The Best Cafés to Try in Pai, Thailand

Charming small town in northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and crossed by the eponymous river, Pai is a destination that attracts travelers with its extraordinary natural setting. Famous for its hippie and laid-back atmosphere, the town is home to a variety of small cafes and restaurants, each more beautiful and unique than the last. Here are 10 must-visit cafés during your stay in Pai.

1. Carrot on the Moon

Located in the heart of Pai, Carrot on the Moon is a hotel/café known for its tranquil atmosphere and charming setting. You can enjoy coffee, tea, or smoothies throughout the day, but the place is especially famous for its delicious pastries, including the renowned cheesecakes and carrot cakes. You can also find lunch and dinner options, featuring Western dishes like fresh pasta. 

Of course, the prices are higher than those at typical Thai cafés and restaurants, but the pastries alone make it worth the visit.


Practical Info :

Address: 244, Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thaïland
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Website: Facebook / Instagram

2. Espresso Bar by Prathom 1

Located on the pedestrian street in the center of Pai (Pai Walking Street), Espresso Bar by Prathom 1 is a quirky little bar where you can enjoy excellent coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices. They also offer a selection of cakes and sweet treats. 

What we love? Its vintage decor, filled with trinkets like a collection of figurines and various dolls. You can sit at the tables overlooking the street or climb upstairs to find more tables with cushions to sit or lie back in peace.


Practical Info :

Address: 230 1095, Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
Hours: Open daily from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Monday-Thursday), 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Friday-Sunday)
Website: Facebook

3. Art in Chai café

Looking for a unique and quirky café during your stay in Pai? Art in Chai Café is the place for you! Decorated in an Indian style with many handmade and recycled art pieces, this café/restaurant is worth a visit for its relaxed vibe, making you feel right at home. Every Thursday (and sometimes several nights a week depending on the season), the bar hosts live music evenings. 

In terms of drinks, the bar is especially known for its variety of teas, with Indian chai being the most popular. The food is vegetarian and vegan.


Practical Info :

Address: Moo 4, Vieng tai, Pai, Thailand, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Hours: Open daily, except Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (hours may change depending on the season).
Website: Facebook

4. THAM MA DA Café'

THAM MA DA Café is a café/restaurant located near the Wat Phra That Mae Yen temple (with the white Buddha statue). It has a lovely little wooden terrace overlooking a pond filled with lotuses and goldfish. Offering a calming and meditative atmosphere, you can sit on Thai triangular cushions or take a nap in one of the hammocks. 

While the café is perfect for a coffee break, you can also enjoy breakfast, typical Northern Thai dishes, and a few Western options like burgers.


Practical Info :

Address: 9F22+W22, Rural Rd Mae Hong Son 4024, Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thaïland
Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Website: Facebook

5. Fat cat

Also located near the Wat Phra That Mae Yen temple, Fat Cat is a charming café perched high up, offering the feeling of being in a treehouse. The place is perfect for a break, enjoying a comforting drink: good coffee, tea, herbal tea, fresh juice, or kombucha. 

The café also offers dishes made with fresh, local products, including many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can even enjoy a breakfast of homemade sourdough bread and jam.


Practical Info :

Address: 7/1 Moo 1 Ban mae yen Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thaïland
Hours: Open daily, except Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Website: Facebook

6. House Cafe' Homestay & Restaurant

House Café Homestay & Restaurant is a charming establishment nestled in a lush setting. The homestay has a terrace where visitors can enjoy a drink or a Western dish while overlooking rice fields and the surrounding nature. Large turtles, serving as mascots, roam the gardens. 

Whether you're stopping by for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, you'll love the tranquil atmosphere that emanates from the place. It's the perfect spot to get off the beaten path and away from the city center.


Practical Info :

Address: 387, Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Website: Facebook

7. The Pedlar

The Pedlar is a modern café located in the center of Pai. Specializing in coffee and brunches, it offers a wide variety of coffee, tea, savory dishes, and a selection of cakes prepared daily. The café emphasizes local products, including coffee from farms in Chiang Mai City, Chiang Rai, and Lampang. 

With air-conditioned seating, plenty of plugs, and free Wi-Fi, it’s a great spot for digital nomads.


Practical Info :

Address: 38 Ketkhelarng Road Pai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
Hours: Open daily, except Wednesday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: Facebook / Instagram

8. Chang Puak Handcrafted Coffee House

If you're looking for a place with a view to enjoy your coffee, head to Chang Puak Handcrafted Coffee House, a still somewhat hidden café near the Grand Buddha Temple. Popular with both locals and travelers, this charming little café is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Its stunning view of Pai's mountains is unforgettable. 

Here, you won’t find food, but there is a wide range of hot and cold drinks, all lovingly prepared by the owner. You’ll also find a shop selling handmade products and travel souvenirs.

Practical Info :

Address: 8FX2+RWF, Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thaïland
Hours: ouvert tous les jours, sauf le mercredi, de 9h à 15h.
Website: Facebook

9. Cafecito

Located in a popular area of downtown Pai, Cafecito is a Mexican café/restaurant. Famous for its authentic Mexican dishes, you can also just stop by for a drink. The bar serves excellent espressos and caffeinated drinks made from self-roasted beans. There’s also a wide selection of teas (hot or cold) and some sweet treats. 

Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, you’ll love the friendly atmosphere.


Practical Info :

Address: 258 Moo 8 Vieng Tai, Pai, Thailand, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Horaires : Open daily, except Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: Facebook / Instagram

10. The Container (I Love U Pai Cafe)

Also known as "I Love U Pai Café," The Container is a café slightly off the beaten path from downtown. It’s a two-story café/restaurant with Instagram-worthy decor. The terrace features hanging chairs and swings with views of Pai’s mountains, making it the perfect spot to enjoy coffee and snap some beautiful photos. 

For coffee lovers, know that the products come from local farms. You can also enjoy some iconic dishes of Thailand, snacks, and desserts.


Practical Info :

Address: 132 หมู่ 1 ถนน1095 ทุ่งยาว Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thaïland
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: Facebook


Are you visiting Pai during your trip to Thailand? Here are some things to do and see in Pai, as well as the most beautiful hikes to discover in the region. 

For a deeper exploration, check out our "Mae Hong Son Loop" tour, which takes you to the region’s natural wonders and introduces you to its people.

Florine Dergelet