10 Best Restaurants in The Mae Hong Son Loop, Northern Thailand

This century-old log trader's home was transformed into a warm, redwood-lined restaurant---part of the Riverhouse Hotel group---that serves very good Thai cuisine and well-executed Western dishes. There are tables arranged under the trees of a leafy garden for a nice view of the Yuam River.

After 10 years in Britain, a Pai entrepreneur named Ping returned to her hometown and opened this highly successful burger restaurant. The modest establishment is also the place to share tips with the travelers who gather here nightly.

Husband-wife duo Carlo and Supaporn man this perfectly situated indoor-outdoor bar, bistro, and guesthouse at one of the busiest intersections in Pai, just at the end of the walking street. The menu is expansive with Thai-fusion tapas, all-day breakfast, large pizzas, and Thai staples. Cocktails are top-notch and desserts, freshly baked daily by Supaporn, are not to be missed. 

Widely acknowledged as Pai's best restaurant, Silhouette serves outstanding Thai-inspired European cuisine, made with fresh, mostly organic, local produce. Panoramic mountain views, the quirky house sense of style, and live jazz music all add to the pleasure of having a meal here.

This charming restaurant just a bit south of town is nestled in a lush tropical garden and has a vast menu of Thai specialties. Locally grown sesame is featured in a variety of dishes.

Mae Hong Son's main thoroughfare, Khunlumprapas Road, is lined with inexpensive restaurants serving local cuisine, but this one is one of the best. You can eat in the spacious dining room with solid teak columns, under whirling fans, or there's an adjoining café that has free Wi-Fi and strong coffee.

In an increasingly hip neighborhood on the edge of town, this taqueria serves authentic Mexican food including homemade tortillas (flour and corn), salsa, and hot sauce. The chicken mole is delicious and the margaritas are spot on, too. It's a nice break from Thai food when the need arises.

Family run since Inthira Tansuhaj first opened it in 1964, this Mae Sariang favorite sticks to Thai staples like curries, soups, and stir-fries. English menus are available, and service is actually quite efficient for an ever-expanding space that now seats up to 300 people.

At this Pai institution, the crowd-pleasing international menu matches the diversity of the live jazz music performed here. There's lots of seating and hammocks keep the vibe laid-back.