm

    Great list! We are adding this to our must see list. We head to Thailand in a few months. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/09/2013 at 7:34 pm

      wonderful enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Stephen says

    12/09/2013 at 2:45 pm

    I stopped in Pai about 3.5 years ago and it was OK…didn’t see what all the fuss is about. I guess I’ll have to go back and check out some of those waterfalls!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/09/2013 at 7:33 pm

      The town itself isn’t that amazing for more than a day or two. You’ve really got to take motorbikes and explore the outskirts – that’s where the really cool stuff is.

      Reply
  5. Alexandra says

    12/09/2013 at 5:41 pm

    I LOVE PAI!!! It really is such a great town. Although I am afraid that it is one of those places that will be ruined by all the hype. I hope it manages to keep its unique character for years to come.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/09/2013 at 7:33 pm

      Possibly. I heard it’s much different than it was 8 years ago, which I suppose is to be expected. Seems most of Thailand is rapidly changing.

      Reply
  6. Hogga says

    12/10/2013 at 7:13 am

    haha captain jack sparrow

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/11/2013 at 4:32 am

      I know right?

      Reply
  7. Kristin says

    12/11/2013 at 10:28 am

    I know! SO funny to run into you again! I knew I recognized you.

    Reply
  8. Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says

    12/16/2013 at 6:21 pm

    We fell in love with Pai, too. I’m not sure there’s a prettier part of Thailand than the area it’s nestled in. LOVE!

    Reply
  9. Kristin says

    01/06/2014 at 1:16 am

    Thank you so much for commenting! You’re going to have the best time!

    Reply
  10. Larry says

    01/07/2014 at 6:39 pm

    Hello Kristin! Yes, I agree about Pai! I was there for Christmas several years ago. Yes, great motor bike adventures. Yes, wonderful people. I had a massage from the couple who once trained massage at the hospital in Chiang Mai with an herbal steam bath…my Christmas present to myself! Have you found the Togian Islands yet?

    Reply
  11. Adventurous Andrea says

    05/22/2014 at 7:22 am

    I’m curious, why do you think so many expats settle in Chiang Mai, opposed to Pai? This place sounds blissful! I was planning on going along with recommendations and making a home base in CM, but your post is really making me reconsider.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/22/2014 at 7:23 am

      The internet is better, so are facilities and it’s a big city rather than a very small town. I’d personally settle in Pai, though!

      Reply
  12. Kelly says

    06/29/2014 at 4:54 am

    Hi! Love your list! I am traveling to Pai soon and was wondering where you recommend staying? I’m a solo traveler as well and want to meet people. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/29/2014 at 11:16 am

      Most of the hostels there are good for meeting people. Spicy Pai, Purple Monkey, or the cheaper ones on the same street as witching well and ting tong

      Reply
  13. Kerri says

    10/10/2015 at 6:07 am

    Hey,
    I will be in Chiang Mai/Pai for a total of five nights 08/01/16 – 13/01/16 as a solo female traveler. Since I only have a short time in the two places i would love some ideas of where you think I should spend most of my time/what I could prioritize when I’m there?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/12/2015 at 5:58 am

      Do everything on this list! You can do it all in two days. I have a Chiang Mai list too: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/things-to-do-in-chiang-mai/

      Reply
  14. Elisa Zen says

    01/30/2016 at 9:04 am

    Incredible! Thailand is a trip I am planning and Pai is for sure a stop I will be making while there!

    Reply
  15. Bryan says

    04/03/2017 at 1:09 am

    Best place I visited in Thailand! Definitely going back for a longer stay soon!

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    05/21/2017 at 6:00 pm

    Hi! We have 7 nights to spend in Chiang Mai and Pai. If it were you, how would you divide those days between the two places? We have never ridden motorbikes before, but from what you say here it’s OK in a less trafficky area. Do you think it would be safe to learn here? (:

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/21/2017 at 8:11 pm

      Pai is where I learned. I prefer Pai because i like rural areas more. You could do a couple in Chiang Mai then go to Pai and leave and come back to CM if you don’t love it

      Reply
  17. Victor Azuga says

    10/09/2018 at 1:18 am

    It looks like a third world version of West Virginia, but with hippies. I’ll give it a pass. Thanks for the post though. Informative for my travels.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/10/2018 at 10:20 pm

      I’m so confused.

      Reply
  18. Esti says

    10/14/2018 at 5:53 pm

    Dying to travel here but worried about how to get there from Chaing Mai. Is the bus/minivan very windy (from everywhere that I am reading). I definitely won’t be able to motorbike the long way either. I really don’t want to journey there to deter me from making it there!!
    Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/14/2018 at 11:08 pm

      It’s a mountain road with lots of turns so there’s nothing you can really do to avoid that, but it’s worth it!

      Reply
  19. Lynn Julie says

    07/24/2020 at 8:07 am

    Love this review about Pai! In the end It’s always about the incredible human connections we make along the way!
    I traveled to Thailand several times but somehow always missed Pai! However, reading this it definitely inspired me to come back to Thailand and give it a shot!

    Keep up the great work, Lynn Julie

    Reply

Stay Connected

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Archives
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer

© 2022 · Be My Travel Muse. All Rights Reserved

footer-icon

281 shares