From the well-known Pai Canyon to the new springs and funky cafes, right here is our record of 17 of the very best issues to do in Pai, Thailand.
Arguably the most effective locations in Northern Thailand, the hippy enclave of Pai has been drawing backpackers and different varieties for years.
Situated 135km from town of Chiang Mai, on the finish of a twisting highway with 762 curves, this attractive and quaint little village is the type of place you present up for a day and keep for, effectively endlessly.
There are pure scorching springs, waterfalls, markets, loads of backpacker hostels, and extra. It’s simply reachable from Chiang Mai, which is a well-liked spot to go to in northern Thailand.
Whereas Pai is effectively and really situated on the crushed path now, that doesn’t imply that you must skip this unimaginable place that has a status for being like a “Thai island within the mountains”.
The Finest Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand
We now have spent over a month in Pai, unfold out over a few years.
After we first checked it out it was once we have been using the Mae Hong Son Loop, the most effective bike circuits in Southeast Asia.
We saved coming again time and again and just lately spent one other week chilling in our favorite place in northern Thailand.
There are dozens of unimaginable actions in Pai, however we’ve managed to slim it down to those final actions.
From what to do, the place to go, and even the place to remain, right here’s our record of the very best issues to do in Pai, Thailand.
READ MORE: Take a look at our final information to journey to Thailand!
1) Discover Pai Canyon
Often called Thailand’s reply to the Grand Canyon (a really formidable declare), Pai Canyon covers a big space that gives some good views and enjoyable hikes.
If you’re feeling very lively you may scramble all the way in which down and spend hours climbing and getting misplaced in nature.
It’s a little bit of an adventurer’s playground too as a result of a number of the paths are fairly skinny and sketchy, so be sure to put on good footwear in case you are planning on exploring Pai Canyon correctly.
A favorite pastime is having fun with the sundown with a beer in hand, watching the sky change to an astonishing array of colors.
You gained’t be alone for sundown, however that simply provides to the superior environment!
Get there to Pai Canyon by using your scooter out of city again in the direction of Chiang Mai.
2) Wander Pai’s Strolling Road Night time Market
Each evening the principle road of Pai fills up with road meals distributors and market stalls promoting every part out of your quintessential hippie clothes and jewellery to customized postcards.
Even in case you’re not into procuring although, you continue to must spend nearly each evening profiting from Pai’s Strolling Road, particularly in case you’re hungry.
The choice of road meals is kind of different; sushi, Indian meals, barbecued meats, contemporary fruit smoothies, and deep-fried every part. You actually gained’t go hungry!
Everybody finally ends up on the evening market most nights so the people-watching is nice. Simply be careful for first-time scooter riders who haven’t any idea of drive. Entertaining, however harmful!
Sizzling tip – Crashing a scooter will not be certainly one of our advisable issues to do in Pai!
3) Go to the Pam Bok Waterfall
Pai has various superior waterfalls to go to, which is ideal as a result of the world can get fairly scorching in the course of the day! What higher strategy to cool off than visiting the 2 finest ones!
One in every of our private favourites is the Pam Bok Waterfall, situated a brief scooter trip from Pai. It’s just a little extra secluded than its extra fashionable different (extra on that beneath), so positively don’t miss it.
Pam Bok Waterfall is tucked away beneath some excessive cliffs, so it’s usually lined in shade for a lot of the day. In consequence, the water is kind of refreshing, however meaning you might have the pool to your self.
There are additionally a few ledges you may climb to leap off. Make sure to examine the water depth earlier than taking the leap! Security first youngsters.
READ MORE: Right here’s our new record of the finest locations to go to in Thailand!
4) Dangle Out at Mo Paeng Waterfall
The opposite hottest falls to go to in Pai is the Mo Paeng Waterfall, and that is our private favorite.
At Mo Paeng Waterfalls there are nice little swimming pools with lengthy, slippery rock faces working into them you can slide down.
The surroundings is attractive and it makes for a enjoyable place to spend just a few hours.
Our suggestion for what to do in Pai is to lease a scooter from city and spend exploring these epic little spots by yourself.
