Explore Pai, Thailand: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide
Updated: Oct 15
Pai, Thailand is a budding town that has become a haven for backpackers and digital nomads alike. With its stunning landscapes, plentiful activities, and vibrant community, Pai offers an unparalleled experience for those looking to balance work and adventure. Whether you're sipping coffee at a local café or exploring caves in nearby villages, this enchanting destination promises to leave a lasting impression.
Much like Australia's "Byron bubble," people tend to get willfully stuck in this quaint village and fall into what they call the "Pai-Hole." Travelers from all walks of life have a habit of falling in love with the lifestyle and extending their trip as much as they can.
That being said, Pai tends to be the most popular with expats and travelers rather than actual Thai people. If you are looking for a beautiful and affordable destination to hang out and meet other nomads, there are plenty of tourists in places like Pai and Koh Tao. However, if you are looking for more of a local vibe, I highly recommend Chiang Rai, a city near the border with Laos. If you are interested in a Thai adventure, I also recommend Khao Sok National Park.
Read more to find out how to get the most out of your Pai trip – from the best route to take from Chiang Mai to the most exciting day trips. Start your day at a charming cafe, watch the sun set over the rice terraces, and indulge on local food at the night market.
Discover why it’s a favorite among those who seek both work and play in this magical corner of Thailand:
How to Get to Pai, Thailand from Chiang Mai
How to Drive to Pai from Chiang Mai
The drive from Chiang Mai to Pai is full of scenic viewpoints, peaceful switchbacks, and tiny teahouses. The route famously has over 700 turns, and, as someone who gets nauseous in long car rides, I opted to drive rather than taking the van. I had driven motorbikes on past trips, I was not the most experienced. I drove carefully, drank lots of coffee, and really enjoyed the drive. I recommend that female travelers trust their gut rather than listening to the boys who hype this up to be far more intimidating than it really is.
If you are looking to drive to Pai, I highly recommend booking with Aya motorbike service. The biggest benefit of booking with Aya is that they will drive your luggage up in one of their vans, so you only have to carry a small bag with you while you drive. This is game-changing, especially for less experienced drivers. Aya also has locations in both Chiang Mai and Pai so you can get your bike serviced, check your brakes, or switch out your helmet during your trip.
The Van Ride to Pai from Chiang Mai
The easiest way to book your van is with 12Go Asia. The ride takes about four hours and costs less than $10. Vans leave basically every hour of the day, so you can easily find a time that suits your schedule. If you are prone to motion sickness, I definitely recommend packing some dramamine and whatever other gadgets you like to use. If you get to the van stop early, you may also be able to claim the front seat.
Where to Stay in Pai, Thailand
Common Grounds is great for young travelers who are looking to explore the area with new friends. This hostel is right in the middle of town, just one-minute away from the bus station. It is not a party hostel, but it's known for having really friendly local staff, playing good music, and hosting lots of social events.
It's especially great for digital nomads because they have a designated co-working space. You can drink your coffee while you wrap up projects and then easily head off on a planned day trip with other people from the hostel.
Topp Paiway is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly hostel. Dorms can be as inexpensive as $5/night for a dorm, and it's in a great location for those looking to work at one of the many cafes in town (check out my favorite cafes to work from here).
Topp Paiway tends to attract very friendly travelers, and there aren't too many people. They also have a roof terrace, free coffee, and helpful hosts.
If you are looking to stay in more of a guest house or you are looking to get out of the town, Blue Sky Pai is an affordable and adorable option. Blue Sky is in the middle of a rice field with a stream and one of my favorite cafes in the area. It is a short drive to the town so you will need a bike, but it is worth it for the peace and quiet.
Things to Do in Pai, Thailand
Mae Yen waterfall
Mae Yen waterfall is an amazing hike where you trek around in the jungle through the river. You will want hiking shoes that can also get wet, like a pair of Tevas or Hokas. Some people also do it barefoot. Once you get to the waterfall, you can swim in the natural pools and enjoy the views.
Because it's a bit more of an intense hike, Mae Yen tends to be less crowded. If you are looking for other waterfalls in the area, you can also visit Mo Pang and Hua Chang.
Sai Ngam natural mineral spring
Sai Ngam is a hot spring outside of Pai town. It is a beautiful, hilly drive to get there, and the springs are surrounded by lush greenery. The water is warm and clear, especially if you go early in the morning.
