Bohemian Pai is a paradise in the mountains for all those who love the idea of the countryside on your doorstep. Mountains, waterfalls, canyons, forests and hill tribe villages are just a bike ride away. In the village, laid back living and a touch of the hippie vibe is the way Pai rolls. It’s a small place and all of the accommodation is situated in or around the main village. As Pai has become more and more touristy over the past 10 years prices have rocketed for the hotels. Particularly at weekends when the hipster Thai’s come for weekend getaways in this oh so cool mountain resort.
Beautiful scenery is just a stones throw away from Pai, Northern Thailand.
CHEAP CHEAP FOR YOU! 300 baht ($10) & under:
- When we checked recently, it was still possible to get a bamboo bungalow overlooking the mountains for as little as 120 baht! By this, we’re talking literally a bamboo hut on stilts, mattress on the floor, flimsy padlock on the door and separate shower. If you’re looking for the rustic approach look no further – and the spectacular views from your doorstep when you wake up, mist over the fields and blue mountains will make you feel like you are right in the heart of nature. The bungalows can sleep two people. Huts like these can be found over the wooden bridge at the North end of Pai village.
- In the heart of the town, Happy House is one of the friendliest options, whose owner will even pick you up from the bus stop in town. Room rates are as low as 200 baht depending on the season. Or you could try Mountain View, perfect for those with wheels as it’s a little way from the main village.
WON’T BREAK THE BANK: Around 500-750 baht ($15) & under:
- For around 700 baht you are looking at a nice hotel room with wifi, air-con and sometimes breakfast included. Or you can go for the more upmarket bungalow with a swimming pool and free use of a sauna at Unicorn Guesthouse for around 500 baht. Upgrade to air-con for just 100 baht in low season.
SPLURGE: 1000 baht ($25) & above:
- Just outside of Pai on the countryside roads you will find some lovely resorts that start around 1,500 baht. Lilu Boutique Resort on Rungsiyanon Road is a really cool and unique concept which starts at 1000 baht / night, with super clean rooms and free breakfast. Beware though, this great mini-hotel is becoming increasingly popular and may become pricey during high-season. Rim-Pai Cottage has the largest variety of accommodation you will ever have seen, with an equally complicated price list! Set in a beautiful riverside garden, their cheapest wooden chalets go for 1,000-1,200 baht while air-con will set you back almost double that.