5) Soak within the Tha Pai Sizzling Springs
For a calming afternoon while you go to Pai, head to the Tha Pai Sizzling Springs. Solely 7km from city, a cold-water stream flows over boiling-hot rocks to create a soothing, heated pool surrounded by lush surroundings.
Tha Pai Sizzling Springs are the right strategy to kill just a few hours within the winter months when temperatures in Pai can plummet.
You’ll discover a lot of different backpackers hanging out and having a superb time on the scorching springs, so there’s a superb probability you’ll make some buddies there too.
That is one place we didn’t go to because of the reality we have been there in summer time and the climate was already roasting. However in case you are there within the cooler months, don’t miss these superb scorching springs!
Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs are one other superb possibility. Whereas Tha Pai Sizzling Springs are south of the city heart, Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs are a 25 minute drive north.
Each are simply accessible from Pai and make for an unimaginable, enjoyable day.
6) The Land Crack (Land Cut up)
Located on the highway to the Pam Bok Waterfall, the well-known Pai Land Cut up is unquestionably price a stopover.
A small property hidden within the hills had all the time been a working farm till an odd pure phenomenon modified every part.
A number of years in the past, the farmer’s land started to separate and crack resulting from some unusual soil erosion. His property turned unusable because the land become a scene you’ll see after an earthquake.
The thrifty farmer then determined to show his property and land break up right into a little bit of a vacationer attraction the place he now gives you nuts, fruit, candy potato, contemporary rosella juice, and alcohol – all by donation!
When you’ve crammed up on meals (he continuously brings you extra to eat), you may stroll up the hill to take a look on the Land Cut up.
The household could be very pleasant and is simply completely satisfied to have individuals stopping by. Positively one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Pai.
- Entrance Payment: Freed from cost
7) Study to Trip a Scooter
There’s no denying that Pai is among the finest locations in all of Thailand to trip a scooter.
The quiet roads, lovely surroundings and lack of public transport makes it the best mode of transport.
There are various issues to see in Pai, and getting round on a scooter is a enjoyable and environment friendly means to take action!
In case you’ve by no means ridden a scooter earlier than then the dearth of visitors makes Pai an ideal place to be taught.
There are a variety of outlets on the town that lease scooters for affordable charges (often round $5 per day), and you then simply must get your self some gas.
We advocate filling up on the petrol station on the town for the most effective costs.
Upon getting your bike and a full tank of petrol, all that’s left to do is trip off into the sundown with the wind in your face!
Word – Driving a scooter is doubtlessly harmful, so all the time trip inside your limits (go sluggish, particularly round corners in case you’re not skilled), put on closed-toe footwear, and all the time put on a helmet.
In case you want to journey in consolation, then get your personal driver and tour information for a day!
- Value: round 150 baht/per day
8) Go to The White Buddha On High Of The Hill (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)
Wat Phra That Mae Yen, often known as the White Buddha, is among the prime issues to see while you go to Pai.
You’ll be able to see it from most locations on the town, and the White Buddha excessive on the hill isn’t solely a spiritual shrine, it additionally gives a number of the finest views over Pai!
When you cross the bridge heading out of city preserve following the highway till you’re about 2km out of city, and also you’ll see the trail to the highest.
There are 353 steps to achieve the White Buddha, and whereas it could be tiring, the vistas from the highest are all the time price it.
Time your journey to be on the prime for sundown and also you’ll rapidly fall in love with the complete valley altering colors proper earlier than your eyes.
Ensure you take water with you, and though the temperature might be scorching remember the fact that you continue to want to indicate respect to Buddha by masking up.
It’s tough deciding what to see in Pai, however the Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a Pai must-see!
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Entrance Payment: Freed from cost
9) Go Tubing Down the Pai River
The Pai River hosts the most effective Pai actions – tubing!
In case you’ve by no means been tubing earlier than you then’re in for an actual deal with. Principally all it requires is one huge inflatable tube, your bathers, and a way of journey.
You head upriver with a bunch of buddies and push your self out into the water. Then you definately relax and let the present take you again to city. The whole expertise will take about an hour.
That is positively the most effective issues to do in Pai Thailand, particularly on a scorching day. Hire a tube from one of many tour firms on the town for lower than $10, together with transport to and from the river.
