Pai

Located about 50 miles (80km) north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a small town that has become a popular destination for backpackers due to its chilled-out vibe and its easy access to explore Thailand's northern jungles. What was once a small Shan market town now primarily lives off tourism, and the town's streets are lined with tourist shops and restaurants catering to foreign visitors. From Pai, there is very easy access to a number of elephant camps, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. Its proximity to the mountains makes it a great jumping off point for trekking excursions, where you can visit villages of various hill tribes, including the Karen, Hmong, Lisu and Lahu people. While Pai no longer feels undiscovered, traces of the traditional culture continue to exist, especially at the popular Wednesday market.