Why Not Bar
Why Not Bar is a popular watering hole in the heart of Pai, drawing a mixed crowd of locals, expats, and travellers looking for a casual night out. The bar is known for its pool table — where games are played for drinks — a big screen TV for watching sports, and a soundtrack that leans toward hip hop on its better nights. Cocktails are well-regarded by regulars, and the bar has a reputation for getting genuinely packed, giving it the kind of energy that can be hard to find in a town as laid-back as Pai. That said, experiences here can vary. Some visitors have had a great time thanks to friendly staff and a lively atmosphere, while others have reported inconsistent service and frustration around the sports screenings. The music selection also shifts depending on the night, so what you walk into is not always guaranteed. Good to know: Friday nights tend to bring the best atmosphere and the largest crowd, so arriving from around 9pm onwards is a reasonable bet if you want to catch the bar at its most animated. If watching a specific sports match is the main draw, it may be worth checking with staff beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Why Not Bar, round out your day in Pai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Hit or miss. I came on a Friday night, around 9:30pm and good hip hop music was playing. I’ve walked past other nights and the music really varies. But this place does get packed. Prices seem a bit cheaper than other places around the area. Could be what brings people in.
My favourite bar in Pai. Great staff and service they have here. Cocktail is good.
Stopped here to watch a footy game on their big screen TV. Lots of friendly expats and locals made it a fun night and so we went back again. Serious place for pool if you like to play for drinks. Their big beers like Leo were 120THB.
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Why Not Bar: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Why Not Bar worth visiting?
Why Not Bar holds a 4.0★ rating from 89 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Pai.
When is the best time to visit Why Not Bar?
The best months to visit Pai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (hot & hazy).
Where is Why Not Bar located?
Why Not Bar is at 9C5V+J6R, Pai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand, in Pai. Getting around Pai: Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day); Bicycle rental for town.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves — take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre
Where to stay near Why Not Bar
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Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars
Carry Your Passport or a Copy
Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, especially in Bangkok's Thonglor, RCA, and Sukhumvit areas. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.
Know the Closing Times
Legal closing time is 2 AM for most venues, though enforcement varies. In Bangkok's designated entertainment zones (RCA, Silom Soi 2/4, Khao San), some clubs stay open until 4 AM. Islands tend to be more relaxed about hours.
Buy Bucket Drinks Cautiously
Island bucket drinks (mixed spirits in a small bucket) are cheap and fun but notoriously strong and inconsistent. Stick to one, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended at beach parties.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
Pattaya Walking Street
Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.
Nana Plaza
Bangkok's most famous adult entertainment complex — a neon-lit, multi-storey plaza packed with bars and clubs on Sukhumvit Road.
Khao San Road
Bangkok's iconic backpacker strip packs bars, street food, live music, and souvenir shops into one loud, neon-lit stretch.
Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club
Stylish beach club on Kamala's shoreline, pairing sunset views with DJ nights and quality food.
Where to stay near Why Not Bar
Find hotels in Pai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves — take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre