17 EPIC Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand [2024 Guide]

From the well-known Pai Canyon to the new springs and funky cafes, right here is our checklist of 17 of the best possible 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 sorts for years.

Situated 135km from town of Chiang Mai, on the finish of a twisting street with 762 curves, this attractive and quaint little village is the type of place you present up for a day and keep for, properly perpetually.

There are pure sizzling 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 properly and really situated on the overwhelmed path now, that doesn’t imply that it is best to skip this unbelievable place that has a fame for being like a “Thai island within the mountains”.

The Greatest Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand

We’ve got spent over a month in Pai, unfold out over a few years.

After we first checked it out it was once we have been driving the Mae Hong Son Loop, the most effective bike circuits in Southeast Asia.

We saved coming again repeatedly and not too long ago spent one other week chilling in our favorite place in northern Thailand.

There are dozens of unbelievable actions in Pai, however we’ve managed to slender it down to those final actions.

From what to do, the place to go, and even the place to remain, right here’s our checklist of the best possible 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 bold declare), Pai Canyon covers a big space that provides some sensible views and enjoyable hikes.

If you’re feeling very lively you possibly can scramble all the way in which all the way down to the bottom of Pai Canyon 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 you put on good sneakers if you’re 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 from the highest of Pai Canyon.

You gained’t be alone for sundown, however that simply provides to the superior ambiance!

Get there to Pai Canyon by driving your scooter out of city again in direction of Chiang Mai.

2) Wander Pai’s Strolling Avenue Evening Market

Each evening the principle strolling road of Pai fills up with road meals distributors and market stalls promoting the whole lot out of your quintessential hippie clothes and jewellery to customized postcards.

Even in case you’re not into buying although, you continue to must spend nearly each evening benefiting from Pai’s Strolling Avenue, particularly in case you’re hungry.

The choice of road meals is sort of various; sushi, Indian meals, barbecued meats, recent fruit smoothies, and deep-fried the whole lot. 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 learn how to drive. Entertaining, however harmful!

Sizzling tip – Crashing a scooter shouldn’t be certainly one of our really useful 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 realm can get fairly sizzling through the day! What higher approach to cool off than visiting the 2 greatest ones!

One among our private favourites is the Pam Bok Waterfall, situated a brief scooter journey from Pai. It’s slightly extra secluded than its extra in style 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 coated in shade for a lot of the day. In consequence, the water is sort of refreshing, however which means you might have the pool to your self.

There are additionally a few ledges you possibly can climb to leap off. Be sure you test the water depth earlier than taking the leap! Security first children.

One other epic waterfall you possibly can go to to the east of Pai is the Mae Yen Waterfall. You possibly can attain Mae Yen Waterfall through an extended, hectic 5km hike so subsequent is one other simpler waterfall choice for you in Pai!

READ MORE: Right here’s our new checklist of the greatest locations to go to in Thailand!

4) Grasp 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 which you can slide down.

The surroundings is attractive and it makes for a enjoyable place to spend just a few hours.

Our advice for what to do in Pai is to hire 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 once 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 proper approach 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 an excellent time on the sizzling springs, so there’s an excellent probability you’ll make some mates there too.

That is one place we didn’t go to as a result of truth we have been there in summer time and the climate was already roasting. However if you’re there within the cooler months, don’t miss these superb sizzling springs!

Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs are one other superb choice. Whereas Tha Pai Sizzling Springs are south of the city middle, Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs are a 25 minute drive north.

Each are simply accessible from Pai and make for an unbelievable, enjoyable day.

6) The Land Crack (Land Cut up)

Located on the street to the Pam Bok Waterfall, the well-known Pai Land Cut up is certainly price a stopover.

A small property hidden within the hills had all the time been a working farm till an odd pure phenomenon modified the whole lot.

A number of years in the past, the farmer’s land started to separate and crack as a consequence of some unusual soil erosion. His property turned unusable because the land changed into a scene you’ll see after an earthquake.

