Pai, Thailand 🇹🇭
#397 19.358106, 98.440579

Nomad Score: 68%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Pai is a picturesque town located in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, known for its stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere.
👥 Population approximately 2,500 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces providing free Wi-Fi.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 Thai Baht (THB) ≈ 0.032 USD; ATMs are widely available, and cash is commonly used.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; it's advised to buy bottled water or use a filter.
🔌 Power 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets.
📶 SIM Card Popular providers include AIS and TrueMove, with various prepaid plans available.
💳 Banking for Expats International cards are accepted in most places, and local banks such as Bangkok Bank cater to expats.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from guesthouses (starting around 300 THB per night) to villas and bungalows; Airbnb is also available.
💳 Cashless Friendly Moderately; while cards are accepted in larger establishments, cash is often preferred in smaller shops.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals, typically priced between 500-1500 THB per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel options like Pai Circus Hostel offer beds from 200 THB per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Earth Tone Cafe is a popular coworking space with good Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Cafe d'Yves offers a peaceful setting with excellent coffee and reliable Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events Regular meetups are organized by local expat groups on platforms like Facebook.
🥂 Social Events for Expats The Pai Expats Community on Facebook hosts various social events throughout the month.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Pai.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Numerous shops in town offer scooter rentals starting from 150 THB per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby There's no beach in Pai, but hot springs and waterfalls like Tha Pai Hot Spring are nearby.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Kan Air operates flights to Bangkok, with departures from Pai.
✈️ Top International Airline Flights from Chiang Mai International Airport connect to major hubs like Bangkok and more.
🛣️ Highway Access Well-connected via Highway 1095, which links Pai to Chiang Mai.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Pai is small; there are no trains; bus services connect to major towns.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Buses and songthaews (shared taxis) are common for local travel; fares vary.
✈️ Regional Travel Buses run regularly between Chiang Mai and Pai, costing about 150-200 THB.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Pai Hospital provides essential medical services and emergency care.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga in Pai offers numerous classes in different styles, often set in serene locations.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers There are several small gyms, with some guesthouses offering basic fitness facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services are available in town, generally costing about 50 THB per kg.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Foodpanda operates in Pai, offering a selection of local and international cuisine.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try Khao Soi, a traditional Northern Thai curry noodle soup.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Here are many vegetarian spots like the charming Loving Hut.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots The Cookie Co offers delicious homemade cookies and desserts.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots The Pai Walking Street Market has various food stalls and local goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Popular platforms include Lazada and Shopee, serving the Pai region.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Local stores may offer delivery, with some options available on Facebook groups.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The Walking Street features several bars and live music spots, such as the Jazz House.
🍻 Local Brewery The Pai Beer House offers a selection of local and international craft beers.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine lovers can visit Wine Connection near the center for a good selection.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors sell snacks and meals at the Night Market, especially on weekends.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Pizza courses from The Pizza Company are popular among tourists.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Visit Pai Canyon, famous for its scenic views and hiking trails.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The Pai Memorial Bridge offers historical insights and stunning views.
🏰 Historical Sites Explore the World War II Memorial Bridge, significant for its history.
🕍 Religious Sites Wat Phra That Mae Yen offers a tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views.
🎉 Annual Events The Pai Reggae Festival attracts many visitors each year for music and culture.
🎨 Cultural Districts The main street and walking area are filled with art shops and local boutiques.
🎭 Theater Venues Occasional open-air performances take place, particularly during festivals.
🛍️ Local Markets The Pai Walking Street is a must-visit for local crafts and food.
🎼 Music Scene Jungle Bar is known for its lively atmosphere and local music performances.
🎨 Street Art Explore local murals found around the main street and industrial area.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Several cooking schools offer classes for traditional Thai food.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Local galleries like Gallery Pai showcase works of local artists.
🕰️ Historic Buildings The Old Pai Hospital building is a historical site worth visiting.
🏴 Local Heritage The town celebrates local Lanna traditions with festivals throughout the year.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Pai National Park is nearby, offering stunning hikes and natural hot springs.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Doi Luang National Park is a short drive away, ideal for trekking and wildlife spotting.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Beautiful paths along rice fields and rivers are perfect for cycling and leisurely walks.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Pai Canyon and the viewpoint near the 'sea of mist' offer breathtaking scenery.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The rural areas around Pai are rich in birdlife, ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Campsites near Pai Canyon allow evening bonfires under the stars.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local post office services and private courier options are available.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Small local shops can handle basic tech repairs, though options are limited.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Few guesthouses have table tennis available for guests.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Local schools and private tutors offer Thai language lessons.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Pai Public Library provides a quiet place for reading and study.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host events and gatherings for expats and locals.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Casual gaming can be found at cafes, though specific gaming lounges are rare.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are no casinos in Pai; nearby cities have some options.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,400,000 THB).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 40,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,600,000 THB).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 55,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 THB).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 38,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,280,000 THB).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 50,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,000,000 THB).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 32,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,560,000 THB).
💼 Corporate Tax 20%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 10%.
🏦 Tax System Taxed on a territorial basis.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 35%.
🧾 VAT 7%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, applies to foreign corporations.
🏠 Property Tax Present, based on the appraised value of the property.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Typically around 2% for property transfers.