Explore Pai: 15 Amazing Things You Won’t Want to Miss

15 Things to Do in Pai, Thailand

1. Have Breakfast at Ban Cha Bo Hill ☀️ Great Day Trip

One of the first things you can do, either on the day you leave Pai if you are traveling the Mae Hong Son Loop anti-clockwise, or if you are traveling to Pai from Mae Hong Son City, is to visit the beautiful Ban Cha Bo Hill. Here, you will find a stunning viewpoint over the rolling mountains around Ban Cha Bo, as well as a cafe and restaurant where you can have coffee while dangling your feet off into the mountains.

If you are there early enough, you might even get to see a sea of fog from the café – another one-dollar meal, one-million-dollar view situation in Mae Hong Son.

The Ban Cha Bo cafe and restaurant opens from 7:30 AM to 4 PM. The food and coffee should cost about 40 - 60 THB, which is pretty cheap considering the view you get.

Some people choose to stay in Ban Cha Bo for a night to see the sea of fog in the early morning, but due to how close it was to Mae Hong Son City and Pai, I decided to visit early in the morning instead, and I was not disappointed. There is no better way to start a morning in Mae Hong Son than with a cup of coffee at Ban Cha Bo Hill.

Where to Stay in Pai, Thailand?

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Pai Way

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Hugga Pai

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Pai Village Boutique Resort

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2. Explore Tham Lod Cave

Not too far from Ban Cha Bo Hill, there is a place you should visit called Tham Lod, a 1.6 km long cave system with a river running through it. Studies have discovered that Tham Lod was used as a burial ground for the prehistoric people living within this region from the late Pleistocene to the late Holocene period.

They found Homo sapiens' skeletons within the cave, as well as in the other 2 caves nearby, which you can also visit with a raft right from Tham Lod's entrance.

There are 3 caves you can visit in total at Tham Lod, and the price you pay varies depending on how many caves you plan to cover. For the first cave (Sao Hin Cave shown in the photos here), it's 200 THB per group of not over 3 people. For 2 caves (Sao Hin Cave, Tuk Ta Cave), it's 250 THB per group, and for all 3 caves (Sao Hin Cave, Tuk Ta Cave, Pi Man Cave which requires a raft to get there), it's 500 THB per group.

With these trips, you will be accompanied by a local guide who will help navigate and walk you through all the caverns in the cave and explain their significance.

Within Sao Hin Cave, you will find many weird-looking rock formations with stories behind them that require quite an imagination through the guide's interpretation to understand. However, it was still fun and different from all the other tourist attractions in this article.

Unfortunately, when I was there, I was only allowed to visit the first cave as they were repairing rafts in the second and third caves. But even then, the first cave was already worth the visit.

My guide also told me that the first cave has the most to see, but the last cave, the Pi Man Cave, has the best scenery. So, if you have a chance to see it for yourself, please do report back on how it was. I would love to hear it 😉.

Tham Lod Cave's opening hours are between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. You will be walking on wet rocks, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes when you visit Tham Lod. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Pai, so make sure to check it out!

3. Hike Up Chedi Phra That Mae Yen and Watch the Sunset

One of the best sunset spots in Pai, and the one I preferred over Pai Canyon, is at the Chedi Phra That Mae Yen, a huge white Buddha image built on the side of a mountain east of Pai.

The location of Chedi Phra That Mae Yen offers a nice viewpoint of Pai and the mountains surrounding it from a high point. The place receives much less foot traffic during sunset compared to Pai Canyon, and I found it to be a calmer place to watch the sunset in Pai.

The parking lot of Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is located at the bottom of the hill, and you will have to climb the 300-step stairs up to the Buddha image, which should take you about 5-10 minutes. It's a bit of a climb, but I assure you, the view up there at sunset is well worth the effort.

The Chedi Phra That Mae Yen's opening hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM, so be sure to plan your time accordingly for the sunset, which should be around 5 to 5:30 PM.

4. Relax at Sai Ngam Hot Spring

If you are looking for a place to swim in warm water, the Sai Ngam Hot Spring is a recreational hot spring where you will find a cascade of thermal baths sourced from a nearby hot spring that you can swim in.

The water is warm, making it a great place to swim even when it's cold outside. The hot spring is well-covered under many shades of trees, and there are other facilities like seating areas, changing rooms, etc., for you to enjoy a little refreshing warmth in Pai.

