Pai Travel Guide | 15 Things to Do in Pai, Thailand

Today we are introducing you to Pai, Thailand. Just 3 hours (with plenty of turns) away from Chiang Mai, there is Pai, a small town that has gained popularity among tourists due to its laid-back atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re a backpacker, adventurer, or culture seeker, Pai has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll share our personal tips and insights on the best things to do in Pai, Thailand.

From thermal spring water to free access waterfalls, natural slides, bamboo bridges and incredible tranquil bars with a view, Pai can give back energy to travellers on a long trip through South East Asia. Let’s dig into the best places to visit in Pai and some of the most hidden gems in Thailand.

Uncovering Pai: A Haven for Adventurers and Culture Seekers

Nestled in the lush green mountains of northern Thailand, Pai offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for adventure, Pai has become a haven for travellers from around the world.

From Waterfalls to Temples: A Comprehensive List of Things to Do in Pai

Trekking to the Stunning Pai Canyon

Another must-visit natural wonder in Pai is the Pai Canyon. The canyon offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for trekking. We were lucky to visit the canyon at sunset, enjoying the view of the sun going down below the mountains. However, you must consider exploring the dusty narrow paths also early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler. The trek can take up to 2 hours, and the path can be steep, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.

Also, consider that the canyon overall is unguarded and quite dangerous in some parts. Nevertheless, some brave adventurers make it to the top and last part of the passages. Passing by a narrow gorge and steep climbs, you can get to the final point seeing only a thick jungle and endless beauty.

READ ALSO | Complete guide to Pai Canyon, Thailand

Explore Tham Lod Cave

Explore the limestone caves and see the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites inside. This sightseeing of Pai is further away from the town and often skipped by travellers. However, the way up to this cave is challenging, and we suggest avoiding getting there on your own, especially if you are not an experienced driver.

Luckily many tours will take you there risk-free and with the comfort of an AC Van. The prices for the tours are reasonable.

Get lost to find Mae Yen Waterfall

Spending a few days in Pai, you can’t miss driving around the best waterfalls. Remember, you are high in quotes, so it’s most likely that water streams that end up in the nearby cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai start from here. Pai is home to several beautiful waterfalls that are worth exploring.

The most popular ones are the Mo Paeng waterfall and the Pam Bok waterfall, which are also among the best things to do in Pai for free. These waterfalls offer a perfect place to cool off from the hot weather and are surrounded by lush green forests. It’s essential to bring swimwear and towels as the waterfalls are perfect for swimming. However, to get to the best one, you should hike a bit.

Mae Yen Waterfall is less touristy but more rewarding. Note that there are no guided hikes to Mae Yen, so you’ll need to tackle this one independently. We suggest getting there with a group of friends, as it is a 6-Kilometres hike through thick jungle and streams but totally flat.

Pai travel guide for Cultural and Historical enthusiast

Exploring the Wat Nam Hoo Temple

Wat Nam Hoo Temple is a beautiful temple in the heart of Pai town. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and statues and is a perfect place to explore Pai’s cultural and historical heritage. You can visit Wat Nam Hoo Temple daily; it is open from 6 am to dusk. As always when visiting temples in Thailand or elsewhere in Asia, you must dress appropriately when visiting.

Visiting the Pai Walking Street Night Market

One of the things we loved the most in Pai is that the atmosphere is entirely different at night. The little town nearby Chiang Mai becomes lively, creating the pleasant atmosphere that only Thailand can give to travellers. One of the best ways to experience Pai’s cultural heritage is by visiting the Pai Walking Street Night Market.

We were lucky enough to have accommodation within 5 minutes from Pai Walking Street, which also happens to be where the Bus station is. From 6ish Pm, you will find food and crafts shops taking the streets. The market offers a wide range of local food, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s a perfect place to experience Pai’s vibrant nightlife and meet locals.

Learning about the Hill Tribes at the Santichon Village

Pai is a protected area which offers the perfect condition for ancient tribes that make up Thai culture. Apart from the famous Baan Santichon Village, a traditional hill tribe village with Chinese heritage, there are also Karen villages. Even though these communities count very little compared to the past, they are still active, offering one of the most local experiences.

Staying in Pai for a few days, you can have the unique opportunity to learn about the local hill tribes’ culture and lifestyle. Also, you can witness the traditional weaving, cooking, and farming practices. Visit the long-neck Karens to discover why they believe that gold circles around their neck are symbols of beauty.

