17 EPIC Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand [2023 Guide]

From the well-known Pai Canyon to the recent springs and cool cafes, here’s our listing of 17 of the very best issues to do in Pai, Thailand.

Arguably one of the crucial highest puts in Northern Thailand, the hippy enclave of Pai has been drawing backpackers and choice varieties for years.

Positioned 135km from town of Chiang Mai, on the finish of a twisting street with 762 curves, this beautiful and old fashioned little village is the type of position you display up for an afternoon and keep for, smartly perpetually.

There are herbal scorching springs, waterfalls, markets, various backpacker hostels, and extra. It’s simply reachable from Chiang Mai, which is a well-liked spot to discuss with in northern Thailand.

Whilst Pai is easily and really situated at the crushed trail now, that doesn’t imply that you just will have to skip this fantastic position that has a name for being like a “Thai island within the mountains”.

The Easiest Issues to Do in Pai, Thailand

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

Once we first checked it out it was once after we had been using the Mae Hong Son Loop, one of the crucial highest bike circuits in Southeast Asia.

We saved coming again over and over again and not too long ago spent any other week chilling in our favorite position in northern Thailand.

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

From what to do, the place to move, or even the place to stick, right here’s our listing of the very best issues to do in Pai, Thailand.

READ MORE: Take a look at our final information to go back and forth to Thailand!

1) Discover Pai Canyon

Referred to as Thailand’s solution to the Grand Canyon (an excessively formidable declare), Pai Canyon covers a big space that provides some good perspectives and a laugh hikes.

In case you are feeling very lively you’ll scramble the entire manner down and spend hours mountain climbing and getting misplaced in nature.

It’s just a little of an adventurer’s playground too as a result of one of the most paths are slightly thin and sketchy, so you’ll want to put on just right sneakers if you’re making plans on exploring Pai Canyon correctly.

A favorite interest is playing the sundown with a lager in hand, gazing the sky exchange to an astonishing array of colors.

You gained’t be by myself for sundown, however that simply provides to the superior environment!

Get there to Pai Canyon via using your scooter out of the city again against Chiang Mai.

2) Wander Pai’s Strolling Boulevard Night time Marketplace

Each and every evening the principle side road of Pai fills up with side road meals distributors and marketplace stalls promoting the entirety out of your quintessential hippie clothes and jewellery to customized postcards.

Despite the fact that you’re now not into buying groceries despite the fact that, you continue to wish to spend with regards to each and every evening taking advantage of Pai’s Strolling Boulevard, particularly when you’re hungry.

The number of side road meals is slightly numerous; sushi, Indian meals, barbecued meats, recent fruit smoothies, and deep-fried the entirety. You surely gained’t move hungry!

Everybody finally ends up on the evening marketplace maximum nights so the people-watching is excellent. Simply be careful for first-time scooter riders who haven’t any thought of force. Entertaining, however bad!

Scorching tip – Crashing a scooter isn’t one in all our really helpful issues to do in Pai!

3) Discuss with the Pam Bok Waterfall

Pai has a lot of superior waterfalls to discuss with, which is best possible for the reason that space can get lovely scorching all the way through the day! What higher approach to cool off than visiting the 2 highest ones!

One in all our private favourites is the Pam Bok Waterfall, situated a brief scooter experience from Pai. It’s a bit extra secluded than its extra standard choice (extra on that under), so no doubt don’t leave out it.

Pam Bok Waterfall is tucked away underneath some top cliffs, so it’s incessantly coated in colour for many of the day. Because of this, the water is slightly refreshing, however that implies it is advisable to have the pool to your self.

There also are a few ledges you’ll climb to leap off. Remember to take a look at the water intensity ahead of taking the jump! Protection first children.

READ MORE: Right here’s our new listing of the highest puts to discuss with in Thailand!

4) Grasp Out at Mo Paeng Waterfall

The opposite most well liked falls to discuss with 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 that you’ll slide down.

The surroundings is beautiful and it makes for a a laugh position to spend a couple of hours.

Our advice for what to do in Pai is to hire a scooter from the city and spend exploring those epic little spots by yourself.

5) Soak within the Tha Pai Scorching Springs

For a calming afternoon whilst you discuss with Pai, head to the Tha Pai Scorching Springs. Simplest 7km from the city, a cold-water circulate flows over boiling-hot rocks to create a calming, heated pool surrounded via lush surroundings.

