09 JJCM: Pai - A tranquil Escape, a Therapy For The Soul...

"Up here, every bend felt like a new secret — the kind you tell each other over coffee...”

(A signage of Pai's 762 curves)

Day 09: 27 November 2025 (Thursday)
Route: Chiang Mai - Pai
Hotel: Pai Friendly Resort

For the last two days in Chiang Mai we explored the quieter edges of the city - halal cafes with strong coffee, mosques where the Muslim congregation gathered, and lively markets filled with sweets and snacks and the aroma of halal khao soi that lingered all afternoon. The city’s natural beauty and warmth left a lasting impression.

(Heavy breakfast before the long trip to Pai)

The next two days will be different. We will go slow - time to relax and reflect. From Chiang Mai, we continued our journey to Pai - a scenic mountain drive of winding roads, lush greenery, and endless curves that would challenge even the strongest stomach. The air grew cooler as we climbed, and the landscape shifted into a serene, almost untouched beauty.

(Traditional Lana-style architecture Amazon Cafe)

(Beautiful yellow coloured flowers lining the curvy road)

Our first stop in town was the mosque serving the local Muslim community. At Masjid Al-Isra, we parked our 4x4 and performed our prayers, grateful for the calmness after the long, twisting drive. Lunch followed at Mukmin Halal Restaurant along Pai Walking Street, just a short stroll from the mosque. Simple plates of fried rice and red curry tasted especially comforting after the morning’s journey.

(The entrance to Masjid al-Isra')

(A Tahfiz School next to the mosque)

(The main prayer room)

(Restoran Mukmin next to the mosque)

 
We checked in for two nights at Pai Friendly Resort at THB 995 per night, a small boutique hideaway with basic amenities. The room was clean and cosy, and the swimming pool offered a refreshing escape during hotter days.

(Pai Friendly Resort)

(A simple room with basic amenities)

(The weather is too cold for a dip in the pool)

As the sun began to disappear, we took a leisurely 15-minute walk to Pai Walking Street. The air was crisp, almost chilly, a welcome contrast to Chiang Mai’s warmth. We wandered the lively Pai Walking Street, sampling local snacks and soaking in the laid-back charm that made the town so beloved by travellers. The evening unfolded gently as we browsed the vibrant stalls - bright fabrics, handmade crafts, and the lively chatter of tourists filling the streets.

(A relaxing stroll in the fruit market)

(A laid-back hippie town)

(Crowded with visitors even on weekdays)

We ended the night with roti banana cheese and roti Nutella paired with hot tea from a roadside halal stall, enjoying the colourful bustle of the night market as the cool breeze drifted through.

A simple, perfect Pai evening to end our long tiring day.

(Browsing the stalls for local delicacies and souvenirs)

(Smiley curry puff and roti for dinner)

(Watching the teen-agers playing basket ball)