Discover a proper Chinese Village in Pai | Baan Santichon Village

There we go to talk deeper about Santichon Village. Only a few people exploring Pai get deeper into the local culture. However, there is an uncommon Chinese Village close to the centre of the town. The charming Chinese Yunnan village features traditional architecture and often shows. Downhill you can explore the village for free, get around the Pagoda, hire dresses to get instagrammable photos or relax through the gardens.

Going uphill instead, you can spend some time at Yun Lai Viewpoint. The advantaged viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of Pai and the surrounding mountains. We found it ridiculous that we had to pay (even though, after all, you are supporting a local community). There is a bar at the top offering limited drinks.

Things to do in Pai | Adventures for adrenaline seekers in Pai, Thailand

Zip Lining in the Pai Forest

Pai’s lush green forests offer a perfect place for adventurous activities such as ziplining. The zipline adventure takes you through the forest treetops, giving you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect activity for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers.

Mountain Biking in Pai

When living in London, I used to bike every day to get to the city centre, but also elsewhere in town. Pai is a fantastic place to spend the day outdoors and remain fit. Get on a mountain bike and explore the countryside. Pai’s mountainous terrain offers a challenging and rewarding experience for bikers. It is the ideal activity for experienced bikers and newbies. In fact, there are several mountain biking tours available that take you through the scenic routes of Pai.

Exploring Pai’s Caves

If you want an extraordinary adventure experience, Pai is your destination, with many caves to explore. Two of the most well-known caves are the Tham Lod Cave and the Mor Paeng Waterfall Cave, which boast stunning views of the rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. However, you must wear suitable footwear and clothing while visiting the caves, as they can be slippery and wet. Don’t risk injury or discomfort – come prepared! Don’t forget to book a travel insurance before your trip to Thailand. Check your options!

Pai Travel Guide | Pai Food Scene

Trying Local Cuisine at the Pai Morning Market

The Pai Morning Market is a perfect place to experience Pai’s local cuisine. The market offers a wide range of local food, such as grilled chicken, papaya salad, and sticky rice. It’s important to arrive early to avoid crowds and to experience the market’s vibrant atmosphere.

Pai cooking class

Unmissable a guide about the Pai food scene is to mention the necessity to book a Thai cooking class while in Pai. Alessia went on a cooking class to explore the rich culinary tradition of Northern Thailand, and she is still over the moon about the number of things she learned. The Thai Cooking Class Here will take you to the farm, picking your own vegetables or to the morning market. Then you will put into practice the lessons by a traditional Thai Chef. Replicate at home what you learn to make your friends impressed.

Sipping Tea at Pai Tea House

The Pai Tea House is a perfect place to relax and unwind while sipping a cup of tea. The cafe offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for watching the sunrise and sunset. You will get the first hand-picked tea prepared naturally. We had the pleasure of visiting a tea plantation in Sri Lanka, and it was a fantastic experience to understand how much dedication there is in any leaves and so in any tea cup.

Enjoying a Cold Beer at the Yellow Sun Bar

Pai bars are some of the most fun and relaxing places we have ever been. The whole town is filled with inspiring locations that make your stay very pleasant. We suggest checking out the Yellow Sun Bar, as it is one of the most popular spots for enjoying a cold beer while listening to live music. The bar offers a laid-back atmosphere and is a perfect place to meet locals and fellow travellers.

Incredible things to do in Pai

Enjoy the view from Wat Phra That Mae Yen | Pai white Buddha

We headed to Wat Phra That Mae Yen at sunset, as it was indicated by many as one of the best things to do in Pai. There were few people when we arrived, and we could sit at the top of the hundreds of steps to wait for the right time. People were well organised with drinks, snacks and some beers. Everyone was respectful (well, except for some).

After all, this is a worship place and shrine/temple, so you must take off your shoes before arriving at the top, not talk loud, and show respect. It is free to visit Pai White Buddha, but to get to the top; you need a powerful scooter as the road is quite steep. We made it happen even with a very slow scoopy. The temple is famous because it has the perfect view of the sunset, which lies down the mountains.

Also, at the top, there is a white Buddha visible from miles away, which is kind of a symbol of Pai itself. From the top, you will enjoy the hills overlooking Pai, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Relax at Pai Hot Springs and natural pools

That was, so far, our favourite activity in Pai. Pai’s hot springs are natural and therapeutic, making them a perfect place to relax and unwind. We spent a whole morning soaking in the thermal water of Sai Ngam and felt rejuvenated. The famous pools with natural hot water are open all year round. You pay about 300 THB per person and 20 TBH per scooter to get access to hot springs that are open all year round.

