Almost all visitors coming to Pai are travelling from Chiang Mai, so that is the travel route on which this blog post is based.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know in regards to travelling to Pai so that you can get on the road ASAP!

Is Pai Worth Visiting?

Pai is an absolute backpackers paradise in the north-west of Thailand. There are tonnes of activities to enjoy, loads of great hostels, and don’t get me started on the food!

Not to mention, this spot is ultra-cheap and you can truly find yourself some banger bargains. There are loads of beautiful stores to shop and plenty of beautiful souvenirs.

Pai gives off an ultra-hippy vibe and the atmosphere in this charming town is enough to make you stay for weeks… or months on end.

Read more: Nolo Hub Pai: Thailands Best Hostel

How to Get to Pai

There are a few ways in which you can reach Pai and for the most part, it’ll take around 3 hours of travel when coming from Chiang Mai. Let’s dive into some of the most popular methods for travelling to Pai.

Tip: If you get carsick, I’d highly recommend taking some motion sickness medication before taking this route. There are 762 turns to reach Pai and you will be taken in and around the mountains.

Minivan

First up, the most popular option is to travel via minivan. I typically recommend booking tickets via 12go! Asia as they have loads of vans available and there are usually a few times you can choose from.

Moreover, tickets are around 230 Thai Baht per person, and this is one of the most affordable ways to reach Pai. It’ll take about 3.5 hours to travel this way and there is one stop in the middle for a toilet break.

This is one of the safest and most convenient ways to reach Pai. It’s a great option and the ride is comfortable and smooth.

You will be dropped off into the heart of Pai and from here you can easily get a lift to your accommodation, or if it’s within walking distance, simply wander there. There are loads of hostels and hotels near the drop-off point, so you might be in luck!

Tip: Arrive early at the bus terminal to avoid missing the van. Be sure to check in at least 15 minutes before departure.

Scooter

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can take matters into your own hands and ride a scooter there. The way to go about this is to head to Aya Service in Chiang Mai and have a chat with them about hiring a scooter to go to Pai.

Aya can also deliver your luggage to Pai which will cost 100 Thai Baht. Moreover, scooter rental prices start at 140 Baht per day, but you can also get a nicer / faster scooter if you wish.

Scoopys are always a nice and reliable option. They’re easy to ride, small and great for first-time or learners. If you’d like to see some of the scooter options available, you can have a look at Aya’s website and get in contact with them.

As fun as it is riding a scooter, please take note that wet weather makes this road incredibly slippery and many people have had stacks while riding. You may want to reconsider riding there if there is a lot of rain incoming.

Tip: I’d avoid driving this route if it’s your first time on a scooter. There are a lot of vehicles that take this route and many trucks and vans drive by at very fast speeds. Not to mention, there are loads of turns to take, so it’s not the best road to learn how to ride.

Hitchhiking

Alternatively, if you’re on an ultra-tight budget, you might be able to get away with hitchhiking your way to Pai. Now, this method isn’t always guaranteed and isn’t exactly the safest method in the grand scheme of things.

However, hitchhiking is a fun experience and I can happily say that I managed to safely hitchhike my way to Pai.

Hang out on the side of the road heading towards Pai and stick your thumb out to cars going by. Once someone pulls over have a chat with the driver and see if they’re willing to take you to Pai.

The advantage of hitchhiking to Pai is that it’s one main road and most people tend to be travelling to the town. It’s pretty easy to do and will save you some $$$!

Finally, before jumping into the vehicle, be sure to confirm a price. Sometimes, people might want you to chip in a little money for fuel, or you may just get lucky and they’ll take you for free!

Where to Stay in Pai

If you’re a backpacker, solo traveller or wish to stay in a dorm, then I highly recommend staying at Nolo Hub Pai. It’s the best spot to be for the ultimate ‘home away from home’ vibe.

Nolo Hub runs activities and daily tours, and each night the hostel heads out to a different bar to party the night away. Keep in mind, it’s not a party hostel, but it has fantastic social aspects.

Additionally, there are private rooms available at Nolo Hub 2 if you wish to have a little privacy or want a little bit of luxury. Besides, these rooms are a dream and it displays beautiful Moroccan architecture; I highly recommend them!

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Pai is nice and easy to reach and there are a few methods you can use to visit the beautiful little town. I think there is a great array of options so you can really choose which one suits you best.

All in all, the most reliable and safest way to reach Pai is to travel via the minivan services. There are multiple vans that run daily and they take you directly into the heart of Pai.

Nonetheless, be sure to choose the method that suits you best to have an enjoyable journey to Pai. Finally, be sure to check out this section of my blog for all things Thailand-related.

Read more:
4 Waterfalls in Pai: The Best Places to Swim in Pai
Tipsy Tubing in Pai, Thailand: Everything You Need to Know

Follow me on Instagram to stay updated with my travels

The post How to Get to Pai: Including Travel Tips appeared first on Ashlee Morgan.

There are hundreds and thousands of new products released yearly, making it tough to decide what to invest in; Look no further than this list to discover some of the best products which will make your trip run smoothly. Also, some of these products are great for day-to-day use and getting organised before your trip.

