Pai might be known for its slow pace and mountain charm, but it’s also a hidden gem for digital nomads looking to work from somewhere a little more magical. From strong Wi-Fi to stunning views and great coffee, this little town tucked away in Mae Hong Son quickly became my favourite place to work remotely. Here are 8 of the best cafes and coffee shops in Pai where you can sip coffee and work.
Khaotha Coffee
Located near Good Life Dacha, Khaotha Coffee is the perfect spot to meet a friend, read your book or people-watch in Pai. On Saturdays, when the Saturday Market is on, the crowd pours over to Khaotha Coffee, and the vibe is bustling.
Its coffee is insanely good. You can choose light, medium or dark roast when ordering coffee. It has an industrial-style Berlin-esque interior. Inside, there are big tables where you can work on your laptop.
Price of coffee: THB 55
Vibe: Chill, welcoming, friendly
Working potential: ✪✪✪
Wifi: Yes, I’ve had work calls there, and the connection was good.
Opening times: Every day 7 am-5 pm
Keys Cafe aka Northern Soul Riverside BBQ
Located a short walk from the centre and surrounded by rice fields, Keys’s Cafe is the best coworking spot in Pai, Thailand. It is attached to the Keys Resort, which is on the pricier side of Pai accommodation. But the wonderful thing is that they allow non-guests to come and use the cafe.
Update: Recently I found out that it has renamed itself to “Northern Soul Riverside BBQ” so if the link takes you there, it’s all good. It’s the same place.
Price of coffee: THB 60/70
Vibe: Chill, big tables with comfy seats
Working potential: ✪✪✪✪✪
Wifi: Yes
Opening times: Every day 7 am-4 pm
Time Cafe
Located on Pai Walking Street, Time Cafe is the best spot to grab a coffee, write in your journal, read a book, and people-watch.
Price of coffee: THB 50/60
Vibe: Chill, best people-watching spot
Working potential: ✪✪✪
Wifi: Yes
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm. Closed on Sunday.
Pai Coffee Studio
Pai Coffee Studio is a gem of a coffee shop with a cosy cabin feeling and lush views. Oh, and the coffee is good, too. It’s a great place to work in Pai.
Price of coffee: THB 60/70
Vibe: super chill, nice tables, peaceful
Working potential: ✪✪✪✪
Wifi: Yes
Opening times: Everday 8 am – 5 pm
The Co Op
The Co-Op Cafe in Pai has the friendliest owners. Even if you go in only once, they’ll remember your face, which makes you feel right at home. They’re all about local produce, and it’s the best place to find homemade bread, baked goods, pies, jams, peanut butter, etc. A dreamy morning is spent heading to the Co-Op for a bagel, pan au chocolat, and coffee.
Price of coffee: THB 50/60
Vibe: Chill, best people-watching spot, reading a book, journaling
Working potential: ✪✪
Wifi: Nope.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 4 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Art in Chai
Art in Chai cafe is an institution in Pai known for its spoken word and live music nights. During the week, this cute cafe is a chill coffee shop with lots of nooks and crannies to work or read your book. On Thursday, it’s packed with people for the spoken word night: be sure to arrive early if you want a seat!
Price of coffee: THB 50
Vibe: Cosy, chill
Working potential: ✪✪✪
Wifi: Yes
Opening times: Wednesday – Monday 9 am – 10 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Romance Cafe
On Pai’s outskirts near Wiang Tai Village, Romance Cafe is a working farm and small resort. It is the most peaceful cafe in Pai and the best spot to read or write. Get the espresso with homemade ice cream—you won’t regret it.
Heads up, you may see a few Instagrammers coming for their photo ops!
Price of coffee: THB 60-80
Vibe: Relaxing, countryside, chill
Working potential: ✪✪✪
Wifi: Yes
Opening times: Every day 9 am – 6 pm
Chang Puak Handcrafted Coffee House
Chang Puak Handcrafted Coffee House is the best coffee shop for views of Pai. As it’s close to the Big Buddha, head to this cafe beforehand for a delish cappuccino and crazy good mountain views. The owners are so lovely, and you can spend hours reading here if you want to.
Price of coffee: THB 55
Vibe: Relaxing
Working potential: ✪✪
Wifi: Yes
Opening times: Thursday – Tuesday 9 am – 3 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Okay, so that’s a round-up of the best cafes and coffee shops in Pai, Thailand! Enjoy them as much as I did!