Although the majority of the locals in the small valley of Pai are the Tai, an ethnic minority having slowly moved down from China to Thailand decades ago, there are a huge variety of hill tribes living in and around Pai. The Lisu is one of them. Like the Black La Hu, this tribe has their charm too.

The Lisu are known for their colourful dress. They make their clothing from bright cloth sawn into outfits trimmed with row upon row of varied coloured strips of cloth. The females wear dazzling clothes, consisting of a blue or green part-coloured tunic, knee length with the sides split up to the waist and a wide black belt, as well as blue or green pants. Sleeves, shoulders and cuffs are densely embroidered with narrow, horizontal bands in various colours. The people put on even flashier decoration in displays of their wealth such as the waistcoats and belts, intricately decorated with silver, as well as hats with multiple coloured pom-poms and streamers. The men’s outfits are plainer, with pink or yellow baggy pants and a blue jacket, opening vertically.

The tribe depends largely on agriculture and their farm produce like many other tribal people. They grow rice, corn and vegetables as subsistence crops and grow opium for sale. They draw additional income from the sale of farm animals such as pigs and cattle. They lead a very simple life, yet very well adapted to the fast changing world outside their community.

Now, to really get to know these locals and truly appreciate their different lifestyle, you do need to turn your back on your luxurious boutique hotel and delve into the lives of these people to really appreciate them and their culture. And of course, there are plenty of tour operators that offer you this up close and personal experience with the hill tribes. If you prefer to find out more about such opportunity ahead, email homestay@lisuhilltribe.com or just dive in and explore - you might find the experience even more rewarding and heartwarming than the services you get from your hotels.

“An army marches on its stomach”. You, however, deserve more than just food to satisfy your hunger and Pai offers just that with pristine view of unspoiled nature in the arms of Thongchai and Dan Lao mountains.

Besides the mouthwatering and huge variety of food selections on offer, there are also places in Pai where you can have a great meal with a view. Café Del Doi is one of them. The place is known for its authentic hill tribe cuisine that comes in a package with a panoramic view of the Pai valley and with trendy music in the background.

For those who prefer healthy options, Pai Lanna and Pai Na, are the two places where you can enjoy a good green meal amid refreshing scenery. Both places’ striking menus revolve around tofu varieties. Each place’s cooking, however, has a different touch and taste to it.

What’s more is that small exotic accommodation is available at all these places, but if a meal with a view is all you want, you can opt to stay at other boutique hotels or shop around for some hip looking guesthouses in town. So, stop drooling over these ideas and come out to try these delicious dishes for yourself!

Picturesque scenery and the locals’ laid-back lifestyle are certainly what Pai prides itself in, but these are not all you can enjoy when visiting this peaceful valley. Pampering yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments is also a possibility.

Within the valley of Pai, there are a number of natural hot mineral springs but the most easily accessible one for tourists is Tha Pai hot spring within the Huai Nam Dang National Park. There are four main hot spring ponds in the area, which are set amid dense forest. The average temperature in these ponds is 80 degrees Celsius. The mineral water from these resources snakes down the slope of the mountain, transforming the whole site into an attractive hot mineral spring stream. The hot stream of mineral water then meets with cold streams from other sources, making the temperature perfect for bathing. These are the spots where visitors can have a picnic by the side of the waterfall, either before or after a healthy bath. Besides bathing, mineral shower boxes, a camping area and restaurants are available within the same compound too in case anyone fancies lingering longer by the warm stream. To enjoy this mineral spa, Thai nationals are required to pay 40 Baht entrance fee.

Those expecting private bathing facilities for a large group are advised to try the ‘spa pool’ at Tha Pai Spa Resort. The pool shares the same mineral resources as that of the original natural hot spring bathing area in the national park. The Quarter also offers splendid spa packages although a natural mineral spring spa is not available there. However both places welcome walk-in clients and you are not obliged to stay at any of these places in order to make use of the services offered. So, you can pick a place that best suits your budget, be it a small, cozy, hip or boutique. Just bear in mind that here is a 50 Baht fee for the use of Tha Pai Spa Resort’s ‘spa pool’. For The Quarter’s the luxurious spa courses the price varies.