Tha Pai Scorching Springs are the easiest approach to kill a couple of hours within the wintry weather months when temperatures in Pai can plummet.

You’ll in finding quite a lot of different backpackers putting out and having a great time on the scorching springs, so there’s a great opportunity you’ll make some pals there too.

That is one position we didn’t discuss with because of the reality we had been there in summer time and the elements was once already roasting. However if you’re there within the cooler months, don’t leave out those superb scorching springs!

Sai Ngam Scorching Springs are any other superb possibility. Whilst Tha Pai Scorching Springs are south of the city middle, Sai Ngam Scorching Springs are a 25 minute force north.

Each are simply obtainable from Pai and make for an improbable, enjoyable day.

6) The Land Crack (Land Cut up)

Positioned at the street to the Pam Bok Waterfall, the well-known Pai Land Cut up is no doubt value a stopover.

A small belongings hidden within the hills had at all times been a running farm till a peculiar herbal phenomenon modified the entirety.

A number of years in the past, the farmer’s land started to separate and crack because of some peculiar soil erosion. His belongings turned into unusable because the land become a scene you may see after an earthquake.

The thrifty farmer then determined to show his belongings and land break up into just a little of a vacationer appeal the place he now will give you nuts, fruit, candy potato, recent rosella juice, and alcohol – all via donation!

While you’ve stuffed up on meals (he repeatedly brings you extra to devour), you’ll stroll up the hill to take a look on the Land Cut up.

The circle of relatives could be very pleasant and is simply satisfied to have humans preventing via. Surely one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Pai.

• Front Charge: For free

7) Learn how to Experience a Scooter

There’s no denying that Pai is without doubt one of the highest puts in all of Thailand to experience a scooter.

The quiet roads, gorgeous surroundings and loss of public delivery makes it the best mode of delivery.

There are lots of issues to peer in Pai, and getting round on a scooter is a a laugh and environment friendly manner to take action!

When you’ve by no means ridden a scooter ahead of then the loss of site visitors makes Pai a super position to be informed.

There are a variety of stores on the town that hire scooters for affordable charges (most often round $5 in line with day), and you then simply must get your self some gas.

We suggest filling up on the petrol station on the town for the most productive costs.

After getting your motorcycle and a complete tank of petrol, all that’s left to do is experience off into the sundown with the wind on your face!

Notice – Driving a scooter is doubtlessly bad, so at all times experience inside of your limits (move gradual, particularly round corners when you’re now not skilled), put on closed-toe sneakers, and at all times put on a helmet.

If you want to go back and forth in convenience, then get your individual motive force and excursion information for an afternoon!

• Worth: round 150 baht/in line with day

8) Discuss with The White Buddha On Most sensible Of The Hill (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)

Wat Phra That Mae Yen, often referred to as the White Buddha, is without doubt one of the best issues to peer whilst you discuss with Pai.

You’ll be able to see it from maximum puts on the town, and the White Buddha top at the hill isn’t most effective a non secular shrine, it additionally provides one of the most highest perspectives over Pai!

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

There are 353 steps to achieve the White Buddha, and whilst it could be tiring, the vistas from the highest are at all times value it.

Time your shuttle to be on the best for sundown and also you’ll temporarily fall in love with all the valley converting colors proper ahead of your eyes.

You’ll want to take water with you, and although the temperature can also be scorching needless to say you continue to wish to display admire to Buddha via overlaying up.

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

• Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Front Charge: For free

9) Cross Tubing Down the Pai River

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

When you’ve by no means been tubing ahead of you then’re in for an actual deal with. Mainly all it calls for is one large inflatable tube, your bathers, and a way of journey.

You head upriver with a number of pals and push your self out into the water. Then you definitely relax and let the present take you again to the city. All the enjoy will take about an hour.

That is no doubt one of the crucial highest issues to do in Pai Thailand, particularly on a scorching day. Hire a tube from one of the crucial excursion corporations on the town for lower than $10, together with delivery to and from the river.

10) Pai Circus Faculty

In a bohemian group, everybody turns out to apply other sorts of leisure akin to hearth dancing, juggling, and slacklining. Right here in Pai, there’s a faculty you’ll attend to be informed these kind of abilities yourselves!

The price is 600 baht as a one-off club price after which you’re unfastened to enroll in in at the courses from skilled academics in the entire finer issues of poi, personnel, juggling, diablo, and anything you could be concerned about.