The thrifty farmer then determined to show his property and land cut up right into a little bit of a vacationer attraction the place he now gives you nuts, fruit, candy potato, recent rosella juice, and alcohol – all by donation!

When you’ve stuffed up on meals (he continually brings you extra to eat), you possibly can stroll up the hill to take a look on the Land Cut up.

The household may be very pleasant and is simply comfortable to have folks stopping by. Undoubtedly one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Pai.

7) Be taught to Trip a Scooter

There’s no denying that Pai is without doubt one of the greatest locations in all of Thailand to journey a scooter.

The quiet roads, stunning surroundings and lack of public transport makes it the best mode of transport.

There are numerous issues to see in Pai, and getting round on a scooter is a enjoyable and environment friendly approach to take action!

In the event you’ve by no means ridden a scooter earlier than then the dearth of site visitors makes Pai an ideal place to be taught.

There are a variety of outlets on the town that hire scooters for cheap charges (often round $5 per day), and then you definitely simply must get your self some gasoline.

We suggest 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 journey off into the sundown with the wind in your face!

Notice – Driving a scooter is probably harmful, so all the time journey inside your limits (go sluggish, particularly round corners in case you’re not skilled), put on closed-toe sneakers, and all the time put on a helmet.

In the event you want to journey in consolation, then get your personal driver and tour information for a day!

8) Go to The White Buddha On Prime Of The Hill (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)

Wat Phra That Mae Yen, also called the White Buddha, is without doubt one of the prime issues to see once you go to Pai.

You possibly can see Wat Phra That Mae Yen 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 greatest views over Pai!

When you cross the bridge heading out of city preserve following the street till you’re about 2km out of city, and also you’ll see the trail to the highest.

There are 353 steps to succeed in the White Buddha, and whereas it may 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 shortly fall in love with the complete valley altering colors proper earlier than your eyes.

Be sure to take water with you, and despite the fact that the temperature could be sizzling remember that you continue to want to point out respect to Buddha by protecting up.

It’s troublesome deciding what to see in Pai, however the Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a Pai must-see!

9) Go Tubing Down the Pai River

The Pai River hosts the most effective Pai actions – tubing!

In the event you’ve by no means been tubing earlier than then you definitely’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 mates and push your self out into the water. Then you definitely chill and let the present take you again to city. The complete expertise will take about an hour.

That is positively the most effective issues to do in Pai Thailand, particularly on a sizzling day. Lease 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 group, everybody appears to apply totally different types of leisure resembling hearth dancing, juggling, and slacklining. Right here in Pai, there’s a faculty you possibly can attend to be taught all these expertise yourselves!

The price is 600 baht as a one-off membership payment after which you’re free to affix in on the teachings from skilled lecturers in all of the finer factors of poi, employees, juggling, diablo, and anything you may be fascinated by.

It’s situated in a lovely elevated setting with views over the valleys and glorious gazebos you possibly can chill out in in case you don’t really feel like partaking within the actions.

Over time they’ve labored onerous to improve the services on the location, and it’s a lot nicer in the present day than it was once.

The Circus College additionally has some lodging on the location, and in case you keep there you possibly can take advantage of all of the courses as properly.

11) Make the Most of Pai’s Nightlife

For a small city, there are numerous superior bars and golf equipment to get together the evening away! Yep, Pai’s nightlife is notorious.

In the event you’re searching for a really 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 dwell music. Come right here to eat, drink, and chill out listening to some native artists.

