Top Things to do in Pai
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Pai, Mae Hong Son Province
The community of Pai is located four hours north of Chiang Mai and is absolutely worth a visit. The town is incredibly laid back and tourists can visit nearby waterfalls as well as a popular market on Wednesdays.
Restaurants in Pai
1. Charn Chai Muay Thai Gym
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Charnchai Muay Thai is a muay thai training camp in Pai North Thailand run by no.1 fighter Bee, Mongkoldech Sitthepitak. Learn muay thai with Bee and his expert team of Thai trainers, highly regarded as some of the best pad holders in Thailand. Beginners welcome! Training sessions run twice daily from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 10am and 3pm to 5pm.
Reviewed By peekaboo19
For 2 beginners this was an eventful 2 hour insight into the wonderful world of Muay Thai. We arrived at 7.45am and started to warm up by doing 20mins of skipping followed by some technical stuff in the mirror including setup, stance, jab, hook and kick. I have arch problems in my foot but this wasn't a problem as they let me wear my shoes while I trained. Next up was some 1on1 punching and kicking which was fun. Towards the end we done some group core work with all 40+ participants. The trainer's were really nice and patient with us throughout. For 350 baht each we got 2.5 hours of a solid workout. What more could we ask for. Great spot would definitely try it again. Tough.
2. Isara Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Vegan Cooking class @ home, food culture exchange with philosophy of life and learn how to cook fresh herbs and vegetable with less seasoning by keeping natural taste of food.
3. Sitjemam Muay Thai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Sitjemam MT, formerly known as Sor. Wisarut Muay Thai camp, is part of prestigious Muay Farang project for Northern Thailand and offers high quality muay thai training in the stunning landscape of Pai valley, in the village of Na Jalong(close to Pai airport, a mere 5 mins from Pai walking street). All levels accepted, from beginners to experienced fighters. Resident fight team with both local and international athletes ranging from 11 to 32 years old, who with the visitor trainees can work back to back. Private lessons/personal training also available on site.
Reviewed By enriquemY9159SU
I met Mr. Em at Max Muay Thai with his fighters Federico and Puvan and I decided to travel up to Pai to visit Sitjemam Muay Thai camp Its without any doubt an excellent gym with an awesome set up in the nature and expert trainers. Everything there is put together to help you with individualized attention and improve fast.
4. Charlie and Lek’s Thai cooking classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By ashems13 - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Lek is the most wonderful teacher (and person!) with a great sense of humour, incredible patience and a real talent for cooking and teaching. We had the best day in Pai learning about Thai cuisine and cooking our own delicious dishes. Lek was so accommodating of dietary requirements and us being slow choppers! The rest of the group were also really fun to be around and it added to the experience, being able to meet new people from around the world who share a love of cooking. My boyfriend and I perfected three dishes: morning glory, pad Thai and massaman curry. Because you are given free reign of your dishes, ours looked and tasted so different! For 750 baht you cannot go wrong - your experience of Pai will be missing something huge if you choose not to go to Lek's cooking school!
5. Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat Day Courses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
5 minutes from Pai, we are a Kung Fu training centre with first-class facilities, a peaceful jungle location and great mountain views. Learn Kung Fu, Chi Kung, self-defense and meditation from two-time World Champion Iain Armstrong and his team of friendly instructors. We also grow and serve fresh organic food and provide comfortable accommodation. Whether you're an experienced martial artist or a beginner, a stay with us will boost your confidence, fitness, mental clarity and general well-being. If you have ever dreamed of learning the ancient art of kung fu amongst remote, forested mountains in the wilds of Asia, this is your chance! What is your kung fu dream? What is stopping you?
