Top Activities and Attractions in Pai, Thailand

Pai is a small town and unique mountain village tucked away in a valley in Northern Thailand. Its natural surroundings are nothing less than stunning. Many people come here to relax, but there are plenty of things to do in Pai to keep you busy for days.

Pai is surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, paddy fields, and caves, all easily accessible by motorbike. Because of the low prices and laid-back lifestyle, Pai has become a popular hotspot for backpackers, hippies, and artists. It’s the kind of destination where you stick around a bit longer than expected. With six months of experience living there, I can certainly attest to this.

1. Watch the sunset at Pai Canyon

One of the best things to do in Pai is to head out to Pai Canyon to watch the sunset. Pai Canyon is an impressive ravine where you can follow a walking trail over the steep rock faces. Locals jokingly call it ‘the Grand Canyon’, but in fact, the Pai Canyon is not ‘grand’ at all; walking from end to end takes about thirty minutes.

Some parts are quite narrow, with a drop of more than 50 meters on each side. So please be careful. It’s best to visit Pai Canyon during sunset because the view of the surrounding hills is breathtaking!

2. Swim underneath waterfalls

Pai is renowned for its waterfalls, and no trip to Pai would be complete without going waterfall hopping. You can swim in them, jump off cliffs, or even slide down. Several waterfalls are very easy to reach by motorbike, making them perfect for day trips. They’re at their most magnificent during the rainy season, which lasts from July until October.

The Pam bok Waterfall is the best known of them all. It is one of many waterfalls in Pai, but it is popular for its convenient location near Pai’s town center in a ravine that invites visitors to jump from cliffs.

Mor Paeng Waterfall

Another easily accessible waterfall is the Mor Paeng Waterfall, a large three-tier waterfall, where, when the water is sufficiently high, you can slide down it.

Additionally, two lesser-known waterfalls are Mae Yen and Hua Chang. The Mae Yen is located deep in the jungle, requiring a three-hour hike, so be prepared! The hike to Hua Chang is approximately an hour. Due to the river regularly overflowing during the rainy season (July to October), the footpaths can be challenging to navigate. It’s advisable to avoid these waterfalls during this time.

3. Visit the Land Split

On your way to the Pambok Waterfall, you’ll encounter the Land Split, where natural erosion has caused fissures in the soil, making agriculture impossible. However, the landowner has cleverly transformed his property into a tourist attraction.

After exploring the fissures, he often comes by to offer homemade snacks made from ingredients sourced from his land, such as roselle juice, crispy banana chips, peanuts, and tamarind.

4. Float around in a hot spring

The Pai valley is home to several hot springs, blissful pools of clear warm water. Visiting them in the early morning is highly recommended when temperatures are lower and most tourists are still asleep. The afternoons can get quite crowded!

5. Pai Secret Hot Springs

One of the best places to enjoy a dip is the Pai Secret Hot Springs, which are becoming less secretive as word spreads. Sai Ngam is a small pool of crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush nature.

Pai’s most famous hot springs are the Ta Pai Hot Springs, located in a beautiful setting. The water vapor and the smell of sulfur create an almost magical atmosphere. The natural water pools can be too hot for bathing (80 degrees Celsius), but there are man-made pools with temperatures ranging from 34 to 38 degrees Celsius.

6. Rent a motorbike

One of the best ways to get around Pai is to rent a motorbike and explore the open road. Wondering how to get to the waterfalls and hot springs? Motorbike is the answer.

Pai is an excellent place in Thailand to rent a motorbike. Riding around the countryside, paddy fields, and jungle is an unforgettable experience. Ensure that you always wear a helmet and only drive if you are an experienced motorcyclist. Accidents can happen!

Renting a motorbike typically costs around 300 baht per day, with plenty of rental shops along Pai’s Walking Street. It’s advised to choose a rental shop that doesn’t require your passport as a deposit; rather, provide a copy of your passport along with a cash deposit, usually around 3,000 to 5,000 baht.

So… are you up for some more motorcycling?

Pai is located on the Mae Hong Son loop, a motorbike route of about 650 kilometers that passes through the mountains and jungles of Northern Thailand. The roads are in excellent condition, and the entire route offers plenty of viewpoints.

7. Snack on some street food

One of the best experiences in Thailand is indulging in street food, and Pai does not disappoint. As soon as the sun sets, Pai’s Walking Street market comes alive, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Craving tasty street food? You’re in for a delightful experience. Your dinner—including a smoothie, pad thai, and mango sticky rice—may cost you just a few baht. Afterward, you can browse the adjoining market, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs from local artists showcasing their work.

To cap off your evening, visit one of the nearby bars for a refreshing Chang beer while enjoying some live music in a cozy hammock or lounge chair. Cheers!