Mae Hongson’s artery, the river Pai, is bursting with energy again when the seasonal rain greets its origin, the two mountain ranges named Thanon Thongchai and Dan- Lao, with abundant amount of water. This creates the perfect condition for whitewater rafting of all levels of difficulties.

The 50-kilometre-long river, snaking through three different districts, including Pai itself, is packed with both adrenaline rushing experiences and scenic views along its whole stretch. Several dozens rapids en-route pose challenges ranging from level 1 up to level 5, or mild to extreme. Water games at the Su Sa waterfall, cave expeditions as well as mud-bathing and cliff diving are among many other highlights for adventure seekers to enjoy during their breaks from paddling.

It takes two days to complete the whole route, with an overnight stay in the jungle, allowing the crews to get back in touch with nature. However, there is a milder version for those who just fancy a taste of Pai’s excitement without losing their touch on the town’s boutique hotels.

Besides the two-day package, most tour operators also offer a one-day package, which gives a similar thrilling experience and at the same time allows you a good night sleep in a warm comfortable bed at the hotel of your choice. This way, whether you are luxurious holidaymakers or daredevil backpackers, Pai and her river can accommodate all your needs… even on the rainy day!

Note:  Rafting trips are available from local tour operator such as Pai Adventure:  Tel 053 699 385;

Mae Hongson Adventure:  Tel 0 5361 4286;  Pai in the Sky:  Tel  0 5369 8145,  0 5369 9090 

Further information on rafting in Pai and Mae Hongson is available from the local TAT’s office  via email at tatmhs@tat.or.th and on the phone at 053 612 982-3

If a vast lush green plain, stretching out as far as your sight can behold and the wet drops of rain bringing life to scorching dry land after the peak of the hot season is what you yearn to feel, then visit Pai during its rainy season.

In Pai, rains begin to fall, vigorously, in May and stops in October, marking the longest season of the year. Despite the damp wet weather, those visiting Pai in the rainy season will be impressed with how this little valley rises again from dust, caused by heat, to eye-comforting greenery. Because of tourism trends, not many people get to see moist morning mist lingering gracefully over lush rice paddies and the overshadowing mountain range while the overall temperature remains comfortably mild.

Apart from the picturesque view, you will also get to see the locals’ unique merit making ceremonies if you visit Pai at the beginning and the end of the Buddhist Lent. Of course, there are other exciting activities such as white-water rafting for adventure lovers to enjoy as well. So, if you fancy a bit of a change, you won’t be disappointed by coming to Pai during the rainy season. Just be prepared to get wet ,stay at warm boutique hotel and keep your anti-cold medication handy though!

Pai may have been just a plain stopover en-route to Mae-Hongson, from Chiang Mai for multi-national tourists and adventure seekers in the past, but not anymore.

The town’s scenery, rich natural resources, lush green rice paddies and farms, as well as authentic locals’ traditional rites and practices have grown on its visitors. The impression imprinted on the town’s guests has been passed on to many all over the world. That’s why virtually all the roads and runways now lead to Pai! According to the TAT’s (Tourism Authority of Thailand) record, over 100,000 people come to Pai each year, most of whom are foreigners.

Unfortunately, the boom in tourism has somewhat transformed the town. Many visitors, especially the Thais, find it hard to accept that this small village on Thai soil seems overcrowded with foreigners. Costs of accommodation and food in places have, as many put it, rocketed as high as Pai’s reputation. Even so, has Pai lost its charm?

To many, the answer is ‘no’! Pai’s charm does not lie just inside its town centre and its open-air street markets. (Many people still come to Pai for its natural beauty.) The vast green valley, filled with rice paddies and cultivated farm lands, the ice-cold air at the top of Huy Nam Dang National Park, the hot spring, the locals’ traditional way of life and warm hospitality of those living here remain a powerful magnet, attracting those who have been here as well as newcomers to Pai. Its enclosed location amid mountain ranges and a peaceful united community here still makes Pai heaven on earth for many Europeans and some Thais. Some have even relocated and settled for a new life in Pai.