We suggest reaching these pools on your own only if you have a powerful scooter and are an experienced driver. The roads to reach the pools are evenly bumpy, with many turns up and down and steep hills. We couldn’t make it with a very low-powered scoopy, and poor Ale had to walk uphill a few times. Alternatively, you can book a tour which will take you to several other hot spots in Pai.

Also, consider that this is only one of the many pools in Pai; another popular one is Tha Pai hot spring.

INTERESTING GUIDES | Read our comprehensive guide to Pai hot spring Sai Ngam

See Land Split | The earthquake memories

The Land Split was once a family-owned farm that was devastated by the earthquake in 2008. The earthquake split the ground in two, creating a large aperture that made the farm unusable. However, the family turned the disaster into an opportunity and opened the farm as a tourist attraction.

You can easily spend half a day enjoying the landscape and tasting local products. In addition, the farm produces homemade snacks and fruit for a very reasonable price.

By visiting Land Split in Pai, you directly support the local community. In fact, the family uses the donations to support local schools and to help the less fortunate in the area.

Cross Pai Bamboo Bridge

There is a narrow suspension bridge that is one of the main attractions in Pai. The Pai Bamboo Bridge was originally built as a way for villagers to cross the river and access their farms and homes on the other side.

Today, the bridge is instead a popular attraction for tourists who want to experience the thrill of crossing the river on foot. But, of course, like in many other cases, the gram made it famous, and if you visit it, you can’t miss a few photos while walking.

Walk on Pai Memorial Bridge

From one sight made famous by Instagram to another. The Pai Memorial Bridge was built in 1942 during World War II by the Japanese army as part of the infamous Death Railway that connected Thailand to Burma.

The bridge played a significant role in the war as it was used to transport supplies and troops to the front lines. You can snap as many photos as you want as the background is fantastic and among the best places to visit in Pai.

Visit Pai Strawberry Farm

Get your hands dirty and visit a strawberry farm; it is fun and rewarding. If you love strawberries like us, make space in your stomach, as today you will have plenty of it. This fun and unique experience is perfect for families and groups.

Participate in a Yoga Retreat in Pai

Yoga retreats in Pai offer the opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with your inner self. Pai’s peaceful and serene surroundings provide the perfect environment for practising yoga and meditation.

Yoga retreats in Pai attract people from all over the world who share a love for yoga and wellness. Participating in a retreat provides the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and build new friendships.

Have a drink with a view at I love you Pai cafe

Having a scooter gives you the freedom to reach places out of town. While backpacking in Asia, we often rented a scooter as it was cheaper than taking taxis for the two of us and again for the freedom.

While driving to Pai Canyon, we stopped at the I Love You Pai cafe, and damn, we didn’t have the laptop with us. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect co-working space for the day.

Well, actually, it was better not to have the laptops for a while, as we enjoyed the atmosphere. The drinks are cheap, and you can have some snacks too. The owners are friendly, and you can make use of the second-floor seats after a purchase of a drink.

Even though it is one of the most instagrammable places in Pai, we found it with just a few people. The atmosphere and the views are fantastic and unmissable while in Pai. It is on the opposite side of the sunset, so suitable for the morning and afternoon breaks.

Big Buddha Pai

This is one of the most hidden gems in Pai in plain sight. Most of the travellers exploring Pai, skip this Buddhist temple, because overwhelmed by the many things to do in Pai. The fantastic, not so big temple feature fantastic statues and fine details.

You will spend about half an hour roaming around the alleys, enjoying the landscape. Do not confuse Big Buddha with the white Buddah, as are two different temples.

Stay in a three-house or Bungalow and enjoy the nature

One of the things we most love about Pai is the nature surrounding you. The little town is narrowed between hills and mountains. Lush green is the only colour you will see for the whole time, and this is part of the retreat you might want to visit Pai.

Bungalows seem to be the most convenient way to stay in Pai. The costs for accommodation can skyrocket during the dry season, but you might be lucky to find some cheap accommodation still in the centre. It is what happened to us; trying to stay on a budget, we found Villa de Pai, and it was well worth our money.

The accommodation is a short distance from the centre and a walking street, so you will not necessarily need a scooter to go around. Also, consider that even in the centre it was hushed and we could sleep well at night.

Best time to visit Pai, Thailand

The high season in Pai occurs from November to February when the weather is cool and dry. This is the peak tourist season, and Pai can get quite busy during this time. Even if the temperature in the high season reaches 30 degrees, at night, you might still want a light jacket. Instead, if you want to visit Pai with fewer tourists around and cooler temperatures, look no further than the shoulder season.

