18 Top Things To Do in Pai, Thailand (Ultimate Travel Guide)

About

Pai is a small town located in the northern Mae Hong Son province of Thailand, about 3 hours drive from Chiang Mai.

Nestled in the mountains, Pai is a laid-back destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Known for its stunning landscapes, you’ll find lush green rice fields, cascading waterfalls, and hot springs that are perfect for relaxation.

While Pai is often referred to as a hidden gem, it’s actually quite a busy tourism destination. It makes sense since the town’s laid-back vibe, its vibrant night market, cozy cafes, great restaurants, and art galleries make Pai a must-visit destination for an authentic experience in Northern Thailand.

Pai in Northern Thailand has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its diverse landscapes, Pai also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, from river tubing and exploring waterfalls to whitewater rafting.

Pai Travel Tips

First, before we jump into the top things to do in Pai, let’s cover the essentials and tips to help you have a more fun, enjoyable, and safer trip to the north and the rest of Thailand.

Top things to do in Pai, Thailand

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, a culture lover, or simply looking for relaxation, Pai has something for everyone.

1. Hot Springs

Pai is home to beautiful hot springs that provide rejuvenating retreats amid a lush jungle. A soak in their soothing waters can help you unwind, alleviate stress, and (supposedly) heal your ailments. Thus, hot springs are absolutely among the top attractions in Pai.

• Must visit in Thailand: Khao Sok National Park (Travel Guide)

Sai Ngam Hot Spring

Sai Ngam Hot Spring is hidden in Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a peaceful haven to escape city life. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing soak and the tranquility nature provides.

At Sai Ngam Hot Spring, you’ll find three shallow thermal pools surrounded by lush greenery. Their crystal clear waters look very inviting and a dip here is an absolute must thing to do in Pai.

We highly recommend coming to Sai Ngam Hot Spring right at opening time so you can enjoy it without too many people. The pools are not that big, so it becomes busy.

Sai Ngam Hot Spring is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, and the entrance tickets cost 400 THB ($11) for adults and 200 THB ($5.5) for kids.

Travel Tip: The entrance fee for Sai Ngam Hot Spring also includes other spots in Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary, such as Pam Bok Waterfall and Tham Lod Cave.

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Tha Pai Hot Spring

Tha Pai Hot Spring comprises man-made thermal baths with varying temperatures, allowing you to choose a pool with your preferred level of hotness.

There are signs to help you determine how hot the pools are at Tha Pai Hot Spring, so be sure to check them before dipping into the water. Also, be careful when walking around, as stones on the site can be a bit slippery.

Tha Pai Hot Spring is accessible daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 300 THB ($8.35) for adults and 150 THB ($4.1) for children.

Hot Spring Resort

For a bit different hot spring experience, you can book a stay at Pai Hotsprings Spa Resort, where you can find several hot springs right on their property. While the rooms are basic and need some refurbishing, it’s a great value for money in Pai.

2. Waterfalls

Visiting waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Pai, especially when it gets super hot during the day. The town’s marvelous falls offer refreshing waters to help you beat the heat and a little bit of adventure in the jungle.

Good to know: The waterfalls are best to visit during the rainy season or after rain. In the middle of the dry season, waterfalls can be pretty dry.

• Also read: Krabi – Best Things To Do (Complete Travel Guide)

Pam Bok Waterfall

Pai’s Pam Bok Waterfall is a picturesque spot, thanks to its secluded location beneath a lush forest and towering cliffs. Below the falls is a swimming hole, which can get deep during the rainy season (July to November). There are also some ledges you can climb for a sneaky jump.

• Trail recommendation: Pambok Waterfall – Kho Kuu So Bamboo Bridge Loop

Pam Bok Waterfall in Pai is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

The entrance fee for Pam Bok Waterfall is 400 THB ($11) for adults and 200 THB ($5.5) for children, and it includes other spots in Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary, such as Sai Ngam Hot Springs and Tham Lod Cave.

Mo Paeng Waterfall

Pai’s Mo Paeng Waterfall has multiple cascades, which you can access through bamboo bridges. Sliding down a slippery rock into a pond is an exciting activity you can do there, aside from swimming.

Mo Paeng Waterfall in Pai is open daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm with an entrance fee of 100 THB ($2.8).

