Where to Stay in Pai

I had a wonderful time in Pai, stayed in a few accommodations, and explored all major attractions in the region. In this article, I will share with you my opinion on where to stay in Pai, the most popular areas, and top accommodations in each area.

Pai is a small town in Northern part of Thailand, located only a few hours drive from Chiang Mai. It is a popular destination for visitors who are looking for a laid back atmosphere and stunning natural landscape.

When visiting Pai, you can explore many beautiful attractions including Pai canyon, the Big Buddha, Chinese village, the walking street, as well as various viewpoints, waterfalls, hot springs, and hill tribe villages. You can take a day trip to Nam Lod Cave, which is located 50 km from Pai.

My opinion on Where to stay in Pai

In my opinion, the Pai town center is the best location to stay in Pai for the first time. This area is the hub of the city where you can find the Walking Street, the night market, and the bus terminal. It is best suited for those who want to be in the heart of the action and don’t plan to rent a motorbike.

Pai is a popular destination for backpackers and digital nomads. The city is home to many hostels, guest houses, and bungalows. There are some resort-style accommodations along the banks of Pai River near the bamboo bridges.

If you plan to rent a motorbike and love to stay in a more rural area, you can find cheaper hotels further away from Pai Town. Far South Pai which includes The Pai Canyon and Tha Pai Hot Spring has several resorts and hotels if you want to stay close to these attractions.

Pai is a small town, no matter where you choose to stay, you can visit major sights such as White Buddha, Pai canyon, waterfalls, viewpoints, bridges, ethnic villages, and hot springs easily. You can also take a guided tour for half days or full days trip to nearby Nam Lod Cave and Elephant Sanctuary.

My top hotel picks in Pai:

Best areas and top places to Stay in Pai

1. Pai Town Center, best area for first-timer visitors

The town center is the most popular area to stay in Pai for new visitors. This area is home to many tourist facilities such as the night market, the walking street with lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, travel agencies, and all kinds of shops. It is also home to the bus station, making it convenient for bus travelers.

The heart of Pai Town is the walking street (Chai SongKhram Road). There are many hotels, guest houses, and backpacker hostels located right on the Walking street as well as on the side streets branching off from the Walking Street.

The walking street is a pedestrian area and is home to a night market from 5 pm and 10 pm everyday. It is a great place to try Thai street food and buy some souvenirs, arts and crafts.

Where to stay in Pai Town and Walking Street:

Pai Village Boutique Resort

Pai Village is a 4-star resort centrally located in the heart of Pai town center. It is conveniently located within easy walking distance from the walking street and the Pai River. You can walk to the night market, the bus station, as well as many restaurants, bars, cafes, massage shops, and travel agents.

This hotel has Thai-style cottages with a balcony that offers views of the garden and the surrounding mountains. It has an outdoor swimming pool, which is a bonus on a hot day. Pai Village is best suited for couples and families who want a nice hotel in a central location of Pai.

RimPai Cottage

RimPai is a mid-range option for families and couples in the heart of Pai town center. It is conveniently located right on the Walking Street, so you’ll be close to everything. Lots of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and massages are within walking distance away.

While all necessary amenities are stepped away, the hotel still offers a quiet and calm riverside location. The rooms are comfortable and spacious. You can walk to the peaceful Pai River with its bamboo sling bridges as well as to the party action of the walking street.

The Sylvana Pai

The Sylvana is a budget place to stay in Pai, located a few minutes walk from the busy walking street and the peaceful Pai River. It has rooms for solo travelers, couples, and families with kids.

Just be mindful that the Jazz bar can sometimes create noise. Overall, I think it is a good value for money hotel in a central location.

2. Along Pai River, within walking distance to the Walking Street

Pai River, running through Pai, is the longest river in Mae Hong Son. If you want an accommodation with river views, you can consider staying near the riverside area. This area offers peaceful surroundings while still being located within walking distance or a short drive from the town center and its walking street.

