Thailand Travel Notes
My Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Thai · Some English
- Currency
- Thai Baht · THB
- Cash
- Essential For Markets And Local Food.
- Cards
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- Tap To Pay
- Card Taps And Local QR Differ.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Optional. Small Notes Welcome.
What To Wear
What To Pack
Pack light clothes, rain protection, and an outfit for temples. Royal palaces have stricter rules: a sleeved top with long trousers for men; sleeves and trousers or a skirt covering the knees for women. Northern mornings can be cooler than Bangkok.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Hotels, malls, supermarkets, and larger restaurants usually accept cards. Street food, markets, small cafés, and local transport are where baht cash is most useful. The QR code on a counter is not automatically a way to pay with your foreign card. Keep cash available even when you see locals paying by phone. A physical Visa or Mastercard is a useful backup to your mobile wallet.
Travel Cards
Your foreign card is not automatically a Thai QR payment method. Keep baht for street food, small shops, and local rides.
Tipping Culture
For a casual sit down meal, 20 to 50 baht is a useful thank you. Street food does not need a percentage tip. Check the service charge at hotels and nicer restaurants. Example: after a casual meal, a voluntary THB 20 to THB 50 thank you is different from a fixed percentage. Street food does not normally need a tip, and a service charge may already cover a nicer restaurant.
Getting Around
Getting Around Locally
Bangkok’s BTS and MRT help avoid some road traffic but have separate fare arrangements. Chiang Mai and Pai use different local transport; do not assume a Bangkok transit card works there.
Traveling Between Stops
Pai’s winding road journey needs time. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok are separate legs. Compare a flight, train, or coach for the longer route and leave a buffer before an international departure.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In Thailand
Thailand is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Download the address and airport code before booking a ride. Keep maps and driver details available for the northern road legs. A hotel’s WiFi does not cover a long journey between towns.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
Bangkok suits a base near the rail route you will use; Chiang Mai’s old city suits walking; Pai is a separate stay. My place reviews show the stops I actually visited.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Use the official free Thailand Digital Arrival Card and check your passport’s visa or exemption conditions separately. Bangkok’s BKK and DMK airports are different; match transfers to your actual ticket.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
Pai
The Nest Pai Love
You want to be secluded but not too far away from society? Want to stay somewhere peaceful with the river right in front of you and animals like cows and dogs roaming around? Like yoga, wellness and meditation?? Then this is the place for you!
Western Union
It’s inside the bank. Enter, click western Union, get a number and wait for it to be called. They’ll take your info and passport, have you sign a few papers and give you your money. Super easy
Tea Leaf & Avocado Salad
BE PATIENT! She works from the heart and makes all salads from scratch!
Thai Adventure Rafting
AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! I did both trips, and each one was unique in its own way. But the 2 day 1 night camping was epic and a must do! You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Pai and taken to the river start.
Two Huts Pai
Lots of seating but come early to get a good one. Food and drinks available. Sometimes even live music
Pai Canyon
I didn’t expect it to be as cool as it was to be honest. It’s free. Just walk up. You only need real shoes if you plan on getting into the actual hike. Otherwise slippers and slides are ok
Pai Love And Baan Chon Phao Resort
You want to be secluded but not too far away from society? Want to stay somewhere peaceful with the river right in front of you and animals like cows and dogs roaming around? Like yoga, wellness and meditation?? Then this is the place for you!!
Pai Yard Guesthouse
This is the place you want if you don’t want to be in the mix with the crazy younger crowd but also only a 15 min walk or 5 min scooter ride away. Here, you get peace.
Pai Enduro
I was lucky enough to be here for this cool event.
The Paradise Circus
I’m sorry but this over hyped fire show is like something for kids. Being someone who seen fire shows in other countries, this is more for what seems like beginner fire performers. Which is fine, but I just feel like that should be mentioned more.
Pam Bok Waterfall
This place wasn’t worth it on my opinion and can be skipped. It’s small. Doesn’t require much walking at all. Doesn’t need gym shoes. I honestly wasn’t that comfortable getting in the water and not being able to see anything that was under me.
Sai Ngam Natural Mineral Spring
This place is nice but NOT worth the route to get to it!!! It’s all nice and smooth until you get to the gate. It costs 200 to enter and then it’s a 7 min drive up and down slopes. My motorbike almost didn’t make it all the way up one of them.