Mae Yen Waterfall

Hiking to Mae Yen Waterfall is a fun yet challenging activity in Pai. The hike takes two hours one way and involves going through a dense jungle and banana plantations. You will also cross numerous rivers and climb a steep section as you approach the waterfall.

• Check the way to Mae Yen Waterfall on AllTrails.

Mae Yen Waterfall in Pai is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and is free to enter.

3. Pai Canyon

Watching an incredible sunset at Pai Canyon is one of the absolute best things to do in Pai. You will witness the canyon’s dusty ridges turn orange while the sky gets painted with bright colors just before the sun disappears behind the mountains.

Before you ascend, you’ll find multiple stalls selling food and beverages at the canyon base, perfect for grabbing something to snack on while watching the sunset.

Visiting Pai Canyon involves a short yet challenging hike to the top of the ridges. You must be careful with your footing, as some steep areas can be a bit slippery. Also, always watch your step since both sides of the ridges are vertical drops.

Apart from a magnificent spot to watch the sunset, Pai Canyon offers a sweeping view of the surrounding valley and northern mountains. Note that the place can get busy during the golden hour, but there’s always a spot somewhere along the ridges.

Pai Canyon is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free to enter.

4. Pai Night Market and Walking Street

Pai Night Market, located along the Walking Street, is the best place to visit in Pai at night, as the town comes alive after sundown with food stalls, eating and drinking areas, and booths selling local products.

You can gain an authentic Thai street food experience at Pai Night Market through many delicious dishes at affordable prices. You can also check out some stands selling handcrafted jewelry, artwork, and clothing or enjoy local and international cuisine at any of the cafés, restaurants, and bars.

While it’s, of course, not as big of a night market as in other places like nearby Chiang Mai, it still has everything you might expect to find in one.

Pai Night Market is open daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., but some shops operate as early as 5 p.m.

5. Wat Phra That Mae Yen & Big Buddha Statue

Wat Phra That Mae Yen, nestled on a hill above Pai, is a Buddhist temple featuring a white, giant Buddha statue visible anywhere in the town. It offers a serene atmosphere and a great panoramic view of the surroundings, making the Big Buddha one of the best places to visit in Pai for fantastic views.

Due to its location, you must climb 353 steps to reach Wat Phra That Mae Yen. That may sound tiring, but your effort will reward you with sweeping views of a charming village, rice paddies, and far-off green mountains.

• Also read: Visiting Big Buddha in Phuket (Travel Guide)

Sunsets are also breathtaking from Wat Phra That Mae Yen, so you can expect the place to get crowded during that time.

Wat Phra That Mae Yen (Big Buddha) in Pai is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm and is free to enter.

Please, remember to wear clothes covering your knees and shoulders to show respect, as it is part of the temple grounds.

6. Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge

One of Pai’s top attractions is Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, an 813-meter hand-woven walkway extending over vast rice fields. It is a scenic bridge perfect for a pleasant stroll, grabbing a drink in the cafe, and picture-taking.

While walking through Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, you’ll get a view of mountains and rice fields, which turn green during the rainy season and yellow or brown in the dry season. You will also find multiple viewpoints, swings, wooden seats, and small farming huts that are perfectly set up for taking photos.

You can even catch sight of several water buffalos grazing. On top of that, there’s a temple you can check out at the end of the walkway. Near the bridge’s entrance is a charming café where you can grab food and coffee before or after strolling around.

Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge in Pai is accessible daily during daylight hours, and the entrance fee is 30 THB.

7. Sunrise at Yun Lai Viewpoint

Yun Lai Viewpoint is the best sunrise spot in Pai that offers a beautiful 180-degree view of the town and mountains.

The viewpoint features a bamboo viewing deck and bungalow accommodations surrounded by flower fields and tea plantations. There’s also a café where you can enjoy baked goods and coffee.

Since the Yun Lai Viewpoint is located about 5 kilometers from the town, you’ll need a vehicle to get there. If you’re not renting a motorbike or car, you can hire a car for 300 THB to take you up to the Yun Lai Viewpoint from the town.

Yun Lai Viewpoint in Pai is open daily, and it’s best to arrive between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. to catch the sunrise. The entrance ticket to the Pai’s Yun Lai Viewpoint costs 20 THB.

8. River tubing – Tipsy tubing

A must-try activity when visiting Pai is river tubing on the Pai River, not far from Pai Town, as it allows you to explore the riverscape in style and see the beautiful natural surroundings of the town.