10) Pai Circus College
In a bohemian neighborhood, everybody appears to follow completely different types of leisure equivalent to hearth dancing, juggling, and slacklining. Right here in Pai, there’s a faculty you may attend to be taught all these abilities yourselves!
The price is 600 baht as a one-off membership price after which you’re free to hitch in on the teachings from skilled lecturers in all of the finer factors of poi, workers, juggling, diablo, and the rest you could be fascinated about.
It’s situated in a good looking elevated setting with views over the valleys and wonderful gazebos you may calm down in in case you don’t really feel like partaking within the actions.
Through the years they’ve labored laborious to improve the amenities on the location, and it’s a lot nicer in the present day than it was.
The Circus College additionally has some lodging on the location, and in case you keep there you may take advantage of all of the courses as effectively.
11) Make the Most of Pai’s Nightlife
For a small city, there are a variety of superior bars and golf equipment to celebration the evening away! Yep, Pai’s nightlife is notorious.
In case you’re on the lookout for a very epic evening out, then head to Increase Bar. That is the place to be for backpackers, and with low-cost cocktails, a beer pong desk, and pumping music, it’s a assured enjoyable evening out.
Virtually Well-known Bar is a superb spot to ease into the night, as they’ve nice cocktails. One other enjoyable spot is the Mad Monkey Hostel.
Jazz Home has extra of a chill vibe with reside music. Come right here to eat, drink, and calm down listening to some native artists.
Need an all-nighter? Then head to Don’t Cry Bar. Loud music, robust drinks, and tonnes of celebration animals…
(Don’t Cry Bar is briefly closed resulting from COVID. However it hasn’t shut down for good, so control the Fb web page to see in the event that they reopen)
Increase Bar
- Tackle: 139/2 Pai, Pai District
- Opening hours: 6 PM – 12 AM
Jazz Home
- Tackle: 24/1 moo3 viengtai Pai District
- Opening hours: 7 PM – 11 PM Thursday – Saturday
Virtually Well-known Bar
- Tackle: 62/2 moo 3 Viengtai Mae Hong Son
- Opening hours: 5 PM – 12 AM
12) Test Out the Tham Lod Caves
Not precisely situated in Pai, however as an alternative, in a city 35km headed in the direction of Mae Hong Son, there’s a spectacular limestone system generally known as Lod (Spirit) Caves.
A river flows via the caves and you may rent a information to drift via them on a bamboo raft.
At sure factors, you may climb upstairs and ladders to discover the stalactites and stalagmites up shut in addition to the quite a few historical ceramics and wall work which might be scattered all through the advanced.
Positively definitely worth the drive/trip on the market.
In order for you an much more in-depth expertise for caving close to Pai, take a look at this epic full-day caving and spelunking tour by Pai Adventures.
13) Go Whitewater Rafting
One of many latest actions for what to do in Pai goes whitewater rafting, and in case you’re on the lookout for an adrenaline rush then that is the one for you.
You’ll be able to select to do a one-day tour or perhaps a two-day tour, charging down class 3 rapids in a purposefully-designed whitewater raft.
Pai Adventures additionally has rafting excursions you can e-book the place all of the gear and directions are included.
14) Go to the Santichon Chinese language Village
Simply exterior of Pai is the village of Santichon Village, an ethnic-minority Chinese language Yunnan village based by individuals who moved from north of the border in the course of the revolution.
Nowadays it’s arrange as a little bit of a cultural exhibition, and whereas it may appear barely touristy, it’s effectively price a go to in case you’d wish to get an inside take a look at a unique tradition and check out some completely different meals.
Yunnan delicacies is kind of scrumptious and the individuals are pleasant right here. You will get out to Santichon by renting a scooter and using the brief 5km to the village.
15) Spend Time within the Distinctive Cafes
One factor that Pai doesn’t lack is superb cafes serving up scrumptious espresso and meals. Most of them have attention-grabbing decors and superb atmosphere and are a good way to whereas away the day.
You possibly can simply spend per week right here and never go to the identical place twice! Dedicate a while to exploring all of the cafes, each on the town and on the outskirts.
Our private favorite is Container Cafe simply exterior of Pai. It has cool chairs, scrumptious espresso and snacks and superior views over the farmland beneath.
Container Cafe
- Tackle: Thung Yao, Pai District
- Opening hours: daily, from 10 AM – 6 PM
16) Do Some Yoga
In case you’re feeling fairly sore after all of the partying and waterfall leaping in Pai, then you must deal with your self to some yoga courses.
For such a cool hippy city, it’s no shock that there are a bunch of yoga colleges attracting non secular varieties and anyone simply trying to stretch their muscular tissues out.
The preferred one is Sawasdee Pai Yoga, they usually have two courses a day (9:30am and 5pm), and they’re going to set you again 200 Thai Baht.
You’ll discover them on the Pai River.
17) Chill in a Hammock
Once you spend your days actively exploring every part Pai has to supply, it’s only regular to want a break. Fortunately Pai is among the most relaxed locations you’re ever prone to go to.
Watch the hours fade as you laze about in a hammock, studying a e-book or watching the world cross you by.
Many lodging choices have nice views over the valley or by the river. Make sure to select certainly one of these and benefit from the vistas! Positively the most effective issues to do in Pai!
Disclaimer – In earlier variations of this text we listed visiting Thom’s Elephant Camp as the most effective issues to do in Pai. Whereas we all the time discouraged anybody from using an elephant, we used to offer everybody an opportunity to make their very own choices. Since then we now have acquired reviews that Thom’s will not be as healthful because it was, and as such we now have eliminated it from our record and need to warn others to not go to Thom’s Elephant Camp.
Pai Journey Information
That can assist you take advantage of it while you go to Pai Thailand, we’ve put collectively this epic little Pai journey information for you.
In case you’re questioning get there, the place to remain and what to eat after you’ve tackled all of the superior issues to do in Pai, that is the information for you!
Methods to Get to Pai Thailand
There’s various other ways to get to Pai, and it is determined by your price range, type and the place you’re coming from.
Most individuals journey to Pai from Chiang Mai, and infrequently return the identical means. There are three choices to get to Pai from Chiang Mai.
Fly
If cash isn’t an possibility, and time is, you may take a flight from Chiang Mai to Pai. It’s positively not the most cost effective possibility, however you’ll be there very quickly.
Shuttle Bus
The most typical means for individuals to get to Pai is to take a shuttle bus from Chiang Mai, and whereas these are pretty low-cost and fast, they’re additionally a bit loopy.
The highway from Chiang Mai to Pai has 762 curves on it, and zipping round these bends in a cramped shuttle bus could make everybody onboard nauseous.
Ensure you decide up some movement illness tablets from a pharmacy in Chiang Mai first.
You’ll be able to e-book your transport to Pai from any hostel or company in Chiang Mai.
If you wish to e-book it forward of time although to make sure you don’t miss a seat, the finest place to take action is on 12go.asia.
Trip a Scooter
That is the most effective and most pleasing strategy to journey to Pai, as you’ll get the prospect to actually absorb the epic surroundings alongside the route.
The contemporary air in your face is a superb factor, and the highway has been just lately paved to be close to excellent the complete means.
Leaving Chiang Mai is a little bit of a busy endeavour, however when you get into the mountains it’s all enjoyable and velocity the entire strategy to Pai!
Please be very cautious although on this trip from Chiang Mai to Pai. We now have met dozens of backpackers who’ve crashed on this highway, and in each occasion, it was as a result of they both bought too cocky with their abilities, or have been inexperienced and had no concept trip.
That is our private favorite strategy to get to Pai, and you may set up leases from someplace like Mr. Mechanic or Aya in Chiang Mai (Aya gives one-way scooter rental too).
In case you’re going to trip a scooter from Chiang Mai to Pai, be sure to have journey insurance coverage.
Lodging – The place to Keep in Pai, Thailand
Pai has bought an incredible choice of locations to crash, from luxurious resorts to mid-range boutique accommodations to dingy backpacker dives, and every part in between. There will definitely be someplace to suit your price range!