Need an all-nighter? Then head to Don’t Cry Bar. Loud music, robust drinks, and tonnes of get together animals…

(Don’t Cry Bar is quickly closed as a consequence of COVID. Nevertheless it hasn’t shut down for good, so keep watch over the Fb web page to see in the event that they reopen)

Increase Bar

• Deal with: 139/2 Pai, Pai District
• Opening hours: 6 PM – 12 AM

Jazz Home

• Deal with: 24/1 moo3 viengtai Pai District
• Opening hours: 7 PM – 11 PM Thursday – Saturday

Virtually Well-known Bar

• Deal with: 62/2 moo 3 Viengtai Mae Hong Son
• Opening hours: 5 PM – 12 AM

12) Test Out Tham Lod Cave

Not precisely situated in Pai, however as an alternative, in a city 35km headed in direction of Mae Hong Son, there’s a spectacular limestone system referred to as Lod (Spirit) Caves.

A river flows by way of the Tham Lod Cave and you’ll rent a information to drift by way of them on a bamboo raft.

At sure factors, you possibly can climb upstairs and ladders to discover the stalactites and stalagmites of Tham Lod Cave up shut. You can even see quite a few historic ceramics and wall work which can be scattered all through the complicated.

Undoubtedly definitely worth the drive/journey out to Thad Lom Cave.

In order for you an much more in-depth expertise for caving close to Pai, try 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 searching for an adrenaline rush then that is the one for you.

You possibly can 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 which 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 through the revolution.

Today it’s arrange as a little bit of a cultural exhibition, and whereas it may appear barely touristy, it’s properly price a go to in case you’d wish to get an inside take a look at a distinct tradition and take a look at some totally different meals.

Yunnan delicacies is sort of scrumptious and the individuals are pleasant right here. You may get out to Santichon by renting a scooter and driving 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 fascinating decors and superb atmosphere and are a good way to whereas away the day.

You might 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

• Deal with: Thung Yao, Pai District
• Opening hours: every single day, from 10 AM – 6 PM

16) Do Some Yoga

In the event you’re feeling fairly sore after all of the partying and waterfall leaping in Pai, then it is best to 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 faculties attracting non secular sorts and anyone simply trying to stretch their muscle tissue out.

The most well-liked one is Sawasdee Pai Yoga, they usually have two courses a day, and they’ll 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 the whole lot Pai, Thailand has to supply, it’s only regular to wish a break. Fortunately Pai is without doubt one of the most relaxed locations you’re ever more likely 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. Be sure you select certainly one of these and benefit from the vistas! Undoubtedly the most effective issues to do in Pai, Thailand!

Disclaimer – In earlier variations of this text we listed visiting Thom’s Elephant Camp as the most effective issues to do in Pai Thailand. Whereas we all the time discouraged anybody from driving an elephant, we used to present everybody an opportunity to make their very own selections. Since then now we have obtained experiences that Thom’s shouldn’t be as healthful because it was once, and as such now we have eliminated it from our checklist and wish to warn others to not go to Thom’s Elephant Camp.

Pai, Thailand Journey Information

That can assist you take advantage of it once you go to Pai Thailand, we’ve put collectively this epic little Pai journey information for you.

In the event you’re questioning learn how to 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!

Tips on how to Get to Pai Thailand

There are a variety of various methods to get to Pai, and it will depend on your finances, type and the place you’re coming from.

Most individuals journey to Pai from Chiang Mai, and infrequently return the identical approach. There are three choices to get to Pai from Chiang Mai.

Fly

If cash isn’t an choice, and time is, you possibly can take a flight from Chiang Mai to Pai. It’s positively not the most affordable choice, however you’ll be there very quickly.

Shuttle Bus

The most typical approach for folks 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 street 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.

Be sure to decide up some movement illness tablets from a pharmacy in Chiang Mai first.

You possibly can 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 greatest place to take action is on 12go.asia.

Trip a Scooter

That is the most effective and most pleasing approach to journey to Pai, as you’ll get the prospect to actually absorb the epic surroundings alongside the route.

The recent air in your face is a superb factor, and the street has been not too long ago paved to be close to good the complete approach.

Leaving Chiang Mai is a little bit of a busy endeavour, however when you get into the mountains it’s all enjoyable and pace the entire approach to Pai!