River tubing in Pai is simply riding an inflatable rubber tube and floating down the river. While doing so, you can relax and appreciate the lovely scenery of rural Thailand along the way. The journey can take an hour or two, depending on the speed of the current.

The river tubing in Pai is also called “Tipsy Tubing” because, commonly, people take alcoholic drinks with them to drink on the ride downstream. This is a very common activity for young backpackers, so expect lots of people to have a fun day out on the river tubing.

At several points, you can even stop at a little sandbar or bar to enjoy drinking, dancing, and playing beach volleyball or ping pong (table tennis).

It’s an activity that Pai is likely most known for, so much so that you can even book river tubing online in advance.

9. Tha Pai Memorial Bridge

The Pai Memorial Bridge is another attraction you should check out when visiting Pai, especially if you’re a history buff. The site is a big part of the town’s rich past, as the original wood walkway was erected during World War II.

Going across the Pai River, the Tha Pai Memorial Bridge provides views of rice fields and mountains. You will also notice some commemorative plaques on one edge of the bridge, and you can take pictures with a few vintage samlors (rickshaws).

Tha Pai Memorial Bridge is open all day, with no entrance fee.

10. Tham Lod Cave

Tham Lod Cave features three massive chambers and a river running through the middle. Apart from being a 1.5-kilometer cave network, it’s an archaeological site housing artifacts and skeletons of prehistoric people.

There are actually a lot of caves in the area, but Tham Lod Cave is the best one to visit in Pai and likely the best cave in all of Thailand.

Inside Tham Lod Cave, you can explore the first and second chambers on foot. You will walk on wet rocks, so we recommend wearing appropriate shoes. At some points, you must climb bamboo stairs and ladders to see the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and weird-looking rock formations.

Getting to the third chamber, on the other hand, requires a bamboo raft ride. There, you’ll find wooden coffins, ancient utensils, stone tools, and human bones dating back over 2000 years.

If you’re still around Tham Lod Cave at sunset, you can witness a swarm of bats and swifts flying in and out of the cave. This is a daily occurrence at sunset when the bats go out to hunt for food, and the birds return to their nests.

This was one of the craziest things to see. The amount of them was absolutely astonishing. It was, for sure, thousands of them.

Tham Lod Cave in Pai is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you need a vehicle to get there from Pai, as it’s a 50km or 1-hour drive away.

To enter the cave, a guide is mandatory, and the price varies depending on how many chambers you plan to explore. For a full tour of all 3 caves, the price is 600 THB ($16.7) for a group of up to three people.

Kayaking through Tham Lod Cave

For a unique experience, you can stay at the Cave Lodge, just a few hundred meters upstream of the cave entrance, and join one of their personalized kayaking tours that actually go through the cave.

11. Ban Jabo Village and Viewpoint

Ban Jabo Village (Ban Cha Bo) is long known for its spectacular views of the valley and forested mountains. It takes one hour to get to Ban Jabo Village, so it’s a great thing to do from Pai if you want to escape the crowds.

At Ban Jabo Village, there’s a café and restaurant where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a bowl of noodles while dangling your legs off the edge. Check out Noodle Soup House Ban Jabo for the famous noodle soup.

It’s also a great place to interact with an ethnic group, the Black Lahu tribe community; thus, visiting the hilltop attraction is one of the best things to do in Pai.

Alternatively, you can stay in the village for a night or two, but you need to find the number on Google, as you can’t book the homestays online.

The best time to visit Ban Jabo Village is for sunrise or sunset. But you can also watch it at the Ban Jabo Viewpoint (a short 15-minute hike).

12. Yoga Retreat

Joining a yoga or meditation retreat in Pai is an ideal option for those seeking a quiet place to rejuvenate and focus on their well-being. Wellness centers in Pai offer retreats where you can engage in workshops on mindfulness and healthy living.

13. Pai Nightlife

Pai is known as a good place for a night out, and you’ve got plenty of options for such a small place.

You can enjoy a laid-back evening at the Jazz House and eat delicious local food while listening to live jazz music in a relaxed atmosphere.

Some other great spots for a night out in Pai are Reggae Pai, Almost Famous, Boom Bar, and Paizy Bar, most of which have live music and pool tables.