The primary time we visited Pai we stayed at two completely different locations – Spicy Pai and Household Huts – and whereas they have been good again then, the lodging choices have actually improved in recent times!
Now you may keep someplace fairly good on a price range, or actually splash out and keep in a number of the most unimaginable lodging within the nation.
Pai has additionally develop into a little bit of a digital nomad hotspot, that means in case you are fascinated about long-term lodging or non-public residences and cabins there are fairly just a few choices as effectively.
To search out these take a look at AirBnB (and use this hyperlink to obtain $35 off of your first keep).
As a good larger bonus, we’ve partnered with the reserving agent Agoda to offer all of our readers 10% off of their lodging world wide! Use the coupon: AGODANMD10 to get your low cost.
The Finest Hostel In Pai – DeeJai Pai Backpackers
The legends at DeeJai Pai Backpackers have been working laborious to show their humble abode into the most effective backpacker lodging in Pai, they usually’ve lastly finished it!
The dorm rooms are extremely clear and spacious, and the frequent space is one thing to die for – attractive views over the rice paddies with a number of the finest sundown spots in Pai.
It’s an incredible place to remain in case you are on a backpacker price range.
Finest Funds Lodging For {Couples} – Pai Nation Hut
On the finish of the Strolling Road and over the bamboo bridge is a group of superior lodging.
Once you recover from the bamboo bridge in your proper is Household Huts, the place we first stayed once we got here to Pai, however the final time we have been there we determined to strive the place on the left, and wow what a spot!
Pai Nation Hut is run by an amazingly pleasant girl and has an epic location proper on the river.
The bungalows have non-public loos, comfortable beds and hammocks on the balconies, making them an incredible spot to relaxation on the finish of a giant day exploring.
In addition they have working wifi.
Seize some beers and relax by the river in peace and quiet, and don’t be shocked if you find yourself extending your keep there for longer than anticipated (we did!).
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge – Phu Pai Artwork Lodge
In order for you a good looking lodging, however would quite sleep in additional of a standard resort room as an alternative of a bamboo bungalow, Phu Pai Artwork Lodge is the place to be.
It has gorgeous rooms with all of the creature comforts you’d count on, together with wifi within the rooms and a TV, and the property is totally attractive.
There’s a big pool for those who like to sit back out on these scorching Pai days, and the restaurant serves wonderful meals.
It’s a bit exterior of city too, that means it’s very quiet and secluded.
Finest Luxurious Lodge In Pai – Reverie Siam Resort
Relating to pure luxurious there are a few choices in Pai, however nowhere does it higher than Reverie Siam Resort.
If dwelling the dream is excessive in your record of issues to do in Pai, then be sure to e-book in for a few nights at Reverie Siam Resort and permit your self to be totally spoilt.
It has an superior pool with mountain views, a pure pool, wonderful workers with fantastic consideration to element, and the rooms are to die for.
The decorations are quintessentially Thai, and tastefully finished, so that you’ll most likely find yourself taking just a few concepts on your own residence while you depart.
Ensure you eat and drink on the restaurant and bar as effectively. The cocktails are a should.
Finest Eating places in Pai Thailand
Pai has come a great distance from its outdated hippie backpacker days, and now there are a variety of superior and top quality eating places on the town. Actually when attempting to consider what to do in Pai, consuming is correct up there on the record now!
If you’re after a world-class burger head to Maya Burger Queen (be sure to haven’t eaten for some time as they’re enormous).
Dang Thai Meals makes a number of the finest Thai meals in Pai, and it’s all at a really affordable worth, so be sure to eat there as effectively.
Om Backyard Cafe has much less conventional Thai choices however does nice vegetarian, wholesome meals.
Splash out on some Mexican at Cafecito in order for you one thing completely different too.
[box] That’s it for our record of the most effective issues to do in Pai. Have we missed something? Have you ever discovered the record helpful? Depart a remark beneath and tell us![/box]
DISCLAIMER: A few of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies in case you e-book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no further price to you. These commissions assist us preserve creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate the most effective lodging, excursions and merchandise that ourselves or our improbable editorial crew have personally skilled, and frequently overview these. Thanks on your help, variety buddy!
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