Picturesque scenery and the locals’ laid-back lifestyle are certainly what Pai prides itself in, but these are not all you can enjoy when visiting this peaceful valley. Pampering yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments is also a possibility.

Within the valley of Pai, there are a number of natural hot mineral springs but the most easily accessible one for tourists is Tha Pai hot spring within the Huai Nam Dang National Park. There are four main hot spring ponds in the area, which are set amid dense forest. The average temperature in these ponds is 80 degrees Celsius. The mineral water from these resources snakes down the slope of the mountain, transforming the whole site into an attractive hot mineral spring stream. The hot stream of mineral water then meets with cold streams from other sources, making the temperature perfect for bathing. These are the spots where visitors can have a picnic by the side of the waterfall, either before or after a healthy bath. Besides bathing, mineral shower boxes, a camping area and restaurants are available within the same compound too in case anyone fancies lingering longer by the warm stream. To enjoy this mineral spa, Thai nationals are required to pay 40 Baht entrance fee.

Those expecting private bathing facilities for a large group are advised to try the ‘spa pool’ at Tha Pai Spa Resort. The pool shares the same mineral resources as that of the original natural hot spring bathing area in the national park. The Quarter also offers splendid spa packages although a natural mineral spring spa is not available there. However both places welcome walk-in clients and you are not obliged to stay at any of these places in order to make use of the services offered. So, you can pick a place that best suits your budget, be it a small, cozy, hip or boutique. Just bear in mind that here is a 50 Baht fee for the use of Tha Pai Spa Resort’s ‘spa pool’. For The Quarter’s the luxurious spa courses the price varies.

Although the cold season is still some months away, Pai remains a good choice for a quiet escape that allows you to get back in touch with nature. Plus the low season such as now during rainy season,allows you to the ultimate pleasure in Pai’s peaceful surrounding without having to worry about your wallet whether your prefered choice of accommodation is luxurious resort, mid-range or low cost hotels.

As you probably are aware, accommodation prices in Pai start from hundreds of Baht and can be as expensive as thousands. For those who fancy an economic stay, the top of Tesaban Road all the way to Chaisongkram Road through to the back of the alley behind Pai Wittayakarn School is the place to look. Accommodation in this area is mainly guesthouses with prices ranging between 200 and 500 Baht. Towards the back of Chaisongkram Road, however, stand two cozy resorts by the riverbank. These are Pai River Corner and Rim Pai Cottage. At the other end of this road, at the heart of the town, is a boutique resort called The Quarter Hotel, offering all kinds of facilities and pampering you can imagine. With such treat as The Quarter offers you won’t have to worry about the rain, as you probably wouldn’t want to leave the hotel except for a tour around town.

For those who yearn for a hip, stylish place amid nature, Yoma Hotel, an accommodation in the few thousands’ range, is worth checking out. The place doesn’t only offer modern luxuries but also has a panoramic view of Mount Mae Yen. Located on Chaisongkram Road, the place is within easy reach of town’s facilities.

Besides the two extreme ends, there are also some mid-range hotels of about a couple of thousands Baht a night in town as well. One of the kinds is Lilu Hotel, on Rangsiyanont Road. The place has all the modern facilities you can possibly imagine incorporated in an authentic wooden house and is in an easy reach of the town. Well, these are not all. Pai still has more to offer. You just have to come and explore it yourself!