The Pai River is connected to Pai Town and a walking street via several bridges. There are two bamboo pedestrian bridges at the southern end of the Walking Street as well as a big bridge on Rat Damrong Rd.

Where to stay in Pai Riverside area near the walking street:

Family House @ Pai

This is a mid-range hotel located on Pa Kham Rd, right next to the beautiful Pai River and the walking street. It is not right on the Main Street, so you’ll have a quieter atmosphere while still within walking distance to major bars, restaurants, as well as the night market and the bus station.

This is a great place to relax and chill near the river. You can walk on the bamboo bridge nearby and it has stunning views. River activities such as Tipsy Tubing also happen nearby.

Pai Country Hut

Pai Country Hut is a popular place to stay in Pai. It is located right on the east bank of the Pai River. It is a 10 minutes walk from the Pai Walking Street via the bamboo bridge. You can find a cluster of bars, cafes, and restaurants on the walking street.

This accommodation has cottages with thatched roofs and facilities such as a fan, mosquito net, bike rental services and laundry. This is a quiet and peaceful place for couples and solo travelers. The price of the room is also good value.

Pai Loess Resort

Pai Loess Resort is located on the other side of the Pai River from Walking Street. You’ll have a peaceful location while still being close to the nightlife action of the town center. This hotel has villas and bungalows with private balconies and garden views.

3. East of River Pai and the Countryside area

For a more rural feel, you can consider staying on the east side of the river Pai. This area is home to numerous resorts, guest houses, and villas. You’ll be close to some attractions such as the Big Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen), Long Neck Karen Village, and Mae Yen Waterfall.

It is possible to stay in the countryside area and walk to the walking street during the daytime. A walk from the walking street to the places like Long Neck Karen Village is around 30 minutes, and to the starting point of the trail to Mae Yen Waterfall is around 45 minutes.

If you stay in the countryside area and want to visit the walking street at night for parties and the night market, it is best to have a motorbike rental or arrange transportation. I don’t recommend walking at night in the countryside.

Where to stay in Pai Countryside area, east of Pai River:

The Countryside Pai

The Countryside is a good value for money hotel, especially for those who plan to rent a bike to explore the town. It is on the right side of Pai River, a little bit far away from the walking street (1 km) but still walkable. They offer free transfer from/to the bus station if you request.

Staying here means you’ll be surrounded by rice fields and mountains. You’ll be close to numerous attractions including the Big Budhe, Long Neck Karen Village, and Mae Yen Waterfall.

Pai My Guest Resort

Pai My Guest Resort is a beautiful property located in the middle of nature and mountains. It is just outside of the town center but is within a few minutes drive away. You can still walk to the town center for restaurants and bars, around a 15-20 minute walking distance.

If you prefer a Quiet location, a bit out of town, this is a great option. They have beautiful gardens and a nice pool area with sun chairs and umbrellas.

Buzzas @ Pai Chan

Buzzas offers both private rooms and dorm rooms, which is ideal for both backpackers, solo travelers, couples, and families. Rooms have nice views of the rice terraces, mountains, and gardens.

It is actually in a quite good location, on Rat Damrong Rd, within 10-15 minutes walking to the town center where you can find Pai Bus Station, Night Market, and Walking Street. It is also only 15 minutes walk from Wat Phra That Mae Yen.

4. Far South Pai: the Pai Canyon and Tha Pai Hot Spring area

The area around Pai Canyon is located 15 minutes drive from the town center. This area has some accommodations and is home to a cluster of attractions. You can consider booking hotels on the highway 1095 for easy access to Pai and Mae Hong Son attractions.

You’ll be close to Pai Canyon, Ta-Pai Memorial Bridge, Tha Pai Hot Spring, Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp, The Land Crack, Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, and Pam Bok Waterfall.

Some famous restaurants and cafes in this area include Love Strawberry Pai, Coffee in Love, and Two Huts. This area is best suited for those who have motorbike rental, and don’t mind being further away from the downtown area with its vibrant nightlife scene.