The Sai Ngam Hot Spring opening hours are between 9 AM and 6 PM. The hot spring is part of a national park, so you will have to pay 200 THB (20 THB for Thais) to get in, plus another 20 THB for your motorcycle parking fee, and 30 THB for a car.

5. Watch the Sunset at Pai Canyon

One of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Pai is at Pai Canyon, a small canyon that protrudes above the forest and turns orange under the last bit of sun.

Walking around Pai Canyon is not an easy stroll, and you have to be very careful with your footing, especially along the narrow, steep path that goes up and down the canyon.

The combination of its flat surface, small gravels, and the ups and downs of the canyon makes for one hell of a slippery path to walk on. So, if you are unsure about your balance, do not attempt to walk on these slippery paths.

Fortunately, there is also a much easier and wider path you can stroll on, which goes halfway around the canyon and offers a great view of the canyon and the surrounding area.

The Pai Canyon opening hour is 24 hours, and the entrance fee is free. At the bottom of the canyon, you will find a market selling water, where you can also park your vehicle.

From the parking lot, it is simply a 3-minute hike to the top, and then you can spend around 10-15 minutes walking around the canyon. Make sure to be there 30 minutes before sunset (often around 5:30 PM) so you have some time to explore the surroundings before nightfall.

6. Admire the Beauty of Yun Lai Viewpoint

After spending the first day exploring the north and the Pai Canyon, it's time to look inward and start visiting the tourist attractions within Pai, beginning with a morning visit at Yun Lai Viewpoint.

Yun Lai Viewpoint offers a 180° view of Pai and the mountains surrounding it from above. At the viewpoint, you will find a cafe where you can enjoy the view with your coffee. There are also flower fields and tea plantations at the viewpoint if you like that sort of stuff.

You can also spend a night up at the Yun Lai Viewpoint with your tent, but you can also do as I did and visit the place first thing in the morning to get the same view without paying much.

Talking about payment, unfortunately, the viewpoint is located within the Chinese-inspired town of Santichon Village, and you won't be allowed to reach the viewpoint with your own vehicle unless you pay 100 - 300 THB to use the local's motorcycle or pickup truck.

Santichon Village is definitely not my cup of tea. Its Chinese-themed atmosphere is aimed at a more traditional Thai tourist who takes a lot of photos, and there are a TON of artificial photo spots catered to them... with a fee.

Every photo spot I saw, like this wind-powered swing, asks you to pay 10 THB for a photo, which I think is ridiculous. You can also pay to dress up in Chinese attire and pretend to be in China for a brief second.

It is definitely not my cup of tea, and if it weren't for the viewpoint, I would not even include this place in this article. At least with this information, you can decide for yourself whether it's worth paying that much for the viewpoint.

7. Swim at Mo Paeng Waterfall

Just a little north from Yun Lai Viewpoint, you will find another intriguing waterfall to swim in, the Mo Paeng Waterfall, a multi-level waterfall where you can climb up and slide down the slippery rock into a refreshing pond below.

The Mo Paeng Waterfall facilities are a little run-down, but they are well-equipped for tourists to safely navigate each level of the waterfall with bamboo bridges covering all levels.

The Mo Paeng Waterfall opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 5 PM, and the entrance fee is 100 THB (10 THB for Thais).

8. Stroll Around Pai's Night Market

Every evening, the main street of Pai is converted into a night market where locals can come and sell their goods to tourists, ranging from cute souvenirs to street food of all kinds.

Pai's Night Market is a great place to expose yourself to some delicious local food that you might not have had a chance to try, such as the spicy Khanom Chin (Pai's version of the Thai traditional rice noodle dish) and the sesame-seasoned Black Sticky Rice for dessert.

Pai's Night Market's opening hours are between 6 PM and 10 PM every day. You can park your car at Wat Luang temple. Just be sure not to drive on the Chai Songkhram Road (east from the city center's intersection) during the evening as they close down the street to prepare for the night market.

9. Relax at I Love U Pai Cafe

Pai is known for its laid-back vibe, and to fully enjoy Pai, you will have to take it slow and savor a few hours of tranquility with a nice cup of coffee. There is no better place to do this than at I Love U Pai Cafe, which offers a breathtaking view of the calm mountains of Pai.

For more information about the cafe, you can jump to our "What to Drink and Eat in Pai" section and start planning your trip there.

10. Hike Around Pai Land Split

Update: There have been reports that the Land Split is temporarily closed at the moment. The exact date of reopening is unknown at this time, but I will provide updates when more information becomes available.

