00:00We recently spent almost a week in the northern Thailand city of Pai, which may just be our new favourite
00:07travel destination.
00:09Pai truly is a unique place. Nestled in the lush valleys of northern Thailand, Pai is a tranquil haven that's
00:16captivated the hearts of travellers looking for a peaceful escape.
00:20With its rolling hills, flowing river and friendly locals, Pai is the epitome of beauty wrapped in a laid back
00:27atmosphere.
00:29It's the kind of place where we could linger for days or weeks, simply soaking in the relaxed vibe and
00:36picturesque scenery and laid-back hippie vibe.
00:40Whether you're a backpacker chasing the next hidden destination or someone looking to connect with nature,
00:46Pai offers a slice of paradise suspended in time.
00:50But before you travel to Pai, you need to know the must-do and see activities to make sure you
00:56don't miss out on any of the
00:58small town's offerings.
01:00So, in today's video, we're sharing with you our top 11 things to do when visiting Pai, Thailand.
01:06And if you find this video helpful, we would truly be grateful if you hit the like and subscribe button.
01:13Okay, let's get into it.
01:15Number one, watch the sunset at Two Huts bar and restaurant.
01:21This was by far the most recommended thing to do in Pai by our Instagram community, so thank you everybody,
01:27and we can see why.
01:29Perched on top of a big hill overlooking the Pai Valley, Two Huts is a backpacker favourite spot for watching
01:36the sunset every day.
01:38In fact, it was so good we went multiple times during our week spent in Pai.
01:43You can enjoy the amazing view of the sunset over the valley while listening to live music and taking in
01:49the general relaxing vibe with seating for around 100 people.
01:54However, be sure to get there early as the closer it gets to sunset, it will start to fill up
02:00and you may miss out on a seat.
02:01There's food and drinks available at the restaurant at very reasonable prices, and it's just a short five-minute drive
02:07from the town with regular shuttles going to and from.
02:12Number two, Pai Hot Springs.
02:15Have you ever dreamed of soaking in a natural jacuzzi?
02:19Well, we've got you covered.
02:20Nestled amongst Pai's lush landscapes are steaming hot springs perfect for a tranquil dip.
02:26While there are a few different hot springs in the area to choose from, the Pai Hot Springs are the
02:31best bet if you're looking for a peaceful bathe in naturally warm water, full of minerals good for both the
02:37body and the soul.
02:39But be warned that these hot springs come with different temperature zones.
02:43Some are extremely hot, while others are just comfortably warm.
02:46We suggest visiting in the cooler evening or early morning.
02:50It's by far the most relaxing way to spend your afternoon, and also be aware that if there is heavy
02:56rainfall, it will most likely be closed for the day.
03:00Number three, take a pottery class with a local family.
03:04This was actually a really unique experience for us in Pai, and one we'll never forget, as Mandy was able
03:10to make her own mug by hand, thanks to the pottery class they offer at Goong Mog Calm Studio and
03:16Cafe.
03:17We spent the morning here with the local family that owns the property, eating breakfast, and learning how to make
03:22our own mugs from locally sourced clay.
03:25The hospitality could not have been better, and the food was next level.
03:29We literally did not eat a bad meal in Pai.
03:33The class itself only took around an hour or so, and the owners even mailed the finished mug to our
03:38house here in Hua Hin for us to take,
03:40as it does take a few days for the clay to become hard and have the finished product ready.
03:45So, if you do plan on doing this, try to do it at the start of your trip, so you
03:50can take your piece home with you.
03:52Number four, explore Pai's local restaurants.
03:56One thing we were extremely pleasantly surprised by was the absolute abundance of amazing restaurants and food in Pai,
04:04from vegan cafes to Italian and Mexican restaurants.
04:08We literally, as I said earlier, did not eat a bad meal in Pai, although, to be honest, I might
04:14have put on a few kilos while I was there.
04:16It was well worth it.
04:17Some of our favourites, which we'll list down below, were Cafecito, Ganita Cafe, The Witching Well, Pai CM Bar and
04:26Restaurant,
04:26and our personal favourite, Supermoon and Vinyl Lounge.
04:31Okay, so we know a lot of you guys watch our videos like this to get inspiration for your own
04:36trips,
04:37but instead of having to franatically jot down all of the recommendations that we make in these videos,
04:43we've discovered a much, much easier way for you to be able to follow in our footsteps.
04:48So we've actually partnered with a company called MindTrip.
04:52MindTrip is an AI-powered travel platform that will show you recommendations for many of the trips posted to our
04:59YouTube channel,
05:00just like this one.
05:01So all you have to do is click the link down below in this video,
05:05and it will take you straight over to MindTrip, where it will show you all the recommendations that we've listed
05:10here,
05:10along with photos, maps and reviews.
05:13And you can customise your own trip by favouriting what you like and adding it to your trip plan.
05:18You can even share your trip with your friends and invite them to plan the trip with you.
05:23It's a pretty awesome tool and also it's so, so easy to use, so check it out down below.
05:28We think you're going to love it.
05:29Click the link and let us know what you think in the comments below.
05:34Number five, visit the iconic White Buddha.
05:38Climbing up to the White Buddha is definitely a must-do empire.
05:42The serene statue sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
05:47As long as you're comfortable climbing a flight of over 350 steps,
05:52the effort is definitely worth it when you reach the top.
05:55The atmosphere is extremely peaceful, with the gentle sounds of prayer bells in the air.
06:00But make sure to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees,
06:04as this is still an active place of worship.
06:07Sunset's a great time to visit, as well as the early morning,
06:10with the sky ablaze in glorious colours framing the Buddha.
06:15This is another attraction that is completely free to enter,
06:19however, donations are definitely appreciated.
06:22Number six, Pai's thriving music scene.