Reviewed By jonQ4331GQ
Spending a month at Nam Yang was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I came because I wanted to explore meditation further after recently trying it, but knew I wouldn't enjoy a meditation retreat. The physical aspects of Nam Yang made it ideal, as you're able to learn about what both your body and mind are capable of. It'll be more than you think. I thought going would be 'good' for me, but had no idea if I'd actually enjoy it. It turns out that learning Kung Fu at Nam Yang is really really fun. It's tough at times, but how hard you push yourself is your decision. Basically everyone seemed to have achieved something that was important to them, whether that was touching their toes or learning a sword routine with 30+ moves. The schedule has the perfect balance of breaks and training. 35 hours a week sounded like a lot before arriving, but with two rest days and two days when there's no classes after breakfast for over five hours, a lot of us trained during the breaks (/recommended free training periods) and days off. The whole place has an incredible atmosphere. It's set back enough to feel isolated and surrounded by nature, and you can mostly see rolling hills and hear wildlife. The people are what make it so special though. The instructors are truly fantastic, their skill, dedication and patience is incredible. They really embody how Kung Fu is a life long learning process, as they know so much but have so much to learn compared to their seniors. They're also good people, and a lot of fun to be around. The other students made my experience what it was. Nam Yang attracts a lot of people who you'll be better for having met. There's a constant flow of people in and out, so there's often new and interesting people to talk to. You won't click with absolutely everyone, but the atmosphere and ethos means that interactions are always friendly. The food is good, and healthy. If you're not a vegetarian, you'll get meat in one meal each week. It's very different from typical western diets, but even if you normally eat very differently, nourishing your body with healthy food feels like part of the whole experience. You should know that lunch isn't included, and while Pai has an insane amount of incredible food, it's a 5 minute moped trip and a 40+ min walk away. Most people don't find they need the big lunch they'd normally have. Training after a big meal isn't comfortable, and after the big breakfast, a smoothie or small snacks at midday are often enough. Waking up at 6am was not easy for the first week, and I'd collapse into a nap straight after breakfast most days. But you soon adjust, and learning Chi Kung while the sky gradually grows lighter above hills on the horizon, before the sun eventually burst forth, is magical. I'd really recommend staying at least a few weeks to a month. It takes time for your mind and body to adjust, and to really feel the benefits of what you're doing. The people who stayed for 2-3+ months seemed to have learnt a huge amount. However, students who came for a week or even a day always seemed happy they'd done it. The workaway scheme also seems good, there's a lot of gardening involved but it seems fair for what you get in return. The Shaolin Warrior schedule was perfect for me, with a brilliant balance of stretching, meditation, moving meditation, high intensity warm ups, Kung Fu techniques, 'sparring'*, and discussions/lessons on the ethos and history of Kung Fu. There's two other options available that include more meditation and less physical activity, so something for everyone. While I was there the students included both a family with two young children and a man in his 80s. The experience is what you make it, and Pai presents many opportunities for fun outside of Kung Fu if you're interested. *You don't spar as with boxing, partly because it would be too dangerous. The 'sticking hands' and 'pushing hands' fighting practice sessions are perfect though. Even that can get quite intense, but everyone respects each other's comfort levels. You may be tapping one partner, then going at each other while still pulling your punches with the next. You should be in control the whole time though. Learning to calm my mind in that situation was one of the most powerful things I took away from the trip. That and the 'Shuang Yuang', an interesting and powerful moving meditation that takes a lifetime to master. I came away with exactly what I'd wanted, and so much more. If you're considering going to Nam Yang, just do it. You won't regret it. Thank you !
6. Chillax
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Chillax bar & restaurant is a 5 minute drive out of Pai, over the bridge where 'Don't Cry' is, take the next left after the bridge and follow the road for 800m. Delicious Western, Thai food and coffee available 8AM-late, and at night time the tree lights set a beautiful ambiance and the bar comes alive! If you fancy kicking back and chilling out, head up stairs to the loft area with mountain view! A great environment to meet new people, have a dance and enjoy yourself :). Friendly staff with great service, and you wont be disappointed with the food! Fresh wholewheat bread & roselle kombucha available. Come say hey! :)
7. BeBe Wok 'n' Roll Thai Cooking Course
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
BeBe Wok ‘n’ Roll Suitable for Vegan and non-vegetarian. Learn to cook with an experienced chef. All inclusive, Ingredients, market trip, Recipe Book Your own station, A. Half Day / 5hours/4Dishes - B. Full Day/Intermediate Class /up to 20 Dishes Make your own curry paste, Stir fry dishes, Soup dishes and Dessert, All hand on, make your real experience with us. https://bebepaicookingclass.com
Reviewed By Daisydw2
Could not recommend this cooking class enough - Thom is such a lovely, funny person, and an amazing teacher. The class is so worth the money because of the valuable skills you will come away with! We cooked four dishes in total that we got to choose, it really is a day of cooking and tasting amazing Thai food!! Very professionally organised and you get given a recipe book to keep too!
8. Jikko Beer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By teenabeana - Oakland, United States
This was a great spot to take a break from wandering the night market and have a good, local beer! Beer list looked pretty extensive for the ones they stocked in cans and bottles, and Hoegaarden is on tap. I had a Thai craft IPA the bartender recommended and was not disappointed.
9. Savoei (A Taste of Pai)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By mors594
My partner and I had the privilege to have a private class with the absolutely lovely Mae!! 4 hours of absolutely joy, visit to a local market where Mae was wondering around and explaining (with so much passion!) about the different local products and their use... from there back to the beautiful garden with an outdoor kitchen where we started to cook!! Each had the chance to choose 4 different dishes (so we picked 8 different dishes in total!! ????) Cooking in a great environment, super cozy, fresh ingredients, easy to follow her instructions and lots of laughter time in between! Sensational food!! Came out with a wonderful memory, smile on my face and food coma ???????????? If you are in Pai; it’s a MUST!!! Thank you Mae, we will come to visit you again ! ❤️
10. Pai Muay Thai - Wisarut
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Wisarut/ Pai Muay Thai is a Muay Thai Gym located in Pai, North Thailand. Classes are Monday to Saturday 0800 - 1000 & 1600 - 1800. We welcome beginners and professional fighters so if you would like a real Thai experience with training delivered by a professional Muay Thai fighter, then Pai is the place to be.