All products are from Amazon and listed with links; please note that I may make a commission from the sales of these items with no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.

Travel Accessories for Convenience

Buy now from Amazon US

Travel cubes make packing luggage an effortless task. Since these packing cubes come in various sizes, you’ll be able to fit your shoes and clothes within them while keeping everything organised. Breathable mesh makes these packing cubes one of the best travel accessories as your clothes will have room to ventilate, and you’ll be able to view what’s inside each cube. Also, these cubes are very lightweight, so you won’t need to worry about adding extra weight to your luggage.

Buy now from Amazon US

Never worry about your luggage being too heavy again! Use this portable luggage scale to check how much your luggage weighs before your trip. Therefore, this convenient device will save you airport overweight fees and the stress of overpacking. Always ensure your luggage is at an ideal temperature by using the built-in thermometer sensor, great for cool and hot climates. Also, this scale can measure up to a total of 110lb/50kg, proving its capability and durability. It’s also helpful to store this device in your bag for your return flight; avoid those unwanted baggage fees!

Buy now from Amazon US

There’s no doubt that everyone loves to travel with their electronic devices. But, things can get messy and damaged when not organised correctly. This electronic organiser from Bagsmart is the perfect way to keep cables and gadgets safely arranged. There are two layers in this bag, ideal for separating all your accessories. Additionally, the bag features water repellent nylon, excellent for keeping electronics dry.
Lastly, there are a few colour options and designs so you can choose your favourite.

Buy now from Amazon US

These TSA approved, refillable silicone travel bottles are an ideal way to travel with products. Firstly, they feature a leak-proof design, optimal for travel (nothing worse than a shampoo spill). Also, they’re easy to refill with product from the wide opening; there’s no need to mess around while transferring product. Finally, fill the spray bottles up with liquid deodorants, hand sanitiser and perfume or cologne.

Buy now from Amazon US

Many people enjoy reading a good book while on holiday. The main issue with doing so is that they can get heavy and take up a lot of space within your luggage. Enter the thinnest and lightest Kindle, the perfect device for readers. Importantly, this Kindle is bright, even in direct sunlight and is waterproof, making it excellent for reading at the beach, pool or in the bath. Also, this Kindle comes with audible; pair with Bluetooth headphones or speakers to hear the narrative. Additionally, enjoy instant access to over a million titles.

Buy now from Amazon US

Forget taking bulky and heavy beach towels on your next holiday and purchase a Turkish beach towel. The fine weave of soft cotton means the towels are lightweight, sand-free and absorbent. Another fantastic benefit is that it won’t take up much space in your bag and is also easy to carry around. Also, these towels are perfect for relaxing on at the beach and are a beautiful sarong, making them a fantastic travel accessory.

Travel Accessories for Safety and Security

Buy now from Amazon US

RFID blocking sleeves are not only ideal for travel but are fantastic for day-to-day use. These sleeves are one of the most necessary travel accessories as they protect important information and may save you from credit card fraud. These sleeves offer a slim design which means they won’t add extra bulk to your wallet but are vital for your credit card safety. They also offer a money-back guarantee providing you don’t love this item, but you’re sure to love its safety feature.

Buy now from Amazon US

The GRAYL GeoPress water purifying bottle is one of the best travel accessories for any overseas holiday. This water bottle features the ability to purify water anywhere, anytime. For instance, this bottle is exceptional for hiking, camping and backpacking as there’s no need to carry water with you as long as you have safe access to a freshwater source. Enjoy purifying water from hotel sinks, taps, lakes, murky rivers and wells. Also, there’s no need for setup. Start by simply filling the cup, place the cartridge on top, press the bottle down and enjoy drinking safe water. Finally, this water bottle removes all pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa; it also filters out sediment, chlorine and heavy metals.

Buy now from Amazon US

Take this international travel adapter on an overseas trip and while travelling to multiple countries. This product is a convenient and all-in-one, universal adapter that makes travelling to new countries a breeze. The adapter can be used in 150 countries and includes 4 USB ports and a universal outlet. In addition, the built-in fuse will keep you safe to avoid electrical shock and fires.

Read More: Travel Advice in Australia: 10 Things You Should Know

Buy now from Amazon US

Sometimes travelling through unsafe areas can be a little bit daunting, especially when carrying cash. However, this nylon money belt is superb for keeping money guarded so that you can focus on your surroundings. This item is one of the best travel accessories as it will ensure money is secured whilst walking through crowds and being amongst people. This wallet in disguise offers the perfect hiding spot to stash some cash and is a comfortable and simple design to avoid drawing attention. Also, the material is very lightweight; there’s no need to worry about the need to carry around something heavy.

Wrapping Up

Preparation for travelling overseas is vital for your safety as there’s plenty of unusual situations that you may find yourself within. Luckily, with the resources we have today, we can make informed decisions on travelling responsibly. Now that you’ve discovered the list of the best travel accessories, be sure to view them on Amazon and keep the products in mind for upcoming holidays.

Are there any travel accessories you think should be on this list?

The post The 10 Best travel accessories appeared first on Ashlee Morgan.