You know a hostel has exceeded your expectations when it is no longer just a place to sleep. Nolo Hub in Pai, Thailand is one of the best hostels in Thailand offering the ultimate backpacker experience for travellers aged 18-30.
From comfy pod-style beds to large communal areas, scooter tours to pub crawls, this hostel has absolutely everything going for it! And, you’d be devastated to miss the chance to experience this incredible place.
Where to Book Your Stay
The best way to book your stay is via direct communication through this link. You will be taken directly to the booking site to secure your stay. I highly recommend you book at least a couple of weeks in advance as space is limited and most beds are usually sold out.
Address: Nolo Hub Pai, 631 Moo 8, Pai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
Please note that there is a 2-night minimum stay at Nolo Hub!
The Benefits of Staying at Nolo Hub Pai
I could quite easily rattle off a million different things that I love about this hostel, but let’s hit some fantastic key points:
- Cute hostel dogs by the names of Tarzan, Pablo, and Bruce
- Loads of couches and communal space
- Daily activities to explore Pai
- Friendly and welcoming staff ensure you’re part of the Nolo Hub family
- Cool merchandise that supports the local community
- Short drive into town
- Free drinking water
- Food delivery services
Read more: The Best Food in Thailand: 15 Thai Dishes You Need to Try
Activities at Nolo Hub
There is a range of activities that the hostel has created. Get amongst some of the best scooter tours and days exploring the surroundings of the gorgeous town that is Pai.
Firstly, one of the ultimate backpacker activities is to go tipsy tubing down the Pai river. This activity will set you back around 300 Thai Baht. Moreover, it includes a float down the Pai river while drinking your BYO alcohol of choice. There is a halfway party with local DJs for the ultimate day of fun in the sun. Be sure to cover yourself with sunscreen and UV body paint!
Secondly, there is a range of scooter tours exploring the natural beauty of Pai. One of my all-time favourites is the tour of the hot springs and Pai Canyon. Moreover, you will get the opportunity to cook eggs in the bubbling geysers. Later, settle down for fresh spring rolls and Chang beers while watching the sunset at the canyon. This is easily the ultimate way to spend a Sunday in Thailand.
Another fun activity is the jungle trek. You will need to jump on a scooter and follow the bike convoy for roughly 30 minutes to reach the start of this walk. Next, you will hike through the jungle and complete multiple river crossings. At the end of the walk, you will come upon an absolutely stunning waterfall! Enjoy a swim before making the trek back.
Not to mention, every night at about 10 PM the entire Nolo crew will jump into taxis and head into town to party. Obviously, you don’t have to join in on the bar crawls every night, but it’s nice to get amongst it a couple of times. Some of the bars will offer live music shows, while others have pumping techno DJs. What’s not to love?!
Please note: These activities are subject to change.
Check out Nolo Hub on Instagram
How Long Should I Stay In Pai?
In all honesty, I could easily tell you that you could throw yourself into the Pai hole and live there for a month. However, I know that this kind of timeframe isn’t exactly backpacker friendly.
So, I would highly recommend setting aside at least one week to enjoy this lovely mountainous town. As an absolute minimum, you could get away with 5 days. Besides, since it is very far in the north of Thailand, it’s nice to enjoy a little more time there and save the rush of moving on.
Read more: 12 Things to Do in Koh Tao, Thailand: An Insiders Guide
How Do I Get To Pai?
There are a couple of ways that you can reach the Northern part of Thailand, and of course, some are more expensive than others.
Firstly, the most cost-effective way to reach Pai is to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via overnight bus. And, then book a minivan to make the trip of 762 turns through the Mountains from Chiang Mai to Pai. On the other hand, some people like to hire a scooter from Chiang Mai to make the trek from town to town.
Secondly, some people like to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and there are occasionally some great flight deals that you can snap up. Nonetheless, you will still need to jump on a minivan to make the trip through the mountains to Pai.
I highly recommend using 12go Asia to find bus and train tickets for travel throughout Asia.
Personal Review of Nolo Hub
From the moment I stepped foot into the hostel, I have never been so warmly welcomed in all of my travels! I instantly got to know the owner, Jordin, and the rest of the friendly crew working at Nolo.
I was truly blown away by the features of this hostel and how it feels like a home away from home. There has been great attention to detail within this place, and it offers many comforts while backpacking.
I totally recommend this hostel to solo backpackers, and those travelling with friends.
I spent a total of 2 weeks in Pai and fell into the said: ‘Pai Hole’ (an expression for getting caught in Pai because it’s a fantastic place). And, I can easily say that I wish I had spent more time there.
Not to mention, I’d met numerous people in this wonderful little town. With that being said, they only planned to visit for a few days and now they’d spent weeks if not months in Pai! This place has a very special charm about it and I truly believe it needs to be experienced by all travellers of Thailand.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Nolo Hub Pai is easily one of Thailands best hostels from personal experience. And, its well loved by many other travellers. Simply take a look at Google to read the rave reviews from other backpackers times at this hostel.
After living in hostels for 6 months, I can easily say that this was the best along my journey and I wish I could’ve enjoyed even more time there.
Read more:
5 Best Hostels in Hanoi: 2022 Insiders Guide
Solo Female Travel in Thailand: Tips for Travelling Thailand
