17 EPIC Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand [2023 Guide]
From the well-known Pai Canyon to the recent springs and funky cafes, right here is our listing of 17 of the best possible issues to do in Pai, Thailand.
Arguably top-of-the-line locations in Northern Thailand, the hippy enclave slot bonus 100 to 3x of Pai has been drawing backpackers and various varieties for years.
Positioned 135km from the 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, nicely ceaselessly.
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 nicely and actually situated on the crushed path now, that doesn’t imply that it’s best to skip this unbelievable place that has a popularity for being like a “Thai island within the mountains”.
The Finest Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand
Now we have spent over a month in Pai, unfold out over a few years.
Once we first checked it out it was once we had been driving the Mae Hong Son Loop, top-of-the-line bike circuits in Southeast Asia.
We saved coming again repeatedly and just lately 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 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 listing of the best possible issues to do in Pai, Thailand.
READ MORE: Try our final information to journey to Thailand!
1) Discover Pai Canyon
Referred to as Thailand’s reply to the Grand Canyon (a really formidable declare), Pai Canyon covers a big space that gives some sensible views and enjoyable hikes.
In case you are feeling very energetic you’ll be able to scramble all the best way 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 few of the paths are fairly skinny and sketchy, so be sure you put on good footwear 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.
You gained’t be alone for sundown, however that simply provides to the superior environment!
Get there to Pai Canyon by driving your scooter out of city again in direction of Chiang Mai.
2) Wander Pai’s Strolling Road Evening Market
Each evening the principle road of Pai fills up with road meals distributors and market stalls promoting every little thing out of your quintessential hippie clothes and jewellery to personalised postcards.
Even when you’re not into purchasing although, you continue to must spend nearly each evening benefiting from Pai’s Strolling Road, particularly when you’re hungry.
The collection of road meals is kind of diversified; sushi, Indian meals, barbecued meats, contemporary fruit smoothies, and deep-fried every little thing. 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 don’t have any idea of learn how to drive. Entertaining, however harmful!
Sizzling tip – Crashing a scooter is just not certainly one of our advisable issues to do in Pai!
3) Go to the Pam Bok Waterfall
Pai has a variety of superior waterfalls to go to, which is ideal as a result of the world can get fairly sizzling through the day! What higher approach 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 journey from Pai. It’s a little bit extra secluded than its extra well-liked various (extra on that beneath), so undoubtedly don’t miss it.
Pam Bok Waterfall is tucked away beneath some excessive cliffs, so it’s usually lined in shade for many of the day. Because of this, the water is kind of refreshing, however which means you may have the pool to your self.
There are additionally a few ledges you’ll be able to climb to leap off. You should definitely test the water depth earlier than taking the leap! Security first youngsters.
READ MORE: Right here’s our new listing 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 operating into them which you could 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 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 right 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 a great time on the sizzling springs, so there’s a great probability you’ll make some pals there too.
That is one place we didn’t go to as a result of reality we had been there in summer season 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 highway to the Pam Bok Waterfall, the well-known Pai Land Cut up is unquestionably value a stopover.
A small property hidden within the hills had all the time been a working farm till an odd pure phenomenon modified every little thing.
A number of years in the past, the farmer’s land started to separate and crack on account of 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 provides you nuts, fruit, candy potato, contemporary rosella juice, and alcohol – all by donation!
When you’ve crammed up on meals (he consistently brings you extra to eat), you’ll be able to stroll up the hill to take a look on the Land Cut up.
The household could be very pleasant and is simply joyful to have folks stopping by. Positively one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Pai.
- Entrance Payment: Freed from cost
7) Be taught to Journey a Scooter
There’s no denying that Pai is among the finest 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 lots of issues to see in Pai, and getting round on a scooter is a enjoyable and environment friendly approach to take action!
For those who’ve by no means ridden a scooter earlier than then the dearth of site visitors makes Pai an ideal place to study.
There are a selection of retailers on the town that lease scooters for cheap charges (normally round $5 per day), and then you definately simply need to get your self some gasoline.