If you are feeling a little restless with all the laid-back activities I've been recommending, you can split it up a little and go explore Pai Land Split, a natural phenomenon exactly as the name suggests, a land split that you can walk around.

What is so special about the Pai Land Split is not the land split itself, but the owner of the private property who decided to turn his discovery into a pay-it-forward tourist attraction with a donation-style entrance fee. He will also let you try his locally-grown roselle drink for free.

We spent a couple of minutes talking over drinks with another traveler from Surat Thani, and he told me about his idea of the Land Split. He even built several paths for us, travelers, to walk down into the Land Split and explore at our own leisure.

He also tried planting flowers along the land split's path, but I didn't see them, so maybe the cows may have gone in and eaten them. All in all, I admire the model and his love for nature, and I highly recommend you spend some time at the Land Split before heading to the next destination, the Pam Bok Waterfall.

11. Freshen Up at Pam Bok Waterfall

Another beautiful waterfall that you must not miss when you are in Pai is the Pam Bok Waterfall, located deep in the mountains south of Pai. Its secluded location under thick forest and canyon makes the waterfall more photogenic than it should be.

The first waterfall you will encounter is rather underwhelming, but the further you climb up, the prettier it gets, and you will be blown away by it when you arrive at the canyon split where the true beauty of Pam Bok Waterfall shines.

The water wasn't high enough for me to swim, but the location of the Pam Bok Waterfall makes it all worthwhile to visit the place. The Pam Bok Waterfall's opening hours are between 9 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 200 THB (20 THB for Thais).

12. Walk the Buddha Bamboo Bridge ❤️ Must Visit

Deeper into the mountain from Pam Bok Waterfall is another attraction that you might be interested in: the Buddha Bamboo Bridge, a bamboo bridge that runs through rice fields as far as the eyes can see.

Other than the bamboo bridge and the rice fields, there's not a whole lot to do other than relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee or food there. If you have been to Mae Hong Son and visited the Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, you might not be impressed by the place as I did, but if you have not, Buddha Bamboo Bridge is a great place to see how they built bridges for monks using bamboo back in the days.

However, there is an entrance fee for the Buddha Bamboo Bridge. Thankfully, it's only 30 THB per person for both foreigners and Thais. The Buddha Bamboo Bridge is open 24 hours every day. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Pai, so be sure to check it out!

13. Admire the Beauty of Ta Pai Memorial Bridge

A little piece of history in Pai is the Ta Pai Memorial Bridge, an old steel train bridge built by the Japanese during World War II as part of the invasion route from Chiang Mai to Burma through Mae Hong Son.

Before the old steel bridge you see here, the bridge was built using wood carried off the backs of elephants and built by forced workers. When the Japanese retreated, they burned down the bridge, causing the villagers much trouble. So much so, in fact, that they decided to come together and build the bridge themselves.

That makeshift bridge was destroyed during a big flood in the 80s, and it was replaced with this steel bridge that you see here today. The bridge is open 24 hours, and you can enter for free.

14. Check Out Tha Pai Hot Spring

Not too far from Tha Pai Memorial Bridge, you will find another hot spring spot called Tha Pai Hot Spring, where you can enjoy several thermal baths sourced from the hot spring, just like the Sai Ngam Hot Spring, but with better facilities.

Unfortunately, it's also 300 THB for foreigners to enter, which is way too high in my opinion compared to the Thai price of only 20 THB. If you have been to Sai Ngam Hot Spring, I recommend you skip this place. Otherwise, it's worth a visit if you don't mind paying 300 THB to support the thermal park.

15. Stop at All the Viewpoints Along the Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son Road

If you are driving from Mae Hong Son City to Pai or if you are just visiting Ban Cha Bo, be sure to stop by these 2 viewpoints along the way, Pang Mapha Viewpoint and Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint, just off the main road. It's an easy stop and you can easily park your vehicle, take some photos, and continue your journey.

Both viewpoints will give you a sweeping view of the rolling hills of Mae Hong Son, which is quite a sight to behold, even for me after spending a week within these hills on the Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. These viewpoints are free to enter.

What To Eat and Drink in Pai, Thailand?

1. Try All the Thai Dishes at Nong Beer Restaurant

One of the best restaurants I often frequent in Pai is Nong Beer Restaurant, a Thai restaurant located right in the center of Pai. They serve several Thai dishes, from the northern Thai signature dish, Beef Khao Soi, to the famous pineapple fried rice and a dish of Sate Pork Sticks as a side dish.