14. Whitewater rafting

For an exhilarating experience in Pai, consider whitewater rafting. The scenic Pai River offers a blend of excitement and adventure, with rapids ranging from class 1 to 4, catering to both novice and experienced rafters. But no matter your experience, professional rafting guides are on hand to guarantee your safety.

Going whitewater rafting in Pai is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pai while enjoying an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the water.

15. Sleep in a bungalow amidst the rice fields

Pai is the perfect place for sleeping in a bungalow amidst the rice fields. From rustic hideaways to luxurious escapes, there’s an option to suit every budget.

At night, stargazing in this peaceful environment is a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle. This unique opportunity to stay amid the rice fields makes for an unforgettable and peaceful experience in Pai.

Additionally, many bungalow accommodations provide extra amenities like bike rentals or onsite restaurants, adding convenience to the tranquil setting.

We stayed at the budget Blue Sky Resort, which was a super simple bungalow with not many amenities but a very lovely location.

Best hotels amidst the rice fields in Pai:

• Paddy Fields Haven – Nature Nest
• Kalm Pai Resort
• Pai My Guest Resort

16. Trekking and hiking

One of the things Pai is known for is trekking to its waterfalls. But beyond the waterfall trails, there is also a wide range of other trails.

Pai is great for seasoned hikers looking for a challenge or beginners wanting to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Best trekking and hiking trails in Pai:

• Mae Yen Waterfall trail
• Pai Canyon loop
• Pambok Waterfall – Kho Kuu So Bamboo Bridge loop
• Hua Chang Waterfall Trail

17. Dirtbike Adventure

Pai, while not as developed in adventure tourism as Chiang Mai, has a selection of dirtbike trails you can ride through its diverse landscape.

You can ride some of the trails yourself by renting a dirtbike or by joining an organized Dirtbike Adventure Tour.

18. Muay Thai

For centuries, Muay Thai has been one of Thailand’s most effective martial arts. And while it is native to Thailand, it has become one of the most popular fighting styles in the world.

You can find Muay Thai gyms in every city and town in Thailand, and Pai is no exception. The best gym to go to train Muay Thai in Pai is Charn Chai Muay Thai Gym.

How to get to Pai

The most common way to reach Pai is by taking a scenic minivan ride from Chiang Mai, which takes around 3-4 hours. The other option is to rent a car or motorbike in Chiang Mai and drive there yourself.

While the road from Chiang Mai to Pai involves riding Route 1095 through the 762 curves and hairpin bends, it’s actually not that hard, and the road is in great condition. We actually enjoyed riding a motorbike from Chiang Mai to Pai and didn’t mind the “gnarly” road at all.

Guided tours from Chiang Mai are another convenient option. Recently, guided tours to Pai have become much more of a thing, so it’s worth checking out the day trip options if that sounds like something you would do (or if you’re short on time).

By car from Chiang Mai

Experience the ultimate convenience and flexibility by renting a car in Chiang Mai for your journey to Pai.

A car is a great option for continuing your exploration to, let’s say, the Mae Hong Son Loop around the province, especially if you travel with a lot of valuable gear.

We did the Mae Hong Son Loop on a motorbike with all our stuff (laptops, cameras, etc.), and during the rainy days, we really wished we had a car. A car would also allow us to do more in a day.

By motorbike from Chiang Mai

For those seeking an adventurous way to get to Pai, embarking on a motorbike journey from Chiang Mai is a great option. The route from Chiang Mai to Pai is known as one of the most scenic in northern Thailand, offering views of mountains, rice fields, and countryside.

The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on your speed and the number of stops you make along the way.

On the way to Pai, you can stop overnight at 32 Coffee Hill & Resort. This is a great option if you plan to visit Mok Fa waterfall or make more stops on the way.

It is also possible to rent a bike in Chiang Mai and drop it off in Pai. A company called Aya Service can do that for you. Although their reviews aren’t the best!

As part of the Mae Hong Son Loop

Pai is the first town of the Mae Hong Son province that you reach from Chiang Mai, so it’s naturally the first stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, which is usually done by motorcycle/scooter.

You can rent a bike in Chiang Mai, or since recently, you can even join a 4-Day Mae Hong Son Loop Motorcycle Tour.

How to get around Pai

You can do a lot in Pai by walking, but to explore Pai’s surrounding areas, consider renting a scooter or motorbike.

