Thailand Guide
The north
Food and drink
1 All About Coffee Thanon Chaisongkhram Superb coffee in any variety you might want, in an atmospheric wooden shophouse hung with contemporary art (for sale). Also great breakfasts with home-made bread, a daily selection of home-made cakes, sandwiches and teas, hot chocolate and juices. Opening time: Daily 8.30am–5.30pm
2 Baan Benjarong South end of town In a town where you can get everything from sushi to falafel, this place offers a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes – the banana flower salad (yam hua pree) is especially delicious (B90). Small and often full on busy nights (no reservations).
3 Cristina Thanon Ratchadamrong, just west of the bridge over the river Currently the best of Pai's few pizzerias, offering large, crispy pizzas at B110–230, plus great salads and pasta dishes.
4 J-in Pai Thanon Ratchadamrong Chinese vegetarian and vegan garden restaurant, offering tasty buffet food such as green curry with tofu on brown rice (B25) and pricier made-to-order dishes like tempura. Opening time: Daily 8am–8pm
5 Nong Beer Corner of Chaisongkhram and Khetkalang (no English sign) Great khao soi noodle soups, and a wide range of cheap stir-fries, curries and salads at one of Pai's longest-standing eateries.
6 The Sanctuary Thanon Ratchadamrong In a pleasant riverfront setting, on offer – besides wi-fi – are organic, mostly vegetarian food such as sweet potato dhal, home-baked bread and cakes, a wide range of smoothies and teas, and live music nightly in the upstairs bar.