Nong Beer Restaurant's opening hours are between 10 AM and 9 PM. They serve small portions for solo travelers like myself, as well as big dishes for big groups, with prices ranging from as low as 50 THB to around 150 THB.

Nong Beer Restaurant is a great place to sit and enjoy any Thai dish you've never tried before, as they have them all here 😉.

2. Have Coffee at The Pedlar Cafe

If you are looking for a nice, cozy cafe to have breakfast in the morning and a place to catch up on some work or with friends and family, the Pedlar Cafe is a spacious and modern cafe located right at the center of Pai that offers a western-style breakfast as well as coffee and desserts.

Their WIFI is fast, with power sockets all over the cafe, and they serve delicious breakfast bagels. What more can you ask for a nice quiet morning in Pai? The Pedlar Cafe's opening hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM, and the coffee costs between 60 - 80 THB.

3. Relax On the Tear Drop Swing Chairs at I Love U Pai Cafe

As mentioned earlier, the best place to enjoy the laid-back vibe in Pai is at I Love U Pai Cafe, located only a few minutes south of Pai. Once you arrive, order a coffee and a brownie, go up to the top floor, and enjoy an unbeatable view of the mountains in Pai while spinning in their comfortable tear-drop swing chair.

I Love You Pai cafe's opening hours are between 8 AM and 6:30 PM every day, and the coffee costs around 50 to 70 THB.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to Visit Pai, Thailand?

The best time to visit Pai is from November to January when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's climate, making it much more enjoyable to explore the outdoors.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's late winter period (January - February). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be somewhat better during this time, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain. This might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Pai?

Pai is located approximately 130 km away from Chiang Mai, one of Thailand's most popular travel hubs, and this is where you will have to transit to get to Pai.

In order to get to Chiang Mai, you will first have to fly to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, from your place of origin. Then, you can choose to fly or take an overnight bus/train to Chiang Mai before you can then travel to Pai.

If you are from a city/country with a direct flight to Chiang Mai, such as Taiwan, South Korea, China, or Doha, then traveling to Pai will be much easier for you. You can skip straight to the "How to Get from Chiang Mai to Pai" section.

If you choose to fly to Bangkok first, here are some of your available options:

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast, or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from most European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you do not mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from many hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

By Air: You can travel to Pai via Chiang Mai by flying to Chiang Mai International Airport on one of the many low-cost airlines in Thailand.

For AirAsia, there are over 13 flights per day and they can cost as low as 492 THB, which is even cheaper than taking a bus or a train. Thai Lion Air and Nok Air also offer the route, so be sure to check them out too. You can book your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.

By Buses/Vans: If you are not in a rush, you can also take an overnight bus from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Arcade 2 Bus Terminal, which will take you about 10 hours.

This is the most convenient way if you are not in a rush, as you won't have to transit to a different terminal when you get to Chiang Mai. You can book the bus from Bangkok to Pai here.

By Trains: You can take an even more scenic and slower route to Pai by taking the train from Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Station, which can take anywhere from 11 to 15 hours.

It is a long ride, and you are not even saving that much as the price for a ticket is about 400-500 THB. There are 7 trains running between the 2 stations from 08:30-22:00 every day.

If you wish to travel by train, you can reserve your train ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Pai

By Vans: Once you are in Chiang Mai, you can hop on a 4.5-hour bus from Chiang Mai Arcade 2 Bus Terminal to Pai Bus Terminal. It leaves every hour every day and should cost you about 200 THB per person. You can book the bus from Chiang Mai to Pai here.

By Motorcycle: One of the most popular ways of exploring Mae Hong Son province, which I highly recommend, is to travel the famous Mae Hong Son Loop with your own vehicle. This includes visiting Pai, as well as other towns like Mae Hong Son City and Mae Sariang. To do that, most people often rent either a motorcycle or a car straight from Chiang Mai and travel the loop.

If you are traveling to Pai as part of a trip around the Mae Hong Son Loop, I highly recommend that you rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai. That way, once you are done with Pai, you can continue on the Mae Hong Son Loop and return the rented motorcycle/car to Chiang Mai.

To rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop in Chiang Mai that offers a wide range of motorbike options for you to choose from.

From Chiang Mai to Pai, the road can be quite curvy and mountainous, so I would recommend that you get at least a 150cc motorbike. The rent for a 150cc motorbike should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic.