Please be very cautious although on this journey from Chiang Mai to Pai. We’ve got met dozens of backpackers who’ve crashed on this street, and in each occasion, it was as a result of they both obtained too cocky with their expertise, or have been inexperienced and had no concept learn how to journey.

That is our private favorite approach to get to Pai, and you’ll manage leases from someplace like Mr. Mechanic or Aya in Chiang Mai (Aya gives one-way scooter rental too).

In the event you’re going to journey a scooter from Chiang Mai to Pai, be sure you have journey insurance coverage.

Lodging – The place to Keep in Pai, Thailand

Pai has obtained an incredible choice of locations to crash, from luxurious resorts to mid-range boutique motels to dingy backpacker dives, and the whole lot in between. There will definitely be someplace to suit your finances!

The primary time we visited Pai we stayed at Household Huts – and whereas they have been good again then, the lodging choices have actually improved in recent times!

Now you possibly can keep someplace fairly good on a finances, or actually splash out and keep in a number of the most unbelievable lodging within the nation.

Pai has additionally turn into a little bit of a digital nomad hotspot, which means if you’re fascinated by long-term lodging or non-public flats and cabins there are fairly just a few choices as properly.

To search out these try AirBnB (and use this hyperlink to obtain $35 off of your first keep).

As an excellent larger bonus, we’ve partnered with the reserving agent Agoda to present all of our readers 10% off of their lodging world wide! Use the coupon: AGODANMD10 to get your low cost.

The Greatest Hostel In Pai Thailand – DeeJai Pai Backpackers

The legends at DeeJai Pai Backpackers have been working onerous to show their humble abode into the most effective backpacker lodging in Pai, they usually’ve lastly carried out 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 greatest sundown spots in Pai.

It’s an incredible place to remain if you’re on a backpacker finances.

Greatest Finances Lodging For {Couples} in Pai Thailand – Pai Nation Hut

On the finish of the Strolling Avenue and over the bamboo bridge is a set 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 attempt the place on the left, and wow what a spot!

Pai Nation Hut is run by an amazingly pleasant woman and has an epic location proper on the river.

The bungalows have non-public bogs, 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 sit back by the river in peace and quiet, and don’t be stunned if you find yourself extending your keep there for longer than anticipated (we did!).

Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in Pai Thailand- Phu Pai Artwork Lodge

In order for you a lovely lodging, however would somewhat sleep in additional of a conventional lodge 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 anticipate, together with wifi within the rooms and a TV, and the property is completely attractive.

There’s a big pool for those who like to sit back out on these sizzling Pai days, and the restaurant serves glorious meals.

It’s a bit exterior of city too, which means it’s very quiet and secluded.

Greatest Luxurious Lodge In Pai, Thailand – Reverie Siam Resort

In relation 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 checklist of issues to do in Pai, then be sure you e-book in for a few nights at Reverie Siam Resort and permit your self to be absolutely spoilt.

It has an superior pool with mountain views, a pure pool, glorious employees with great consideration to element, and the rooms are to die for.

The decorations are quintessentially Thai, and tastefully carried out, so that you’ll most likely find yourself taking just a few concepts to your own residence once you depart.

Be sure to eat and drink on the restaurant and bar as properly. The cocktails are a should.

Greatest Eating places in Pai Thailand

Pai has come a great distance from its previous hippie backpacker days, and now there are a selection of superior and prime quality eating places on the town. In truth when making an attempt to consider what to do in Pai, consuming is true up there on the checklist now!

If you’re after a world-class burger head to Maya Burger Queen (be sure you haven’t eaten for some time as they’re enormous).

Dang Thai Meals makes a number of the greatest Thai meals in Pai, and it’s all at a really cheap worth, so be sure you eat there as properly.

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 totally different too.

[box] That’s it for our checklist of the most effective issues to do in Pai, Thailand. Have we missed something? Have you ever discovered the checklist helpful? Depart a remark beneath and tell us![/box]

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