Witching Well — Restaurant in Mae Hong Son Province

A Magical Evening at The Witching Well ✨

Tucked away on a side street in Pai, finding The Witching Well feels like discovering a secret. You don't just stumble upon it; you're drawn in by its enchanting, almost mystical allure. From the moment you step through the gate, you leave the bustling vibe of Pai behind and enter a whimsical, fairy-tale oasis.

The ambiance is the first spell it casts. The entire place is an explosion of bohemian charm—think lush hanging plants, dreamcatchers, softly strung fairy lights, and cozy nooks filled with plush cushions and low tables. It feels like the cozy, eclectic home of a wise and welcoming witch (the good kind, of course!). We snagged a spot on the floor cushions under a canopy of lights, and it was pure magic as the sun went down.

The menu is as unique and soulful as the decor. This isn't standard Thai fare; it's a creative, heart-centered fusion of flavors. We started with the "Mystic Mushrooms" – local mushrooms in a garlic and herb sauce that were so good we immediately ordered a second plate. For mains, the Massaman Curry was deeply aromatic and comforting, while the "Enchanted Pumpkin Curry" was a creamy, sweet, and spicy revelation that I'm still dreaming about. They also have a great selection of fresh, vibrant salads and hearty dishes for vegetarians and vegans.

To top it all off, we tried their signature "Witching Well" drink—a delicious, fruity concoction served in a charming glass pitcher. Paired with the live acoustic music that floated through the air, it was a perfectly Bohemian Pai experience.

The service was warm, attentive, and added to the feeling that you were a guest in someone's beloved home rather than a customer in a restaurant.

The Witching Well is more than just a meal; it's a total experience. It’s the perfect place to unwind, connect with friends, and feel the unique, peaceful spirit of Pai. An absolute must-visit for anyone looking for something truly special.

Pro Tip: Come early to get a good spot, as it fills up quickly, and be sure...

The service of this place was terrible. We were completely ignored, why? My guess is because we had young children. We arrived and before we got to the door the words of the manager were ‘we are full’. We had booked so we were begrudgingly allowed in. To be given a table by the door - I asked if we could move to the other two free tables in the corner but got told they were reserved. (They weren’t) The manager walked around every table and spoke to customers apart from us. We were totally ignored. We weren’t even given the wine menu. (The only reason I wanted to go here was I had heard it had a good wine menu) we ordered starters, mains and a bottle of wine (after I had to ask for the wine menu) and still totally ignored. A couple came in who hadn’t booked and was given the table that we had asked to move to. Blatantly obvious they did not want us there but we probably had the biggest bill out of all the customers in the room. Shame, as food and wine was nice although having lived in Thailand for over a year, we have had better. As far as Italians - it’s mediocre. Service - Abysmal. I would say avoid if have children, but actually just book in advance and relish in his squirming when you arrive. (FYI my children 3 and 6 were impeccably behaved) totally unacceptable behaviour in this...

Great atmosphere. Cozy, very nice for a fancy-feeling date night without completely breaking the bank! Yes, a bit more pricey than some options in this area but you definitely get what you pay for in quality! Food all very pleasantly balanced and I found it to be the perfect amount of food. I had the pork with smashed potatoes and the Shiraz glass of wine. Pork was tender and smashed potatoes were a nice change from usual mashed potatoes, I liked the bit of texture. Nice and garlicky without being overwhelming. Went perfectly with the sauce from the pork. Wine was excellent and paired nicely in my opinion. The only recommendation I might suggest are some additional by-the-glass wine options for those of us who don’t want to commit to a whole bottle. Staff was kind, quick and professional. Owner bothered to say hi to me when I entered and thanked me when I left, which is often not the case. Would definitely recommend if you are in the mood for high quality western-style food! I would love to try more of their dishes...