Pai

Introducing Pai

Pai (pronounced like the English word ‘bye’, not ‘pie’) is something of a travellers’ mecca. It isn’t a wat-filled town emanating Thai-ness. Instead it’s a little corner of the world that happens to be in Thailand that seems to attract artists, musicians and foodies. It’s got a live-music scene you won’t find anywhere else, and some affordable modern art and a delicious range of international culinary treats. Oh, and it’s in the middle of a gorgeous green valley with hot springs, rice fields and a lovely lazy river. However, its popularity does surpass its capacity and the town can feel completely overrun by foreigners in the high season. It remains to be seen what the added effect of the new Chiang Mai to Pai flight will do to the laid-back scene of the town.

Most of the town’s population are Shan and Thai, but there’s also a small but visible Muslim Chinese population. Attracted by easy living, Pai also features a sizeable collection of long-term visitors – mostly faràng and Japanese – who use the town as a place to chill out between excursions elsewhere in Asia.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009