Morpaeng Waterfall
This one’s one of the ones that is actually worth it. Make sure to make your way all the way up and then there’s a bridge on the left that you can exit from.
Yun Lai Viewpoint
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Chinese Village Swimming Pool
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Coffee View
Such cute vibes!
Tha Pai Hot Spring
If you want HOT hot springs… this is your place! And I don’t get it twisted of course there’s colder ones, but you’re gonna find the hottest of the hot in this place. It cost ฿300 to enter and you do not have to really walk much.
La Barra Cafecito
I think this place is as close to Real Mexican as you’re gonna get in the city. I got the Birria Nachos. I think this is the only place out here that sells anything Birria.
Coffee In Love
This is where the I AM PAI sign is located! There is a whole bunch of places in this area where you can take photos because not only do they have an amazing view, but they also have places that are pretty much photo stations.
Paizy Bar Cocktail
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Om Garden Cafe
Very cute spot with lots of greenery and hidden seating, sorry I didn’t take any videos. Too many people 😅 But food was good
Ganita Cafe
UPDATE: so after my first really good experience, I went back and ordered two more hummus. They asked me if they could put it in the same container, and stupidly I said yes. When I took the order, I realized there was no pita bread.
Nice Massage
Amazing neck and back massage! 100 more than other places but could possibly be worth it! The place is very nice and clean, they’re all dressed the same. It’s fairly on the elegant side.
The Lost Texan
The food is VERY average. I have no idea why this place has the good rating it does to be honest. First of all, the food isn’t flavorful. I got the Thai cauliflower wings and the trio salsa and chips. It was all mediocre.
Mari Pai Resort
I came here just to take photos with the big tree swing. I ended up checking out the whole resort, it is very unique actually. However, if you’re going to actually try to swing on the swing, you won’t be able to as it’s too low and it will hits the metal bars.
Tesco Lotus Express Pai
It’s sort of like a fancier 7 11. They do have alcohol. They have a lot of fresh frozen meats and seafood. I also found one of my favorite treats here, frozen chocolate covered strawberries, and bananas.
Pai Waan
I didn’t stay here. I only came to take some photos and check it out. It didn’t seem like anyone was there. Super cute, super pink. But it does seem like there’s still open for accommodations.
Love Strawberry Pai
I went mainly to try the strawberry iced coffee and I didn’t like it. I even had them add milk and sugar.. nope. I think it would be good but the coffee was too overpowering. The place is cute for photos of course.
The House Cafe' Pai Thailand
A very hidden yet so cute spot! A true hidden gem. 💎 From the moment you walk onto the property, you feel this nature vibe. The way the decor is set up with the water, the turtles, and the indoor outdoor seating, it’s all perfect.
บ้านใหม่สหสัมพันธ์ Ban Mai Saha Samphan
It’s a bridge you drive over
Santichon Village
Free to enter and You can easily spend an hour or 2 here.
Hommy Pai Fitness Club
I think it’s the best gym in pai tbh. Fairly new equipment. 2 floors, cardio upstairs, weights downstairs. But no stair stepper unfortunately. 90B a day, cheaper if weekly or monthly. They do have wifi and a smoothie bar outside.
Big Buddha Pai
It’s free. Cute spot for a quick view and workout haha.
Pai Indian Restaurant
So good!! I asked for spicy butter chicken and garlic naan. Perfection 😌
Pai Night Market
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Pai Sushi Bar
SO GOOD!
Pai Handmade
Waterproof bags? YES! Water bottle bag? YES! Not just that, they sell all sorts of bags for fair prices!
Kun Lai Coffee
This is apart of the view point that over looks the mountains and some farm land. It costs ฿20 to enter, have it ready as they collect it once you get up the stairs. There are restrooms, outlets, and I believe Wi Fi.
Chinese Viewpoint
Cute pit stop that over looks the mountains and some farm land. It costs ฿20 to enter, have it ready as they collect it once you get up the stairs. There are restrooms, outlets, and I believe Wi Fi. There are souvenirs and a café that serves drinks.
Puripai Villa
I did not stay at the Villa, I just went there for the pie wellness retreat and it was lovely. There is a restaurant where the pool is at called the barn and I will definitely be coming back there to eat.