For longer trips or remote locations, hiring a taxi or driver is possible, although taxis are not commonly found in Pai. So it will likely be a motorbike taxi, which you can find at the Pai Bus Station – check for men on motorbikes with yellow vests.

Beyond driving yourself and a motorbike taxi, there are guided tours you can join to explore some of Pai’s best attractions. You can arrange one at Pai’s walking street.

Best time to visit Pai

The ideal time to visit Pai, Thailand, is during the dry season from November to February. This is also the high season in Pai when the town center is much more busy.

It’s best to avoid the rainy season from June to October when planning your trip to Pai, although if you’re lucky, it might not be a problem at all. Often, the rains during the rainy season only happen for short periods during the day.

Where and what to eat in Pai

We really enjoyed the food in Pai!

From the rich flavor of Khao Soi, a delightful coconut curry noodle soup with either chicken or tofu, to the aromatic sai ua, a Northern Thai sausage, there’s no shortage of culinary delights to savor in Pai.

Don’t forget to complement your meal with a refreshing fruit smoothie, or treat yourself to creamy coconut ice cream because no day in Thailand is complete without one of them!

Among the top restaurant recommendations in Pai are Charlie & Lek’s Kitchen, Om Garden Cafe, Two Sisters Restaurant, and Ganita Cafe. Additionally, Earth Tone Cafe serves up a delightful vegan pad Thai, and Bom Bowls delicious smoothie bowls.

For cheese lovers, head out to Cheese Madness for a large selection of cheese-inspired and cheese-complemented dishes.

Pai especially caters to vegetarian and vegan diets, so it’s a breeze finding veggie versions of all dishes in non-veg restaurants as well.

Our top choice was the fabulous vegan Khao Soi in Ganita Cafe and a delicious Burmese Tea Leaf Salad in Two Sisters Restaurant (and their large fruit salad!).

Where to stay in Pai

Pai offers a variety of accommodations catering to different budgets and preferences. From budget-friendly stays and mid-range options to luxury resorts and hotels, there is something for everyone in this small town in northern Thailand.

Prices in Pai: How much does Pai Cost?

When visiting Pai, Thailand, you can expect to spend approximately $30-$50 per day total on accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Of course, you can spend less or more than this, depending on your type of travel.

Accommodation	Food	Transport
Hotel: $20 – $150 / night	Inexpensive meal: $2 – $4	Taxi 1km: $1 – $2
Hostel: $5 – $10 / night	Mid-range meal: $7 – $10	Bike rental: $6 – $12
		Car rental: $30 – $60

Accommodation

As for accommodation, budget travelers can find dormitory-style hostels for as low as $5-$10 per night, while mid-range hotels and guesthouses typically range from $20-$40 per night. Check hotel and hostel prices here.

Transport

If you plan on exploring the city and its surrounding areas, renting a scooter will cost you $5-$10, and car rental can cost around 35 USD daily. However, it might be hard to rent a car in Pai, so we recommend doing so in Chiang Mai. Check car rental prices here.

Food

Street food and local eateries offer affordable meals starting from $1-$4, while restaurant dining may cost around $5-$15 per person.

Activities

Excursions to nearby attractions like hot springs or waterfalls can range from $5-$20, depending on the activity. Check the prices of activities and experiences here.

Internet in Pai

Pai has reliable internet connectivity with fast speeds and free Wi-Fi available in most accommodations, while the town center boasts cafes and restaurants with adequate internet.

Since Pai is also a popular digital nomad destination in Thailand, it provides a productive environment with ample internet access for not only tourists but also long-term visitors.

Is Pai a safe destination?

Pai, like much of Thailand, is a safe destination for all kinds of travelers, solo, group, and families.

However, like any travel destination, practicing safe travel practices and caution is still recommended. And don’t forget travel insurance! Click here to check the price.

Is Pai worth visiting?

Its breathtaking views, tranquil rice fields, and rejuvenating natural hot springs make Pai definitely worth visiting. From the vibrant night market to hiking to Mae Yen waterfall, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore in this charming town.

Pai really has something to offer for everyone, and the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it a welcoming destination.

So, while we don’t agree with the saying that Pai is a hidden gem in Thailand, as it’s clearly not, it’s still a great place that’s absolutely worth visiting. 🙂