Pai - any redeeming features?

I'd say you have identified the salient pros and cons, and just need to weigh them for yourself. But fortunately, the lovely scenery is not specific to Pai town itself, so you also could go further up the road to Soppong and enjoy the beautiful scenery in a less stilted setting.

I don't think the visual scenery around Pai is anything special as the hills are way smaller and less dramatic than what you'd see in Northern Laos. I like Pai for the slow lazy pace and fascinating local people. Easy cycling around and great selection of places to stay. The evening walking street has amazing variety of food and chilled atmosphere.

I really don't want to be surrounded by pissed up/high teenage backpackers bit

You have been given wrong information or impression. Pai has become increasingly mainstream since many years ago.

Pai Popularity Analysis Thread

Try Fern Resort in Mae Hong Son. I liked the area better than Pai. Quieter and the National Park closeby is lovely for walking.

I think Pai might have been better 10 years ago. I finally went 5 years ago and was not happy with the scene or people that were there. THAILAND is better in the smaller less famous areas.

Thanks everyone, I'll have a think about it!

Scenary is average. Seen a lot better. The town does attract a lot of backpackers and other tourists. Soppong caves are good. Would I go again? Probably not.

The caves are at Tham Lod (8 or 9 kms from Soppong) , at least the most well known ones - there are caves all over Pang Mapha district . Tham Lod is also the name of the village not just the cave with the bird and bat entrance and exit.

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