Why Not Bar
Hit or miss. I came on a Friday night, around 9:30pm and good hip hop music was playing. I’ve walked past other nights and the music really varies. But this place does get packed. Prices seem a bit cheaper than other places around the area.
ROTI & Tea Fly
On the wrong side of the map. I haven’t seen her open during the day. Only at night. I got the Thai ice milk tea. FIRE! I drank it in less than 1 minute. I kid you not. She also makes different types of deserts.
Queen Falafel
Not exactly a Falafel but it works! It was so good! You get to customize what you put inside. I also like how she would put an ingredient and then put some falafel and then add another ingredient, and then put some more falafel.
7 Eleven
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Na's Kitchen
Very busy spot because they have good food. But because they are busy, a few things might be off. I walked in and went up to the counter.
Ci Xin Jai
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Pai Walking Street
“The street” you need to walk after 6pm on any given day 😇
Hungry Bird Pai
Food was mediocre. Needed sauce to taste good. Coffee was also just okay. Nothing special about this place at all. Plus it’s very small and awkward. Also I asked the lady to put the rest of my food to go and she said okay.
GYM At PAI
Ummm I’m sorry, I do understand it’s cheap, but I shouldn’t feel disgusted touching equipment. I’d honestly rather pay a bit more and get équipement that actually has all its pieces and isn’t ancient.
Gyoza Queen
So simple, pick your filling watch them fry it for you and enjoy as you walk around. They have options: vegetable 🥗,pork 🥓, chicken 🍗 , chicken shrimp 🍗🦐 and chicken octopus 🍗 🐙 At least that’s all I saw. Very quick, easy and tasty.
Pai In Love Moo Kata Thai BBQ
Amazing! I didn’t understand what it really was at first so let me break it down for anyone else who is new. It’s the Thai version of a Korean BBQ restaurant.
BeBe Wok 'N Roll Thai Cooking Course
Very good food! First time I seen banana lassi on the menu. I had to try it. Not really my cup of tea tbh but the Butter chicken was perfect. Right amount of spices. The garlic naan was a little different. Tasted good but not how I’m used to it.
Café De Pai
The smoothie was PERFECTION! The salmon avocado needed some type of sauce but once I got some it was great! No complaints. But I will definitely be back for another smoothie.
Zaab Zaab ThaiFood
So good. I had the chicken pad Thai. I love when I ask for it spicy and they mix the spice right in! It was perfect. I left no crumbs! Must try.
Centrico Pai Mexican Restaurant
Okay soooooo…. As someone who lived in California and been to Mexico MANY times.. It’s tastes good. But is it Mexican? Mexican? No.
Baan Natcha บ้านณัชชา
I rented my scooter from here. 2500 for the month. 2000 deposit or passport. I gave the money, I could never leave my passport. She tested my abilities, saw I could ride. Signed a contract. Drove off with no issues.
JOY YOGA STUDIO /โยคะแห่งความสุข
This was the only place I could find in Pai offering aerial yoga and Pilates yoga. Trust me, I searched. I ended up trying both and while the area and vibe were great, aerial yoga just wasn’t for me. Pilates yoga though?
P'Aew's Shake & Coffee
I mean, this is a coffee shop so I guess I have the right to judge them based off of their Frappuccino’s, which is all I got so keep that in mind, but it was very watered down. So simple enough I will not be back.
Pad Thai Restaurant Fried Oysters Nong Aed Por Jay Phueng (ร้านผัดไท หอยทอด น้องแอ๊ด By เจ้ผึ้ง)
I asked for shrimp pad Thai, spicy, no bean sprouts. When I check it prior to leaving, I got no bean sprouts but also looked like I got no spice either. I said “no spicy?” He told me to take the sauce packet, which was Tajin.
ART TA MA Cafe
I was looking for a place all morning that offered cannabis coffee or tea. This place offers both! Along with some very strong edibles, great priced weed and alcohol if that’s what you’re looking for.
Banh Banh Pun Pai
Saved on my Pai list.
The Barn Panoramic Bar (Bar & Restaurant Pai ร้านอาหาร ปาย)
Saved on my Pai list.
Time Cafe&bistro
Saved on my Pai list.
