Pai: My Trip Curves, Coffee & Karma
- Marco Caprez
- Oct 12, 2025
- 6 min read
Road trip to Pai – 762 curves towards relaxation 🏍️🌀🌄 🌿
Hey guys! Today I'm taking you on one of my absolute favorite trips in Northern Thailand – from Chiang Mai to Pai and, of course, right in the heart of the Pai vibe 🛵
🛣️ The journey is the destination – 762 curves full of happiness
The drive from Chiang Mai to Pai alone is an experience in itself. 762 curves , 3.5 hours through a beautiful mountain landscape 🌳⛰️ – and let me tell you: A dream for every motorcycle enthusiast! 😆😎
I could honestly ride the route up and down – it's simply meditative. In between, you chug through small villages, past cafes , and stop for a breathtaking view that you won't forget.
A little tip: If you want to travel light, ask one of the shuttle companies in Chiang Mai if they'll take your suitcase. 🎒🚐 I dropped mine off the night before – and voila: When I arrived in Pai at lunchtime, my luggage was already there. Awesome service! 🙌
Don’t worry – Pai is easy to reach and enjoy even without your own bike .
From Chiang Mai, there are several ways to get to Pai:
🚌 Minivans (from Arcade Bus Terminal, approx. 150-200 THB)
🚖 Shared taxis
🚐 or private transfers for those who prefer more comfort
💡 Tip: Book early , places are quickly booked during peak season
🔥 Info: If you're not driving yourself, you should consider whether you can handle the 762 bends or stock up on travel tablets for nausea at the pharmacy .
🧘♂️ Pai – relaxed, creative, a bit alternative
Pai isn't a traditional travel destination, but more of a feeling . It's a place where everyone meets: backpackers, artists, yogis, digital nomads, and even motorcycle nerds like me 🤙
During the day, you can chill in hot springs ♨️, cruise through lush valleys, or cross the legendary bamboo bridge over rice fields. In the evening, enjoy the sunset at one of the numerous bars in the middle of nowhere with a live DJ 🎶 Then, the Walking Street beckons – with delicious street food, music, and handmade items 🥢🎶 If you're still up for it, you can head to a party and party until sunrise 🌅
Tip: Be sure to try the grilled sticky rice in a bamboo tube ! 🌾🔥
🧭 Discover instead of ticking off
Sure, there are the typical spots:
Pai Canyon (at sunset 🌅)
Pam Bok Waterfall 💦
Hot Springs ♨️
or the famous “Love Pai” sign 💕
But if you take the time to drive a little off the beaten track, you'll find true treasures: hidden villages, small temples without tourists, and viewpoints that aren't even listed on Google Maps 👀
🏍️ The perfect spot for day trips
Pai is also a great base for further exploration . There are great routes all around, for example, towards Mae Hong Son or up to small hill tribes.
Motorcycle + coffee + view = my personal paradise 🛵☕
Hotels:
🛖 Boutique Hotels that I can happily recommend to you based on my own use and experiences .
Pai Village Boutique Resort
The boutique resort is a dream, you feel
🧡Welcome! 🛖🌿
Hey guys, if you're ever in Pai (and believe me – you should be!), I have a really hot tip for you: the Pai Village Boutique Resort 💚
🛏️ Sleep in style in the heart of Pai
The resort is exactly my cup of tea: beautifully designed in Thai style , with great attention to detail – small decorative highlights everywhere, manicured gardens, and small paths through bamboo and blossoms. It feels more like a small village than a traditional hotel – and that's what makes it so special. The hotel is located in the center of Pai village and always books up early, so if you're interested, book early.
🙏 Great team, great vibes
From the moment you check in, you notice that people here truly care about you. The entire team—from reception to breakfast staff—is warm, attentive, and simply a pleasure to be around . Even the manager himself is regularly on-site , talking to guests, helping out, and making sure everyone feels comfortable (that's what hospitality is all about). And yes— we felt more than welcome!
🥐 Breakfast delights at their finest
Breakfast? This isn't just a toast and coffee buffet. Here you'll get a truly delicious, varied breakfast – with everything your heart desires: 🥐 Fresh pastries, 🍳 hot dishes, 🧃 juices, 🥭 fruit, and even a few Thai specialties . And all this in a relaxed atmosphere – outdoors, surrounded by nature. A great way to start the day!
💡Extra tip on the side
Pai Village is part of the small but very fine hotel chain Rasa Hospitality – and I'll be honest: I've stayed at their properties on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and here in Pai – and they're all top-notch! 👌🏽
What I particularly like:
The sophisticated Thai style
The friendly teams
The boutique character ( not too big )
The cozy atmosphere , without any chain hotel vibe
And yes, just this feeling of: I want to stay here 🛶🌴
✌️Conclusion: My hideaway in Pai
If you're looking for accommodation in Pai that combines style, warmth, and relaxation , book a cottage at the Pai Village Boutique Resort.
You won't feel like a tourist , but like a welcome guest . And that's exactly how it should be, right?
Pai Cherkaew Boutique House
Pai Cherkaew Boutique House – Small, central & cozy 💫
Hi guys, if you are ever in Pai and are looking for a central, charming and affordable accommodation – then check out
Pai Cherkaew Boutique House ! I was there in early 2024 and can tell you: small, charming, just right for a few days in Pai 😄
📍 In the middle of the action – yet quiet
The location is truly fantastic: right in the center of Pai , practically in the middle of it all—but very quiet and relaxed. It's a bit like an oasis in the hustle and bustle.
🛌 Spacious & cozy
The rooms really surprised me: spacious, comfortably furnished , a mix of wood, light, and a slight Thai vibe. Nothing overly luxurious, but everything you need – and just a good feeling when you walk in 🧳💚
The small pool in the courtyard? Cute!
There's a small pool in the courtyard - not huge, but enough to cool off after a hot day in the city or after a scooter trip 🛵🌞Plus point: You can also just chill there for an hour, read or unwind.
🍳 Breakfast – small but fine
The breakfast is rather compact , but completely sufficient :
A few warm things, toast, fruit, coffee—everything you need to start the day. Note for all morning people: Seating in the small breakfast nook (in the lobby) is somewhat limited—so don't come down too late if you want to sit down ☕🍉
💰 Value for money? Really good!
I'll tell you honestly: For what you get – location, style, room, pool and breakfast – the price is more than fair 💸 Especially for a boutique hotel right in the center of Pai, the ratio is just really good.
✅ My conclusion:
Pai Cherkaew Boutique House is perfect for those who:
want to live in the heart of Pai,
don't need too much frills,
but still pay attention to style, comfort & location 🧭
I felt comfortable there – and would definitely go back on my next Pai trip
check in again !
🌡️ A few more real-talk tips:
🕺 During peak season (Dec-Jan) it can get crowded – it’s worth booking early.
🧣 It can get really cold at night – I once had breakfast outside and it was only 7°C !
😌 Stay flexible. Pai isn't a place for strict plans; it's a place for going with the flow.
Conclusion: Pai – not just a place, but a feeling
Whether you're traveling alone, with friends, or with your camera: Pai welcomes you with open arms, winding roads, and a big portion of good vibes ✌️💚
So put on your helmet, let the sun shine on your face and off through the mountains – see you in Pai!
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