We suggest filling up on the petrol station on the town for one of the best 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!
Observe – Using a scooter is probably harmful, so all the time journey inside your limits (go sluggish, particularly round corners when you’re not skilled), put on closed-toe footwear, and all the time put on a helmet.
For those who want to journey in consolation, then get your own driver and tour guide for a day!
- Worth: 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, also referred to as the White Buddha, is among the high issues to see once 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 provides a few 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 is perhaps tiring, the vistas from the highest are all the time value it.
Time your journey to be on the high for sundown and also you’ll shortly fall in love with your complete valley altering colors proper earlier than your eyes.
Be sure you take water with you, and regardless that the temperature might be sizzling remember the fact that you continue to want to indicate 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!
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Entrance Payment: Freed from cost
9) Go Tubing Down the Pai River
The Pai River hosts one of the best Pai actions – tubing!
For those who’ve by no means been tubing earlier than then you definately’re in for an actual deal with. Mainly all it requires is one massive inflatable tube, your bathers, and a way of journey.
You head upriver with a bunch of pals and push your self out into the water. You then chill and let the present take you again to city. Your entire expertise will take about an hour.
That is undoubtedly top-of-the-line issues to do in Pai Thailand, particularly on a sizzling day. Hire a tube from one of many tour corporations 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 totally different types of leisure reminiscent of hearth dancing, juggling, and slacklining. Right here in Pai, there’s a faculty you’ll be able to attend to study all these expertise yourselves!
The associated fee is 600 baht as a one-off membership payment 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 anything you is perhaps concerned with.
It’s situated in a lovely elevated setting with views over the valleys and glorious gazebos you’ll be able to calm down in when you don’t really feel like partaking within the actions.
Through the years they’ve labored onerous to improve the services on the positioning, and it’s a lot nicer right now than it was.
The Circus College additionally has some lodging on the positioning, and when you keep there you’ll be able to profit from all of the lessons as nicely.
11) Make the Most of Pai’s Nightlife
For a small city, there are loads of superior bars and golf equipment to get together the evening away! Yep, Pai’s nightlife is notorious.
For those who’re in search of 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 good 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 get together animals…
(Don’t Cry Bar is quickly closed on account of COVID. Nevertheless it hasn’t shut down for good, so control the Facebook 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 the Tham Lod Caves
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 via the caves and you may rent a information to drift via them on a bamboo raft.
At sure factors, you’ll be able to 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 can be scattered all through the advanced.
Positively well worth the drive/journey on the market.
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 when you’re in search of 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 tours which you could ebook 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.
Nowadays it’s arrange as a little bit of a cultural exhibition, and whereas it may appear barely touristy, it’s nicely value a go to when you’d wish to get an inside have a look at a unique tradition and check out some totally different meals.
Yunnan delicacies is kind of scrumptious and the persons are pleasant right here. You may get out to Santichon by renting a scooter and driving the quick 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 an effective way to whereas away the day.
You might simply spend every 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
For those who’re feeling fairly sore after all of the partying and waterfall leaping in Pai, then it’s best to deal with your self to some yoga lessons.
For such a cool hippy city, it’s no shock that there are a bunch of yoga faculties attracting non secular varieties and anyone simply trying to stretch their muscle tissue out.
The preferred one is Sawasdee Pai Yoga, they usually have two lessons 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
If you spend your days actively exploring every little thing 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 ebook or watching the world go you by.
Many lodging choices have nice views over the valley or by the river. You should definitely select certainly one of these and benefit from the vistas! Positively top-of-the-line issues to do in Pai!
Disclaimer – In earlier variations of this text we listed visiting Thom’s Elephant Camp as top-of-the-line issues to do in Pai. Whereas we all the time discouraged anybody from driving an elephant, we used to offer everybody an opportunity to make their very own selections. Since then we’ve obtained experiences that Thom’s is just not as healthful because it was, and as such we’ve eliminated it from our listing and wish to warn others to not go to Thom’s Elephant Camp.