In order to rent a motorbike here, you will have to provide ID or a valid driving license (don't leave your passport with them as you will likely need it along the way when you are passing through checkpoints. Give them a photocopy version instead), a deposit of around 1000 THB, and you are off to explore Pai. Yup, it's that easy to rent a scooter in Thailand.

By Car: Renting a car in Chiang Mai to explore Pai is also a great option, especially for those who are not traveling solo or who have a lot of luggage or camping gear with them.

There are several car rental companies operating right from the Chiang Mai airport, with a price range of around 700 - 1500 THB depending on the size of the car.

Since you will be driving along a mountainous road, I would recommend that you get a car with at least 1500cc so that you can get around the area without stalling. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai here.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Mai?20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals

How to Get Around Pai?

By Motorcycle: The best way to get around Pai is to rent a scooter in Pai and ride around the area, visiting all the tourist attractions at your own leisure. It's one of the best and most affordable ways to explore Pai, and I highly recommend you do it this way.

There are several scooter rental places in Pai, but the place I would recommend is the Vespai Rental, where you can rent their new fleet of motorcycles for only 200 THB per day. They will also teach you how to ride a scooter if you want to brush up on your scooter-riding skills, and Pai is probably a much safer place to do so than any other places in Thailand.

With a scooter, you can reach all the tourist attractions I listed here, even the ones in the mountains. But to make it easier for you, be sure to rent a motorbike that is 150cc or above so that you can traverse the hills without creating a traffic jam.

How Many Days Do I Need For Pai, Thailand?

As you can see, there are a ton of things to do in Pai, and in order to see everything listed within this guide, I recommend staying at least 4 nights here. Here are all the things you can do in 3 days in Pai:

Day 1: Spend your first day exploring the north of Pai by visiting Ban Cha Bo and Tham Lod. Enjoy all the viewpoints along the mountainous road north of Pai. Relax at one of the many cozy cafes in Pai for the rest of your first day.

Day 2: Visit Yun Lai Viewpoint in the morning and go to Namtok Mo Paeng and Sai Ngam hot springs for a nice swim before hiking up Chedi Phra That Mae Yen for a beautiful sunset. Spend the evening devouring all the food at Pai's Night Market.

Day 3: Walk the Buddha Bamboo Bridge in the morning and freshen up at Pam Bok Waterfall before you go hiking around Pai Land Split. Get ready for another swim at Tha Pai Hot Spring before visiting Ta Pai Memorial Bridge in the late afternoon and watching the sunset at Pai Canyon before ending the day.

How Much Money Do I Need For Pai, Thailand?

With the 3-day itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much you will be spending in Pai, considering you are staying in a hostel and opting for a motorbike. Here is how much money you will need for this trip:

Accommodation: For 4 nights of accommodation in Pai, you can expect to pay around 36 USD for accommodation.

Food: Food in Pai should cost around 60 THB per meal, so you can expect to pay around 540 THB for 3 days in Pai.

Transportation: For a 3-day 150cc motorbike rental (1,500 THB) plus gas (~200 THB), you can expect to pay around 1,700 THB for transportation.

Activities: As with all commercialized towns, you have to pay to get into a lot of the places in Pai. The entry fee for Mor Paeng Waterfall is 100 THB, plus a 20 THB parking fee. Pambok Waterfall charges 200 THB, with an additional 20 THB for parking. The Bamboo Bridge entrance fee is 30 THB, while Tha Pai Hot Spring costs 50 THB, plus a 20 THB parking fee. Sai Ngam Hot Spring is another 200 THB, with an additional 20 THB for parking. Lastly, Yun Lai viewpoint charges 120 THB. In total, you will be paying around 780 THB for activities, which is way too much in my opinion!

Total Budget for 4 nights in Pai: 4,107 THB (136 USD).

Is it Safe in Pai, Thailand?

It is quite safe in Pai. The locals are quite friendly, and the town is as safe as other tourist towns in Thailand. That said, the roads in Pai can be quite curvy, and for those who aren't used to driving on mountainous roads, be sure to be extra careful while driving, especially if it rains.

The road is well paved for 99% of the time, which makes it a little easier to drive. However, due to how mountainous the region is and how some Thais drive like maniacs (and that's coming from a Thai), be very vigilant of your surroundings and do not drive fast. With all of this in mind, you should be able to drive around Pai with no problem.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Pai, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Pai, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are three packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these three packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these 3 packages, you can top up more in case you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Pai, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Pai, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
• Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
• As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north, waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.