Here are some good places to stay in far South Pai on Highway 1095:

Kuad Khon Thoe Pai Cottage

This hotel is located close to Highway 1095 and is a great base on the Mae Hong Son Loop. It is out of Pai town Center, but a 10 minute motorbike ride away. Close to Love Strawberry Garden.

Kalm Pai

Kalm Pai is another good base for South Pai. It is further south to the main town and is ideal for those who have motorbikes or cars. Otherwise it is a tranquil location for a relaxing stay.

So, Where did I stay in Pai?

I traveled to Pai from Chiang Mai in the peak tourist season, in early December. I booked the accommodations just 3 days before my trip, so I didn’t have many good options. The price of the hostels and hotels were also very expensive.

I had to change hotels a few times, as I mentioned, there wasn’t much availability, and most places were fully booked. If you travel in the high season in Pai and Thailand, I recommend booking well at least a couple of weeks in advance.

Here are some of the guest houses and hostels I stayed in Pai, what I liked and disliked about them:

Hugga Pai

This hotel is located on the Chai Song Kham Rd, in the heart of Pai Town. It is just a few minutes walking distance from the walking street, the bus station, and the night market.

There are lots of restaurants and tourist amenities near the hotel. You can rent a motorbike at the rental shop next door, as well as try food at the popular Nong Beer Restaurant and Joy’s place nearby.

My room is spacious with a double bed, big bathroom, a balcony, a wardrobe, and air conditioning. There is a mini fridge and kettle as well as a free bottle of water, tea, and coffee. The room has lots of natural lights.

The staff was very friendly, checked in quickly, just filled out the form and paid the cash, and they took me straight to the room. I asked for an invoice, and they also gave it to me. When I checked out early the next day for a van to Chiang Rai, I only needed to leave the key at the reception area.

There is nothing I didn’t like about Hugga Pai, 10 out of 10. The price is not crazy expensive especially in the peak season. The location is central, the room is clean and the bed is comfortable. I highly recommend this hotel and would definitely stay here again.

Evergreen Guest House

This family-run hotel is located in the central location of Pai Town, only 200m from Pai Walking Street with its night market and bus station. It is situated on a small alley filled with several massage parlors, bars, restaurants, and cannabis shops.

The room at Evergreen has traditional northern Thai style with wooden floor, and the rattan wall. The facilities are very basic, just a double bed, a small table, a high chair, a fan, and a towel. There is no air conditioning, kettle, or even water inside the room.

They have a beautiful garden. My room is further inside from the road and it was quite difficult to drag my suitcase to my room on the dirt path in the garden.

I was surprised that I slept very well in the room. The owner is very friendly, she let me keep the suitcase after checking out. When I came back from the Mae Yen Waterfall trekking with my dirty wet shoes, she also let me use the water in the garden to clean my shoes.

I would recommend this guest house for budget travelers who want to have a private room in a central location. If you’re just looking for a place to sleep and don’t mind the lack of air conditioning or other amenities, it’s a good choice. I would stay here again if no other options were available in town.

WanderHaus at Pai Hostel

I stayed one night at this hostel because I didn’t have any other options available. The ones available were ridiculously expensive, and I couldn’t afford them.

This hostel is located around 700m from the walking street. You can walk for around 10-15 minutes along the Rang Siyanon Rd. When I arrived at the bus station, I walked to the hostel with my suitcase.

I stayed in a mixed room.The room had a strong smell of weed. The hostel offer all popular tours and taxi services. There are few bathrooms and toilets.

I’m glad that I stayed only a night at the WanderHaus Hostel. Again, if you book in advance, you will have a better option in a better location.

See more: Where to Stay in Thailand

In conclusion, Pai Town is the most convenient base to stay in Pai for the first time, especially those who don’t drive. You’ll be within easy walking distance walking street, night market, and bus station. For a more tranquil atmosphere, you can consider staying along the Pai river and the countryside area.