Visit the giant white Buddha
There are many temples and monasteries around Pai, nit Wat Phra That Mae Yen is one of the most notable. It is located just a short drive from the town, but it offers sweeping views of the whole area. You can drive up on your bike or take the Naga staircase.
Pai is a very spiritual place, largely because there are a lot of temples and monasteries in the area. You can also visit Wat Klang, a temple right in town, or Wat Nam Hu, a temple with a fish pond and picturesque views.
Take a yoga class
Whether or not you are staying at Atlas Valley Hostel in Pai, you can join their free morning yoga classes every day at 8:30am. These classes take place right in their shala with views of the rice terraces. Yoga is a great way to exercise and connect with yourself while you're traveling. You can also check out Bodhi Tree or other studios in the area.
They also have ice baths in the afternoon. You can book your stay at Atlas Valley Hostel here.
Day trip to Nam Lod Cave
This was by far my favorite experience during my trip to Pai. Nam Lod Cave is massively impressive, yet very quiet and uncrowded. You have to go with a guide, but they're easy to book and you'll be glad you have someone showing you around and making sure you don't get lost.
We chose to visit all three caves during our cave, which I highly recommend. With the longer tour we got to ride on the bamboo raft through the water. If you're scared of hikes, just know that there are some very steep staircases. Also, it's a bit of a hike, so wear proper shoes. I was very happy in my Tevas.
It takes about an hour-and-a-half to drive to Nam Lod Cave from Pai. It's a bit windy and intense, but it's manageable if you take it slowly and carefully. Just be sure to drive back before sunset. I also would have loved to stay the night in this area because it felt way more local.
Work-Friendly Cafes in Pai, Thailand
Dream Cafe
Dream Cafe is a two-story cafe, and the top floor is perfect for enjoying the views of the fields. They serve coffee and Western food, have strong wifi, and there are a ton of seating options. They also have the cutest little dogs who want to hang out with the guests.
It's shady and comfy. You can move around and charge your laptop, making it a great place to really get things done.
Blue Sky Pai
Blue Sky is a resort, cafe, and campground outside of the town of Pai. The best part of this location is that it is so quiet and remote. You can stroll around the fields and even sit right on the water by the stream.
They serve traditional Thai dishes and a wide variety of beverages. Enjoy a coconut on a hot day or sip on hot tea in the evening. You can also book a stay at Blue Sky Pai here.
Restaurants in Pai, Thailand
Na's Kitchen
Na's Kitchen is one of the most popular and traditional restaurants in the area. The food is very affordable and authentic, and most meals cost less than $5. One of the best parts of eating here is that you can meet Na, a kind woman who cooks all of the dishes with love. You have to try the panang and the massaman curry.
Pai Kiang Fai
Pai Kiang Fai has a wonderful atmosphere and stunning views. Tucked away in a corner of the town, this cafe and restaurant has a lot of Western options. They also have a fire pit at night, which is a great place to hang out with a drink.
Night market
The Pai walking street is the most affordable place to eat in town. Each night, the whole town fills with music, food stalls, and street performers. It's a great way to wander around, try different local dishes, and run into new friends on the street.
Where to Watch the Sunset in Pai, Thailand
10 Rai
10 Rai is my favorite place to watch the sunset in Pai. DJs perform sets in front of the rice terraces, and the entire bar lights up with beautiful colors. There are bean bags, platforms, soccer balls, and any other forms of entertainment you could want. They also have very special cocktails.
The food is fantastic. 10 Rai also has one of the best pad thais that I had in Thailand, and they serve khao soy, a traditional dish you can only find in the North.
Two Huts
Just down the street from 10 Rai is Two Huts, which is probably the most popular place to catch the sunset. They have acoustic live music and vibrant views of the terraces. It can get pretty crowded, so I would recommend going early to get a good spot.
Nightlife in Pai, Thailand
Tipsy Tubing
Backpackers and young travelers love tipsy tubing, a six-hour on the river. Big groups float down the river in inner tubes and make stops to party with DJs, play volleyball, and dance. It gets really rowdy and isn't my scene, but it's great for your inner hedonist.
Reggae Bar
I always love a good reggae bar while I'm traveling in Asia, and the reggae bar in Pai is super popular with the hippie tourists. You can dance to live cover bands every night or hang out and chat at the little wooden tables.
Jazz House
Jazz House has a very chill and relaxed atmosphere with great live music daily. There's a huge mix of age groups who come together to enjoy the music, and locals and travelers even participate in their open mic on Sunday nights.
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