Lalamal Cafe
Saved on my Pai list.
Nigiri
Saved on my Pai list.
Bom Bowls
Saved on my Pai list.
Meaw Massage
Saved on my Pai list.
On Massage
Saved on my Pai list.
Pai Nalin Massage
Best massage spot based on reviews
Pai River Scooter
No passport needed. DL is enough based on reviews
Sunset At Bamboo Bridge
Saved on my Everything Pai list.
10RAI Sunsetviewcafe
Another nice spot for sunset
Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
Saved on my Everything Pai list.
Paradise Pai
Saved on my Everything Pai list.
The Heart Of Pai Resort
Saved on my 7 Photo Spots in Pai 🇹🇭 list.
BeBe Spice Indian Restaurant And Wok 'N Roll Thai Cooking Course
Saved on my Best Restaurants in Pai 🇹🇭 list.
Chiang Mai
Grill Jung Japanese Restaurant
If you’re in Chiang Mai and you’re actually hungry hungry… this is your sign 😤🔥 This is Grill Jung, an all you can eat Japanese BBQ where you grill everything
One Nimman
This is not an actual mall. The real mall is across the street. This is more of a street market with a few nice shops inside of the actual building. There are stairs and elevators all over the place to get up to them
CAMP Creative And Meeting Place
Inside the mall! I loved this place. Very unique cooking space. Free to enter just buy something.
MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
Make sure to check out the rooftop
Central Chiangmai Airport
Nice big mall I just came here for Western Union
Prince Hotel
I really loved this place. Great location. Rooms have Lots of space, big balcony, HUGE fridge for a hotel room, there’s a pool and jet tub, laundry literally across the street and lots of food/ massage spots in walkable distance.
Coconut Market
MUST DO IF IN TOWN ON A WEEKEND! I’ve never seen anything like this before. Very stunning location with coconut trees lined up symmetrically with mini ponds in between them that are also green. You are allowed to walk on the grass that holds the trees.
Air Diamond Cafe
Very unique experience. To hop on board you have to buy a ticket obviously because when would you ever hop on a plane without a ticket? The ticket cost 150 bucks and it comes with a drink.
The Hill Chiang Mai
Hidden restaurant no one talks about with amazing views
Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center
This is the only place in all of Thailand that has CURRENT prisoners, offering massages and working at the restaurant in this facility. Any type of massage is ฿250 per hour. The restaurant has extremely cheap prices, especially for the portions that are given.
The Giant Chiangmai
Getting here on a scooter was not the easiest thing in the world, but definitely doable and worth the struggle.
Dantewada Land Of Angels Waterfall Park
What a magical place! If you go exactly at 8 AM, you’ll have the whole place to yourself. ฿80 to enter and there’s a café inside. Make sure to explore because there’s a lot to see.
Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)
12 unique temples based off the Chinese zodiac sign. Definitely a place that many people skip but it’s totally worth it because you get so many temples in one so instead of going to 12 temples, you can just come here.
Pukan Cafe
Very unique spot
Buatong Waterfall Chet Si Fountain National Park
Here’s everything you need to know and videos of me actually climbing. So for starters, as you can see, I was able to complete this from the bottom to the top with my camera in hand.
Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park Chiang Mai
I got the basic ticket for ฿150 I was able to walk around at my own pace and was even able to get really hands on with the process.
The Story 106 Co Working Space &Cafe
Perfect co worker space! Free, just buy something!
Patara Elephant Farm
Here is EVERYTHING you need to know for the elephant daycare for 1/2 a day. 3,200 Baht I booked the afternoon before for the next morning. Called to confirm. Confirmed for pick up between 7:30am 8am.
Patara Elephant Conservation
Here is EVERYTHING you need to know for the elephant daycare for 1/2 a day. 3,200 Baht I booked the afternoon before for the next morning. Called to confirm. Confirmed for pick up between 7:30am 8am.
Western Union
It’s at customer service on the 4th floor of the department store called Robinson’s in the kids section. You can enter through the mall as well. Filled out the normal western Union form, got my passport copied and asked to sign them.
Caramellow Cafe
This has to be one of Chiang Mai’s best hidden gems! AMAZING PLACE! I didn’t even care to record the actual inside of the cafe as it does NOT compare to the outside.
