MAE HONG SON — Pai, a small district in Mae Hong Son, Thailand’s northernmost province, has long been known as a popular tourist destination. Both Thai and international travelers visit the city not only for sightseeing, but also like to stay for longer periods of time.
The city is charming, warm and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, while the locals have retained their traditional way of life. For many, Pai is a dream destination that they want to visit at least once in their lifetime.
In the last four to five years, Pai has experienced a significant tourism boom. Travelers from Thailand and various other countries come here to travel alone, vacation with their families or explore this paradise as backpackers on a budget with a sense of adventure.
Pai currently receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors a year. Many come for a short vacation, but a growing number, especially older travelers, opt for a longer stay due to the city’s low cost of living. Others explore business opportunities or even settle down and start families. The city attracts a variety of nationalities, including British, Israeli, German and American tourists, to name but a few.
Israelis in Pai
According to the Immigration Department, around 220,000 foreign tourists visited Pai in 2024, including around 31,000 Israelis. They come in various forms of travel, some with family, some with friends and others as solo travelers.
Most Israelis solo and small group travelers are between 20 and 30 years old and usually stay in Pai for about a week. This group usually explores different cities in Thailand, with Pai being a must-visit, where they interact with other Israelis and travelers from other countries.
Meanwhile, Israeli families often stay longer. Most of them are retirees who enjoy the peaceful, affordable lifestyle in Pai. Their presence has contributed significantly to the local economy, benefiting businesses such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, massage parlors, car rentals and souvenir stores.
Nature continues to be the main attraction of Pai, offering lush forests, mountains and off-road trails for adventurous travelers. Popular activities include:
- Tubing on the Pai River, especially in the warmer months, with around 200-300 participants daily
- Sunset-watching at Kong Lan (Thailand’s Grand Canyon), which offers breathtaking views on Thailand’s westernmost border.
- Bathing in the hot springs of Tha Pai or Sai Ngam, two hidden gems of Pai
Attraction Factors
The steady influx of Israeli tourists has led to speculation about the reasons for their choice of Pai as a preferred destination. A key factor appears to be concern for safety, particularly due to ongoing conflict and fear of violence at home. Many Israeli travelers prefer to stay in groups and move mainly within their community.
Also, unlike southern Thailand, where there is a larger Muslim population, there are relatively few Muslim residents in Pai, so some Israeli visitors feel safer here. The town also has only one main street, which limits access and contributes to a sense of security.
Other factors that attract Israeli visitors are:
- A wide range of activities and an affordable cost of living
- The freedom to explore the country by motorcycle
- A close-knit community where travelers of different nationalities live together without racial or religious differences
- The presence of the Chabad House Pai,” a semi-synagogue that provides religious services and support for Jewish travelers
- The growth of the Jewish community in Pai
Historical records show that Jewish families settled in Pai several years ago. Originally, only 50-80 people lived there. Today, this number has grown to 1,000-1,300 inhabitants, although the number varies depending on the visa permit.
The increase in Israeli visitors is largely due to word of mouth on social media. Many describe Pai as a peaceful, scenic town that offers a safe haven for Jewish travelers, especially those looking to escape the ongoing tensions in Israel.
Economic Impact
As the Israeli community in Pai continues to grow, there are concerns about its potential impact on local employment and business opportunities. Currently, most Israelis in Pai are not engaged in long-term professional activities. Some run small food stalls or perform as musicians, but there are only seven registered Israeli work permit holders in the district.
As for Israeli-Thai marriages, local registration records show that only one Israeli-Thai couple has officially registered their marriage in Pai since 2022, compared to 35 international marriages in total, 10 of which were between British and Thai nationals.
In 2024, 1,857 Israeli citizens applied for visa extensions in Mae Hong Son, of which 1,270 were for tourism, 39 for education and 7 for business purposes. In January 2025, another 203 Israelis applied for extensions, including 10 people who were granted a one-year stay for business or marriage-related reasons.
Official Response
Due to growing concerns, Mae Hong Son Governor Ekawit Meephian visited Pai alongside law enforcement and local officials to assess the situation. Authorities have implemented five key measures to regulate tourism:
- Monitoring foreign employment regulations
- Inspecting recreational businesses including cannabis stores and entertainment venues
- Enforcing traffic laws for foreign visitors and addressing inappropriate behavior, particularly regarding dress codes after hot spring activities
- Ensuring compliance with business and tourism regulations
- Strengthening public communication to counter social media misinformation
Provincial Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Songkrit Ontakrai confirmed security forces have been deployed in key areas, including Pai Walking Street, to ensure public safety. Investigations into viral reports about Israeli tourists’ misbehavior revealed much of the information was misrepresented and unnecessarily confused the public.
Governor Ekawit emphasized the commitment to preserving Pai’s positive tourism image. Despite recent concerns, Pai remains open and welcoming to all travelers.
Maintaining Tourism Appeal
Local tourism officer and former police officer “Captain Bank” provided insights into Pai’s tourism patterns, noting that visitor numbers typically decline after January as part of the seasonal cycle. While this may appear as a downturn, it offers the community time to rejuvenate before the next high season.
“Foreign tourists usually drop by about 70-80 percent in February, which happens every year. From mid-May, when the first rains return, the international tourists come back to Pai. But even in the low season, Pai remains a popular destination for those looking for a quiet retreat,” he explained.
Captain Bank highlighted several advantages of visiting during the low season:
- A quieter, more relaxing atmosphere
- Less crowded attractions, making photography easier
- More flexible accommodation options with better views at lower prices
- No need for advance bookings or waiting in long lines
- Improved service quality due to fewer tourists
- Opportunities for authentic cultural experiences without excessive commercialization
- Smoother traffic flow
- Lower prices for goods and services
These factors make Pai an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway even during the quieter months.
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