Pai on a budget
The mountain town with the cheapest dorm beds in Thailand.
Pai is a small mountain town north-west of Chiang Mai, known for canyon sunsets, hot springs and a slow, social backpacker scene. It also has the cheapest hostel beds in Thailand: Hostelz lists an average dorm price of about $5 in Pai, against about $9 in Bangkok.
Getting there
Minibuses from Chiang Mai cost ฿150–250. The road has hundreds of bends, so take motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to it, and sit near the front.
What it costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed | about $5 |
| Minibus from Chiang Mai | ฿150–250 |
| Street food at the walking street | ฿40–80 a dish |
| Scooter rental, per day | ฿150–300 |
Free and cheap things to do
- Pai Canyon at sunset: narrow ridges and wide views. Wear shoes with grip.
- The night walking street: cheap food stalls every evening.
- The World War II Memorial Bridge and the white Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) viewpoint.
- Hot springs and waterfalls around town, best reached by scooter. Some charge a park entry fee.
Where to stay
Hostels cluster around the walking street, some with pools and nightly social events. Quieter bungalows sit across the river and in the rice fields, usually a short walk or ride from town.
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When to go
November to February is cool and green. Nights can be cold, so bring a warm layer. Like Chiang Mai, Pai can be smoky in the burning season from roughly February to April.
Questions people ask
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Pai?
By minibus for ฿150–250, or by scooter if you are licensed and confident on mountain roads.
How much is a hostel in Pai?
Pai has the cheapest dorm beds in Thailand, averaging about $5 a night according to Hostelz.
How many days do you need in Pai?
Three to four days is enough for the canyon, hot springs and waterfalls. Many backpackers stay longer.
Is it safe to ride a scooter to Pai?
The road is steep and twisty. Only ride with a motorcycle licence, a helmet and insurance that covers scooters.