Things to do in Pai for Art-Loving Travelers

Explore some of the city’s greatest artistic expressions with our art guide to Pai. Whether you want to adorn yourself in animated and artistic clothing or simply want to contemplate the art installations at some of the best galleries in town, here are the top things to do in Pai for art lovers.
 
 

Admire the Work at Art in Pai

Art in Pai is a local gallery and art shop found across the street from Chew Xin Jai Vegan Food. Its open front is incredibly inviting, as is the owner, who is a Pai native. All of the artwork featured is diverse, with lively paintings, cool antiques, and retro jewelry to choose from. If you are wanting to do some shopping all the while getting a taste of Pai’s art scene, Art in Pai is the place to do so.
 

Shop at Return to Simple

Return to Simple has only been open for four years but has already become a top contender for one of the coolest artsy shops in which to visit in Pai. It has only one location, but it is filled with one-of-a-kind products that are both imaginative and vintage, and a visit here should be included on your itinerary of the top things to do in Pai. Jewelry is the name of the game at Return to Simple, with necklaces upon necklaces lining an entire wall of the shop. Much of the jewelry is inspired by Thailand’s unique culture, with jewelry adorned with Thai amulets that are blessed by Thai monks, for example. In addition to jewelry, you can expect to find handmade leather pieces, charcoal and ink drawings, and much more. You can also find an array of Return to Simple’s products on Etsy.
 

Visit Joy Cafe

One of the top things to do in Pai is to visit one of the many delicious and unique cafes found scattered throughout the city, and Joy Cafe is no exception. Joy Cafe is a cozy restaurant that doubles as a gallery featuring local artists’ work throughout its small interior. It is here you will find delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items, all the while dining amongst colorful and striking works of art. Dine on noteworthy Thai and Western cuisine as well as tasty beverages like fresh coffee to kick-start your day of exploration in Pai. Joy Cafe even delivers, but we recommend dining in to take in all of the artwork found here.
 

Purchase a Novel at Siam Used Books

In the cool and quiet city of Pai, there is nothing better than finding a good book and getting lost between the pages. Luckily for avid readers and art enthusiasts, Siam Used Books has the best of both worlds. This quaint shop smells of turned pages (one of our favorite scents) and is filled with every genre one could possibly hope for. Meander the tall, wooden shelving and find the art section, dedicated to novels and reads that will inspire all those who enter this charming shop. Grab a new or used novel and curl up along the Pai River for an afternoon of paradise in Pai.
 

Stroll Down Walking Street Pai

Walking Street is a hodgepodge of food and souvenir vendors coming together every night of the week along Pai’s busiest of roads. Beginning at about 5 p.m., this road goes from being lively to abuzz with street food carts serving up everything from avocado toast to the country’s most coveted dish: pad Thai. In addition to food, you will find artists displaying their best work on the edges of this narrow road, as well as locals selling jewelry, hand-drawn prints, paintings, and much more. Many of the artists found on Pai Walking Street also have displays at Art Handicraft Space and Thien Art Space, two other galleries on our list of artsy places to frequent in Pai! Visting Walking Street is one of the top things to do in Pai, so kill two birds with one stone by visiting this vibrant market.

Eat at Thien Art Space

Thien Art Space is one of the coolest galleries that doubles as a restaurant in the city of Pai. The venue itself is surrounded by tranquility, with stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. Thien Art Space has become the main watering hole for artists, artisans, and hungry patrons, and this venue is also serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The small gallery has floor-to-ceiling paintings, interesting decor, and fun furniture to boot. Whether you are looking to unleash your inner-creativity or have a funky afternoon paired with a delicious meal, Thien Art Space is the venue to frequent. There is also live music every evening at 8 p.m., making it the perfect artistic spot to jump-start a night out in Pai.
 

Meander Baan Pittalew Art Gallery

Every creative traveler to Pai should head to Baan Pittalew Art Gallery. This shop and workshop duo is found tucked away down a slender trail surrounded by foliage off Rural Road Mae Hong Son and is found just a few minutes drive from Wat Phra That Mae Yen, otherwise known as the Temple on the Hill. Nilkong Sa-ard is the resident artist here and is a renowned artist across the country. Before opening up his own gallery, he graduated from Silpakorn Fine Arts University of Bangkok. Other local artist’s work is displayed amongst his own, and he can normally be found working in the studio. He also holds monthly events which feature everything from musical acts to fire shows. Entry to these events is on a donation basis, and all of the artwork is for sale, as well.
 

Shop at Our Space Art & Handcraft

Supporting local and junior artists is the name of the game at Our Space Art & Handcraft. This gallery and art shop is but a stone’s throw away from Pai Walking Street. Expect to find incredible acrylic on canvas, hand-painted shoes, oil paintings, silver jewelry, and much more. The shop is filled with a mixture of collections created by different local artists, so you truly never know what you are going to find at Our Space Art & Handcraft.
 

Stay at Easy Guesthouse and Gallery

Easy Guesthouse and Gallery is tucked away from the slight hustle and bustle that is Pai. The guesthouse is a popular place to stay as it has free Wi-Fi, is a ten-minute walk from Pai Walking Street, and has a communal area that is great for gathering around with your fellow travelers. There is even a continental breakfast (with vegetarian options) available, though the coolest thing about this guesthouse is that it doubles as a gallery. The walls are adorned with art that is available for purchase, including art all the way from Supachet Studio in Chiang Mai, featuring art by its renowned artist, Supachet. The best party about this guesthouse? There’s an adorable dog on sight that is just as cute as it is picturesque. You can also take guitar lessons at this guesthouse for those of you who are musically inclined.
 

Get a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is incredibly inexpensive in the city and one of the top things to do in Pai. Not only is getting inked affordable, but there are so many great artists residing in the city who will fill you with inspiration for your next tat. There are surprisingly a large number of studios in the city as well, which offer eager customers an array of stylistic options. Some of the top tattoo parlors in the city include Cross Tattoo Studio, Go Kui Tattoo Shop, Korn’s Bamboo Tattoo, Monkey Magic, Tattoo and Body Piercing, Space Bamboo Tattoo, and Wild Hog’s Ink by MAX.
 

Retail Therapy at Pai Angel Dream Catcher

This topsy-turvy clothing store in Pai is sure to make you feel as though you are looking through a kaleidoscope when you step foot into its cool interior. Color is everywhere at Pai Angel Dream Catcher, from the walls to the decor to the clothing. Art-lovers will gawk at the artistic expression put into every piece of clothing, from the beaded shoes to the feather earrings. It may be no gallery or museum, but it is certainly worth meandering through to see all of the amazing products and accessories found at Pai Angel Dream Catcher. It is located right next to Dang Pai Food, and shopping here is one of the top things to do in Pai.
 

More Information About Artsy Things to do in Pai

Did you love this article about artsy things to do in Pai? Do you want even more information on the city’s art scene and the top things to see and do here? Then check out these helpful articles we have rounded up for your reading pleasure!

• Things to do in Pai, Thailand for Travel Fish
• Top 15 Things to Do in Pai, Thailand by Greg Rodgers for TripSavvy
• A Quick Guide to Pai, Thailand by Kelsey for Miles of Smiles

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