Pai Journey Information
That will help you profit from it once you go to Pai Thailand, we’ve put collectively this epic little Pai journey information for you.
For those who’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!
How you can Get to Pai Thailand
There’s a variety of alternative ways to get to Pai, and it depends upon your funds, model 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’ll be able to take a flight from Chiang Mai to Pai. It’s undoubtedly not the most cost effective 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 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.
Be sure you decide up some movement illness tablets from a pharmacy in Chiang Mai first.
You’ll be able to ebook your transport to Pai from any hostel or company in Chiang Mai.
If you wish to ebook it forward of time although to make sure you don’t miss a seat, the best place to do so is on 12go.asia.
Journey a Scooter
That is one of the best and most pleasing approach 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 good your 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. Now we have met dozens of backpackers who’ve crashed on this highway, and in each occasion, it was as a result of they both obtained too cocky with their expertise, or had been inexperienced and had no thought learn how to journey.
That is our private favorite approach to get to Pai, and you may set up leases from someplace like Mr. Mechanic or Aya in Chiang Mai (Aya provides one-way scooter rental too).
For those who’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 ideal collection of locations to crash, from luxurious resorts to mid-range boutique accommodations to dingy backpacker dives, and every little thing in between. There will definitely be someplace to suit your funds!
The primary time we visited Pai we stayed at two totally different locations – Spicy Pai and Family Huts – and whereas they had been good again then, the lodging choices have actually improved in recent times!
Now you’ll be able to keep someplace fairly good on a funds, or actually splash out and keep in a few of the most unbelievable lodging within the nation.
Pai has additionally grow to be a little bit of a digital nomad hotspot, which means if you’re concerned with long-term lodging or non-public residences and cabins there are fairly just a few choices as nicely.
To seek out these try AirBnB (and use this link to receive $35 off of your first stay).
As a fair 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 onerous to show their humble abode into one of the best backpacker lodging in Pai, they usually’ve lastly completed 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 few of the finest sundown spots in Pai.
It’s an ideal place to remain if you’re on a backpacker funds.
Finest Price range Lodging For {Couples} – Pai Nation Hut
On the finish of the Strolling Road and over the bamboo bridge is a group of superior lodging.
If 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 had been there we determined to attempt the place on the left, and wow what a spot!
Pai Country Hut is run by an amazingly pleasant girl and has an epic location proper on the river.
The bungalows have non-public bogs, cozy beds and hammocks on the balconies, making them an ideal spot to relaxation on the finish of a giant day exploring.
Additionally they have working wifi.
Seize some beers and relax 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!).
Finest Mid-Vary Resort – Phu Pai Artwork Resort
In order for you a lovely lodging, however would moderately sleep in additional of a standard lodge room as an alternative of a bamboo bungalow, Phu Pai Art Hotel is the place to be.
It has beautiful 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.
Finest Luxurious Resort 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 listing of issues to do in Pai, then be sure you ebook 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 workers with fantastic consideration to element, and the rooms are to die for.
The decorations are quintessentially Thai, and tastefully completed, so that you’ll in all probability find yourself taking just a few concepts to your own residence once you go away.
Be sure you eat and drink on the restaurant and bar as nicely. 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 selection of superior and top quality eating places on the town. In reality when attempting to consider what to do in Pai, consuming is true up there on the listing now!
In case you are after a world-class burger head to Maya Burger Queen (be sure you haven’t eaten for some time as they’re large).
Dang Thai Meals makes a few of the finest Thai meals in Pai, and it’s all at a really cheap value, so be sure you eat there as nicely.
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 listing of one of the best issues to do in Pai. Have we missed something? Have you ever discovered the listing helpful? Go away a remark beneath and tell us![/box]
DISCLAIMER: A few of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies when you ebook lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we are going to obtain a small fee at no additional price to you. These commissions assist us preserve creating extra free journey content material to assist folks plan their holidays and adventures. We solely suggest one of the best lodging, excursions and merchandise, and repeatedly evaluate these. Thanks to your assist, sort buddy!
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