Sizzler Central Chiangmai
My appetizer came after I finished my meal…. But the food was good.
Green Bamboo Massage
THEY ACCEPT VISA! With a fee but still!! And they offer a quote heated bamboo massage… I left so relaxed!
MARS.cnx
You definitely wanna check out this place, a lot better than its competitor Pluto. Make sure to check out the hotel lobby as well.
PLUTO
This one’s more modern than an actual Pluto feel. But can be stopped at real quick to check it out.
Transit Number 8
Another café that has to do with transportation. You literally can sit on the subway as it “moves”
Much Room Cafe
Another hidden unique Café
Tiger Kingdom
10 to 15 minutes with the Tigers fairly priced but still kind of expensive
T Story
This is actually a place to stay, but they do have a café. You can sit at to enjoy the stunning and unique architecture.
Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun
Of course there’s a reason why this place is popular. But I do wanna mention that there is a golden temple in the back that you must check out as well as a cave museum that’s hidden behind the waterfalls.
Wat Rong Suea Ten
Of course there’s a reason why this is popular. Keep in mind. It does have a lot of spooky elements to it.
Singha Park
This park is very different. Make sure you take time to explore. Walking the whole thing would actually be too much as you can see in the map that I posted. There is completely different areas that you would have to drive her scooter too.
Wat Phra That Doi Wao
Very unique purple temple with big black Scorpio out front and a skywalk over looking Burma! You can park down the hill at the temple for ฿10 and take a shuttle up for ฿30 but I did see cars and scooters alike getting all the way to the top.
Sky Walk Wat Phra That Doi Wao
This whole place is stunning. To get to the skywalk you’re gonna have to go through the temple areas. That’s why I included the photos and videos of that as well. It’s ฿50 to enter the skywalk. And you’re given purple socks to wear over your shoes.
The Northern Most Of Thailand
Hidden behind the border crossing on the right. You’ll see the market continuing so just follow the path and then you’ll see the sign.
Golden Triangle
AMAZING! You must do the boat ride!
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
I mean.. it’s beautiful. But you could do similar at signah park and hit 2 places at once. I did go late, that’s why it was closed.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Don’t forget to check out the restaurant and there are people who perform on stage as well.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Make sure to go before 6pm so you can take the elevator up to floors 25 & 26! It’s incredible up there! 40 baht for ticket
House Of Opium Museum
Edit: I used the word didn’t instead of did and that made it seem like I didn’t enjoy the experience. When in fact it was the complete opposite. I enjoyed how simple and to the point it was.
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
It’s a golden clock that has a light show every hour on the hour starting at 8pm. No tickets, it’s just in the middle of the street. The birds make the experience more dramatic. They are like paid actors moving to the rhythm.
Wat Tham Phra
To be honest, there are much better Buddha caves that you can find around all of Thailand. This one might be cool, but since I came during rain season, most of it was blocked off.
Baan Dam Museum
So it’s a cool and unique place, but it CAN be skipped if short on time. It cost ฿80 to enter. I personally could’ve not gone and my trip would’ve been perfectly fine. It’s not a place. I’m gonna remember.
Hall Of Opium Golden Triangle Park
So there are 2 museums in the area about opium. The other is in walking distance of the golden triangle. This one is MUCH bigger and takes you on a complete journey through the past. There’s a few interactive things but you will learn ALOT.
Romance Cafe
Saved on my Everything Chiang Rai list.
Hall Of Opium
Saved on my Everything Chiang Rai list.
Lalitta Café
Saved on my Everything Chiang Rai list.
Saturday Weekly Night Market
Saved on my Everything Chiang Rai list.
Bangkok
Health Land Asoke
Amazing atmosphere and a HUGE place. When you enter first, you’re gonna see the menu once you choose what you want you go up to the register and you pay and give them your name. Then you go sit in the lobby, which looks like a hotel lobby.
Padthai Chapaa Asoke
Go! Now! Best pad Thai ever! I left NO CRUMBS!
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station)
They have a food court (all cash), lockers, atms and bathrooms. Very clean, very quiet, felt very safe. They do have automatic lockers! Perfect for exploring for the day and coming back later. However once you lock the locker, that’s it. So be careful.
My Travel Stories