From November to February when the weather is cool and dry. Additionally, Pai hosts its annual Pai Jazz and Blues Festival in early February, making it an excellent time to enjoy live music and cultural events.

How to get to Pai

From Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the most common entry point to Northern Thailand and is only a few hours away from Pai. The easiest way to get to Pai from Chiang Mai is by taking a minivan or bus from the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai.

The trip takes approximately three to four hours, and tickets can be purchased at the bus station or through various travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Another option is to rent a scooter or motorbike and drive to Pai, which takes around four hours and is a scenic route through the mountains.

From Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is another popular city in Northern Thailand, and getting to Pai from here requires a bit more effort. The most common way to get to Pai from Chiang Rai is to take a minivan or bus to Chiang Mai and then transfer to another minivan or bus to Pai.
The trip takes around six to seven hours in total, and tickets can be purchased at the bus station. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Pai, which takes around four hours and is a scenic route through the mountains.

How long should you spend in Pai?

We spent four days in Pai and made it as a middle point between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before crossing the border between Thailand and Laos. You can easily spend a week in Pai, as the town has it all. The atmosphere up in the mountain is very laid-back.

It’s common to visit pay, fall in love with it and stay longer. However, we recommend spending at least two to three days in Pai to explore the town’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure opportunities. 

How to get around Pai

After visiting the town and walking around on the first and second days, we rented the scooter. Pai is a small town, and getting around is relatively easy. However, renting a scooter allows you to explore the town at your own pace, visit nearby attractions such as waterfalls and hot springs, and travel to other towns in the area.

Scooter rentals can be found all over town, and the cost varies depending on the type of bike and duration of the rental. Be careful with scammers, as many shops tend to give you very bad mopeds, which might be a huge risk for you. Often there are better options than the best price. Also, if you rent a scooter, always have travel insurance; if you still need it, check HeyMondo and SafetyWings.

Rent a bike in Pai

While exploring the little town, the centrepiece of the Thailand Northern Mae Hong Son Loop, we have seen many people on bikes enjoying the landscape and nice quality air. We don’t have a great suggestion about which shop you should rent a bike from, but you will find many rental places around the centre.

If you are spending more time in Pai, definitely the bike is a great idea to stay around Pai. You will explore the area at a slower pace. Additionally, we love bicycles because they are an eco-friendly and affordable option for travellers on a budget.

Shared Transport in Pai

Like in Chiang Mai, you can hail in the street the popular Songthaews. The red buses are the most common shared transportation in Northern Thailand and also offer the cheapest rates.

We have seen Songthaews running the streets of the centre, but also going further to Pai Canyon and other sightseeing. Again, prices are generally affordable, and you can negotiate with the driver for a lower rate. Aim for a starting rate of 30 THB.

Where to stay in Pai

Final thoughts about Pai

Pai is a hidden gem in northern Thailand that offers a unique and tranquil experience away from the city’s hustle and bustle. We found Pai perfect for us, seeking a slow pace adventure and very low stress. It isn’t crowded like many other places in Thailand, and the atmosphere is ideal if you want to relax and catch up with work if you are a Digital Nomad like us.

Internet is very reliable, and the accommodation prices range from a meagre budget to high standards. Spending a few days, if not weeks, in Pai will give you peace of mind. Stunning natural wonders, cultural and historical treasures, adventurous activities, and a vibrant food scene surround the town. Exploring Pai’s hidden gems will make your trip to Thailand unforgettable.

Where to travel after Pai

CHIANG MAI | Chances that you are coming to Pai from Chiang Mai are high, but well, if you still need to, including the northern capital on your Thailand Bucket list. We spent more than planned in Chiang Mai, just because this city has a lot to offer, from being the perfect digital nomad base to natural wander to explore the surrounding area. You will get excited every day about a new activity, staying in a joyful place, perfect for budget travellers.

CHIANG RAI | Pai is part of the golden triangle; you can’t miss Chiang Rai. The little city, near the border with Laos, is filled with unique temples, a bustling city and an incredible night market.

CROSS THE BORDER WITH LAOS | We ended our first adventure in Thailand by crossing the border with Laos. Many people use the Mekong River natural border as a visa run from Thailand, but we did more. We sailed on the Mekong River for two days to reach Luang Prabang from the Lao town of Huay Xay. It was a fantastic experience and lifetime memories. You will be set on a wooden boat, running down the river, stopping at local communities, often remote and inaccessible if not from the river.

FAQ Things to do in Pai