I spent one month at Paina Paita in May/June 2012 with my partner.
I found Paina Paita by chance on a Thai language website when searching for natural accommodation in Pai, and was immediately impressed by the images. I contacted Kob and developed a good feeling with her from the onset.
When my partner and I arrived, we were even more impressed by the reality of the place! The photos can’t do justice to how beautiful Paina Paita actually is. We decided to treat ourselves and rented Kaao Barley, the large home, and were very glad we did.
Kaao Barley is spectacular, and has an incredible view over the entire valley, as well as a sala (an outside living area) that makes the house worthwhile all on its own! Plus the fact that the house is beautifully decorated and very private made us feel at home immediately. The amount of love and care that Kob and her partner Pun put into the homes is astounding, and will leave you feeling so well-cared for you’ll never want to leave! In fact, my partner and I commented how it was probably the most beautiful home we had ever lived in! Every week they not only cleaned the house thoroughly, but made us find freshly cut flowers in so many corners of the house that we could’ve started having difficulty differentiating between the beautiful surroundings and our home!
We had friends staying in two of the bungalows, and so had a very good look at them too. They are also fabulous; each one has its own very distinct character, and those amazing bathrooms! I highly recommend all of the accommodation.
Moreover, Kob and Pun are wonderful hosts. They are friendly, always smiling, and down-to-earth people who genuinely want to help and make your stay wonderful. Kob is such a good cook that although I am very familiar with Thai food, she impressed me constantly, and seemed a natural at producing that sort of homemade food that it’s difficult to find in restaurants, especially the ones geared to foreigners! After a while my partner and I stopped ordering, and just told her to make whatever she liked! It was a great decision, and I highly recommend you do the same.
If you’re here, have a look at the shop as well. It’s lovely, and full of hand-made goods that you can tell are made with incredible love and care. We bought some beautiful pants, and all our gifts for family from the shop here. None of the other things around could compare.
If you’re in Pai, this is THE place to stay. I give it 5/5!
