Thailand travelers who venture beyond the usual Bangkok and Chiang Mai destinations often choose Pai as the next stop on a Northern Thailand tour. Just four hours from Chiang Mai, Pia is becoming a very popular backpacker destination.
Situated in the Mae Hong province on the Pai River, the area around Pai is best known for mountainous terrain, with waterfalls and hot springs, as well as several Buddhist temples. In Pai, backpackers far outnumber luxury travelers, however there are Pai accommodation options for everyone.
We will cover off all types of Pai accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Pai hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Pai Thailand 2023, the best Pai hotels, best places in Pai to visit, the best places to stay in Pai, hotels near Pai attractions, Pai neighborhood guide and many more.
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Pai Walking Street – Where to stay in Pai for first timers
The main hub of activity in Pai is on the Walking street, where every night there is a Pai night market from 6pm to 10:30pm. This is the place to shop and eat, with budget friendly food stalls serving up delicious Thai food and sweets. Once you’re full of amazing street food, check out the merchandise stalls for anything from postcards to jewelry and accessories. You might even get to hear live music if you visit during busy season! Given that this is the most popular area of Pai for visitors, there are many Pai accommodation options to choose from.
Best places to stay near Walking Street
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels near Walking Street:
La Mom Hostelo
Pai Cherkaew Boutique House
Baantawan Guesthouse
Budget Hotels near Walking Street:
Ming Guesthouse
Pai Herbs Resort
Huan Saran Guesthouse
Namu Hotel
Mid range Hotels near Walking Street:
Yotaka@Pai
Rim Pai Cottage
Hotel des Artists
Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm
Family Friendly Hotels near Walking Street:
Otium Boutique Room
Family House @ Pai
Family House Zen Boutique Resort
Pai Homey
Affordable Luxury Hotels near Walking Street:
Pai Island
Reverie Siam Resort
Montis Resort
City Center – Where to stay in Pai on a budget
If you prefer a bit of distance, or perhaps quieter family friendly places to stay in Pai that are still near the main attractions, consider staying elsewhere in the city center. From the famous circus hostel to luxury resorts like the Reverie Siam, there are loads of accommodation options in and around the Pai City Center. If you are planning to partake in any Pai tours, many of them will offer pickup from your Pai accommodation, so that is something to consider when deciding where to stay in Pai.
Best area to stay in Pai in the City Centre
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in City Centre:
Slow Life Sabaidee Pai Bed and Breakfast
Deejai Pai Backpackers
Purple Monkey Backpackers
Brick House Hostel Pai
Circus Hostel
Budget Hotels in City Centre:
Easy Guesthouse
Rainbow House
Swan Pakaran Guest House
Pai Water House
Mid range Hotels in City Centre:
Baan Kung Kang De Pai
The Oia Pai Resort
Baan Tawan Pai Boutique Guesthouse
Pai Panalee Boutique Hotel
Family Friendly Hotels in City Centre:
Re-wild House
Prilpai Guesthouse
LiLu Hotel
Pai Vieng Fah Resort
Affordable Luxury Hotels in City Centre:
Reverie Siam Resort
Pai Island
Montis Resort
Outlying Areas- Where to stay in Pai for relaxation
Pai is also a popular retreat destination, so it’s possible to find the perfect Pai accommodation nestled in the hills outside of town. Many of Pai’s best attractions are outside of the city center, so you may find a guesthouse or retreat near a favorite waterfall or hot spring. By staying outside of the city, you will be closer to nature, and experience less noise than you would have in the city.
If you want to stay in an outlying area, the best option for transportation is to rent a scooter or motorbike so that you can zip around easily wherever you want to go. If a retreat is what you have in mind, no worries, but if you plan a lot of activities, check with your accommodation to see what the transportation options will be.
Best places to stay in Outlying Areas
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Outlying Areas:
Chill Lom House
Nusha Homestay
Budget Hotels in Outlying Areas:
Him Naam Pai Resort
Pai Friendly Resort
Kalm Pai Resort
Montri Garden House
Mid range Hotels in Outlying Areas:
Pai Hotspring Spa Resort
Pai Do See Resort
Prawdao Resort
Pai Treehouse
Family Friendly Hotels in Outlying Areas:
Bura Lumpai Resort
Pripta Resort
Pai Friendly Resort