8. Raft through Tham Lod Cave

The Lod Cave Tham is a stunning cave complex featuring three chambers with remarkable rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and pillars.

Moreover, there is an underground river which you can cross on a bamboo raft. This unique activity is a must-try when in Pai. The distance between Pai and Lod Cave is about 40 kilometers along a beautiful winding mountain road. A tour covering all three cave chambers and bamboo rafting will cost around 450 THB.

9. Visit the Chinese viewpoint

Just outside Pai’s center, you’ll discover a small ethnically Chinese village community situated on a mountain slope. Atop the mountain is the Yun Lai Viewpoint, a perfect spot for savoring green tea while overlooking the scenic landscape of Pai.

Visiting this viewpoint at sunrise offers one of the best views in Pai, making it a popular spot for Thai tourists capturing selfies early in the morning.

10. Santichon Village

Santichon Village is one of the premier destinations in Pai for a cultural experience, attracting numerous Thai tourists. Often referred to as the Chinese Village, it beautifully showcases traditional clay houses and temples of the Yunan People, descendants of Chinese individuals who fled during Mao Tse Tung’s revolution.

11. Pai Memorial Bridge

The Pai Memorial Bridge (Tha Pai World War II Memorial Bridge) offers a historical perspective, commemorating the Pai workers who were compelled to aid Japanese soldiers in its construction. This pedestrian bridge crosses the Pai River and today stands as an important historic site in Pai.

12. Eat Khao Soi

Khao Soi is Thailand’s number one lunch dish—a creamy, yellow coconut-flavored curry combined with egg noodles and tender braised chicken. You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as onion, chili, or vegetables.

While Khao Soi is widely available on menus, I recommend trying it at either the Duang Restaurant or Nong Beer, where the taste is truly exceptional. Prices are budget-friendly, starting at just 40 THB per bowl! (approximately $1.25 US) Aroi mak mak!

13. Enjoy your coffee

Beyond its beautiful surroundings and nature, Pai is also known for its outstanding food culture, particularly its coffee and healthy food options. One of our favorite places for breakfast is Lemon Thyme Café, a small café that serves exquisite French toast, poached eggs, and shakshouka.

Pai’s top lunch spot is the Om Garden Café, set in a beautiful garden and offering healthy meals and delectable desserts. For vegetarians and vegans, Earth Tone is an excellent choice, featuring super healthy salads and tempeh sandwiches.

14. See the White Buddha Statue

Located just 2 km from Pai, Wat Phra That Mae Yen is an outstanding location to visit during sunset. Climb its 353 steps for a view of the massive white Buddha statue gazing out towards the horizon.

15. Take A Thai Cooking Class

Being in Pai emphasizes the importance of slowing down and embracing relaxation. There’s nothing quite like home than taking a cooking class to learn how to create local dishes, ensuring you take fond memories back home. Cooking up some Pad Thai or Green Curry will undoubtedly brighten even the dreariest winter days.

16. Bar Hopping on Pai Walking Street

When in Thailand, it’s almost impossible to bypass the party scene. The country transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub, and Pai Walking Street is the place to be. This lively night market is lined with numerous bars, and the Why Not Bar is a must-visit as it has become a local institution.

17. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

When in Thailand, avoid riding elephants. Instead, support elephant sanctuaries that prioritize their well-being. Many tour providers now avoid offering elephant rides, ensuring a more ethical experience for both you and the elephants.

18. Yoga and Meditation

Pai, being a backpacker haven, has a much more laid-back feel compared to Bangkok and the southern islands. Recenter and focus during your stay by participating in a yoga retreat or meditation course. Xhale Yoga offers multiday yoga and meditation programs in Pai.

19. Immerse in Muay Thai

If you seek a way to detox, enhance fitness, and immerse yourself in Thai culture, consider taking a Muay Thai kickboxing class. Charn Chai Muay Thai camp offers training courses where you’ll train alongside professional kickboxers.

How to Get to Pai, Thailand

• Pai is approximately 80 km from Chiang Mai. You can reach Pai from Chiang Mai by driving or taking the bus, with several buses departing daily from Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station.
• Kan Air operates flights three times a week from Chiang Mai to Pai, with a short 25-minute flight at reasonable rates.
• Public buses leave hourly from the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai.
• Mini Buses can be booked through travel agents and guesthouses in Chiang Mai.
• One-way scooter rentals from Chiang Mai to Pai are available—be sure you have adequate experience on a motor scooter before driving in Thailand.

Where to stay in Pai, Thailand

Pai offers a variety of accommodations. Most backpackers prefer staying downtown to be near amenities and nightlife, but there are also lovely resorts along the Pai River that provide a quieter atmosphere while remaining close to the town.

Have you visited Pai? What are your favorite things to do? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Planning a trip to Pai? Pin this information for easy reference.