06:27Another thing we were pleasantly surprised about was just how much of a music scene there is in Pai.
06:32As well as the incredible food scene,
06:34Pai has a thriving music scene that takes place in various bars and restaurants seven nights a week.
06:40Pai just seems to be one of those places that attracts artists of all kinds,
06:44and musicians are no exception.
06:46You can wander the streets of Pai and hear the tunes blaring from many different spots on any given night.
06:52Our personal favourite was the Vinyl Sky Lounge,
06:55where we got to take in the amazing sounds of local handpan and flute musicians,
07:00while eating probably the best ramen we've had in Thailand.
07:05They also have an open mic and karaoke night during the week if you're feeling bold.
07:11Number seven, visit a sustainable organic farm.
07:15Pai Seedlings is an organic farm project that was started a decade ago
07:20by an amazing French couple named Damien and Lise.
07:23Their vision is to create a community where the essential needs of life,
07:27like nourishment, shelter, healthcare, and connection, are fulfilled locally,
07:33fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
07:36They've already helped many of the local farmers rejuvenate their farms
07:39into healthy organic ecosystems that can support a whole community.
07:44We were lucky enough to spend an afternoon with them
07:46and sit down and talk about their mission, and we love what they're doing.
07:50And we believe you will too.
07:52They offer tours and workshops where you can learn some of these skills
07:56to take back home for yourself.
07:57Or, if you're planning on staying in Pai a little longer,
08:00you can also take part in their internships as well as volunteering.
08:04We think their mission is one worth supporting
08:07and would love to see them spread their knowledge and message to others.
08:11Number eight, tipsy tubing.
08:14While this is by far the most popular thing to do in Pai, as it appears,
08:20unfortunately, we didn't get to experience it ourself.
08:22Due to Mandy being five months pregnant, it obviously wasn't on the cards for us.
08:27However, we did get to see the truckloads of backpackers
08:29on their way back from the tubing booze cruise,
08:31and to be honest, if I were 10 years younger, I would be in 100%.
08:35We spoke to some of the people that were coming back from the experience,
08:38and they seem to be having the absolute time of their lives.
08:41But don't let age hold you back.
08:43The tipsy tubing is a hop-on, hop-off, river tubing booze cruise
08:47where you basically partake in a bar crawl
08:49while floating down the Pai River at a very slow pace.
08:53It takes place on mostly Tuesdays and Fridays,
08:56and looks like a hell of a lot of fun, to be honest.
08:59Who knows, maybe next time we visit Pai,
09:02we'll be able to get a babysitter and give it a go ourselves.
09:06Number nine, spoil yourself at the best rated resort in Pai.
09:11The best rated resort in Pai is the River East Siam Resort,
09:15and for good reason.
09:16It's a five-star resort that sits on the riverbed,
09:19and offers 20 rooms with four different styles,
09:23including deluxe balcony, pool access, and jacuzzi and garden villas.
09:27With a massive freshwater pool that you can access directly from your room,
09:31as well as a regular chlorine pool and yoga shower that sits on the riverbed,
09:36you could spend days unwinding at the reverie if you really wanted to.
09:40We spoiled ourselves and spent our first two nights in Pai at the reverie resort,
09:45and to be completely honest,
09:48we kind of regret leaving, as it was just so amazing.
09:51We can't say enough good things about the hospitality,
09:54and the staff that worked at the reverie,
09:56not to mention that they also have one of the best restaurants in town,
09:59at the Silhouette Bar and Restaurant.
10:02They also offer a free shuttle service to town,
10:05as well as plenty of activities for you to take part in during your stay,
10:09including many of the ones we've named in this list.
10:12Number ten, yoga.
10:14With Pai being the hippie capital of Thailand,
10:17it's no surprise there's an abundance of yoga studios in town,
10:21and what better way to start your day
10:22than with a class at one of the many studios Pai has to offer.
10:26Some of the studios include the Pai Yoga Shala,
10:30iYoga Infinity Studio,
10:32Sawadi Pai Yoga,
10:34Bodhi Tree,
10:35and the Pad Yoga House.
10:37Most of the studios also offer meditation classes,
10:41as well as sound healing,
10:42and hot and cold exposure classes.
10:45Pai honestly is a yogi's paradise.
10:49Finally, number eleven,
10:51exploring the Pai Canyon.
10:53Pai Canyon is not just a walk in the park,
10:55we're talking about narrow trails,
10:58and steep climbs that truly get your adrenaline pumping.
11:01But the payoff is a spectacular panoramic view
11:05of the surrounding valleys that make every step worth it,
11:08especially during sunset.
11:10Although it can get extremely crowded at this time,
11:13we still think it's worth it,
11:14and it's only about a ten minute drive from the town centre.
11:17While you don't have to pay an entrance fee,
11:20again, a small donation is welcomed.
11:23Pai Canyon can get a little bit rugged,
11:25so make sure you wear the correct footwear and clothing for the trek.
11:29In conclusion,
11:31as we reflect on our travels through Pai,
11:34we'll forever remember it with a sense of tranquility
11:37that only this charming town can offer.
11:40From leisurely strolls through beautiful landscapes
11:43to the warm hospitality of the local cafes,
11:46Pai has etched a serene memory in our hearts,
11:49and we will definitely be coming back.
11:51We soaked in hot springs,
11:54explored the depths of the Pai Canyon,
11:56and connected with the culture through night markets and temples.
11:59As you plan your journey,
12:01remember to breathe in Pai's peace deeply,
12:03and let its quiet beauty guide your adventure.
12:06Pai isn't just a destination,
12:09it's a gentle embrace with nature and simplicity.
12:12Again, if you enjoyed this content,
12:13and found it helpful in any way,
12:16please hit the like and subscribe button.
12:18We truly appreciate it.
