Pai, Thailand 🇹🇭
#397
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pai is a small town located in the mountains of Northern Thailand, known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 20-30 Mbps at cafes and co-working spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.03 USD. Local banks include Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai Bank; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | AIS and DTAC are popular choices for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise are commonly used for payments among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, bungalows, and Airbnb listings focusing on longer stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash; however, some places accept cards but it’s better to carry cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Spicy Pai Backpackers offer beds from $5 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Pai Canyon and walking street areas are favorites among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Pai Village offers cafes, coworking spaces, and a vibrant lifestyle. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Yoga Retreat offers coworking spaces with beautiful views and a calm atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee in Love is a popular spot with reliable Wi-Fi and a peaceful ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at various cafes; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Pai Facebook Group is a good resource for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available for reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Numerous rental shops in town; prices start at 150 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pai does not have beaches; the nearest ones are around 3-4 hours away in the south. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways offers flights connecting to Chiang Mai and other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways operates international flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 1095, approximately 3 hours from Chiang Mai. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pai does not have a train station; travel is mainly by bus from Chiang Mai. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly involves songthaews (shared taxis) with no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minivans from Chiang Mai are the main way to travel to Pai. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pai Memorial Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Pai offers various classes specializing in different styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like Pai Gym offer affordable fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many guesthouses and local laundromats provide laundry services, typically around 40 THB per kilogram. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood operate in Pai. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khao Soi, a Northern Thai curry noodle soup, is a must-try dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Earth Tone is known for its vegan-friendly menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Pai serves delicious desserts and ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Walking Street market is excellent for budget-friendly snacks and meals. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops mostly, but Lazada and Shopee serve online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No specific grocery delivery services; local markets are recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Walking Street hosts various bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Pai Beer Factory offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Little Eater is a cozy spot for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors along the Walking Street offer delicious local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve international food, including Italian and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Pai Canyon and the Pai Land Split are must-visit natural attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Pai Memorial Bridge is a historical landmark with scenic views. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Wat Phra That Mae Yen temple offers stunning views and cultural insights. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several temples including Wat Nam Hu are present in and around Pai. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Pai Music Festival is a significant local event in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Walking Street area features local arts, crafts, and food stalls. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Open-air performances often take place at various venues during peak tourist seasons. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Walking Street Night Market is popular for shopping and dining. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many bars feature live music, especially during the weekend. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out murals around the Walking Street and local cafes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various local cooking schools offer classes for tourists and expats. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art in Pai showcases works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several traditional wooden structures can be found throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Trekking and local excursions highlight Pai’s heritage and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Pai River provides opportunities for rafting and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pai is close to Pai National Park, which offers hiking and wildlife watching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many cycling paths are available, with rentals available in the town. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint near Pai Canyon offers breathtaking sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lodges around the river offer opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Campsite areas near the Pai River allow for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices handle parcel delivery; international services exist via EMS. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Pai offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local cafes occasionally set up ping pong tables for patrons. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local expat groups offer language exchange sessions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cafes equipped with Wi-Fi serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Pai Community Center offers workshops and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; mostly gaming happens in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available in Pai. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $140,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $119,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; minimal fees for land. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% for property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives available for certain visas. |