It’s situated in a fantastic increased surroundings with perspectives over the valleys and superb gazebos you’ll calm down in when you don’t really feel like participating within the actions.

Over time they’ve labored onerous to improve the amenities at the website, and it’s a lot nicer lately than it was.

The Circus Faculty additionally has some lodging at the website, and when you keep there you’ll take advantage of the entire categories as smartly.

11) Make the Maximum of Pai’s Nightlife

For a small the city, there are a large number of superior bars and golf equipment to celebration the evening away! Yep, Pai’s nightlife is notorious.

When you’re on the lookout for a really epic evening out, then head to Growth Bar. That is where to be for backpackers, and with reasonable cocktails, a lager pong desk, and pumping tune, it’s a assured a laugh evening out.

Virtually Well-known Bar is an excellent spot to ease into the night time, as they’ve nice cocktails. Any other a laugh spot is the Mad Monkey Hostel.

Jazz Area has extra of a kick back vibe with are living tune. Come right here to devour, drink, and calm down listening to a few native artists.

Need an all-nighter? Then head to Don’t Cry Bar. Loud tune, sturdy beverages, and tonnes of celebration animals…

(Don’t Cry Bar is quickly closed because of COVID. Nevertheless it hasn’t close down for just right, so keep watch over the Fb web page to peer in the event that they reopen)

Growth Bar

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

Jazz Area

• 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

Now not precisely situated in Pai, however as a substitute, in a the city 35km headed against Mae Hong Son, there’s a impressive limestone machine referred to as Lod (Spirit) Caves.

A river flows in the course of the caves and you’ll rent a information to drift thru them on a bamboo raft.

At sure issues, you’ll climb upstairs and ladders to discover the stalactites and stalagmites up shut in addition to the a lot of historical ceramics and wall art work which can be scattered all the way through the complicated.

Surely definitely worth the force/experience in the market.

If you wish to have an much more in-depth enjoy for caving close to Pai, take a look at this epic full-day caving and spelunking excursion via Pai Adventures.

13) Cross Whitewater Rafting

One of the most latest actions for what to do in Pai goes whitewater rafting, and when you’re on the lookout for an adrenaline rush then that is the only for you.

You’ll be able to make a choice to do a one-day excursion or perhaps a two-day excursion, charging down category 3 rapids in a purposefully-designed whitewater raft.

Pai Adventures additionally has rafting excursions that you’ll ebook the place the entire equipment and directions are incorporated.

14) Discuss with the Santichon Chinese language Village

Simply outdoor of Pai is the village of Santichon Village, an ethnic-minority Chinese language Yunnan village based via individuals who moved from north of the border all the way through the revolution.

At the present time it’s arrange as just a little of a cultural exhibition, and whilst it would appear quite touristy, it’s smartly value a discuss with when you’d love to get an within take a look at a special tradition and check out some other meals.

Yunnan delicacies is slightly scrumptious and the persons are pleasant right here. You’ll be able to get out to Santichon via renting a scooter and using the fast 5km to the village.

15) Spend Time within the Distinctive Cafes

Something that Pai does now not lack is astounding cafes serving up scrumptious espresso and meals. Maximum of them have fascinating decors and superb atmosphere and are an effective way to whilst away the day.

You should simply spend per week right here and now not discuss with the similar position two times! Commit a while to exploring the entire cafes, each on the town and at the outskirts.

Our private favorite is Container Cafe simply outdoor of Pai. It has cool chairs, scrumptious espresso and snacks and superior perspectives over the farmland under.

Container Cafe

• Deal with: Thung Yao, Pai District
• Opening hours: on a daily basis, from 10 AM – 6 PM

16) Do Some Yoga

When you’re feeling lovely sore finally the partying and waterfall leaping in Pai, you then will have to deal with your self to a few yoga categories.

For this kind of cool hippy the city, it’s no marvel that there are a number of yoga colleges attracting non secular varieties and anyone simply having a look to stretch their muscle tissues out.

The most well liked one is Sawasdee Pai Yoga, and they’ve two categories an afternoon (9:30am and 5pm), and they’re going to set you again 200 Thai Baht.

You’ll in finding them at the Pai River.

17) Sit back in a Hammock

Whilst you spend your days actively exploring the entirety Pai has to provide, it’s only standard to desire a wreck. Fortunately Pai is without doubt one of the maximum comfortable puts you’re ever more likely to discuss with.

Watch the hours fade as you laze about in a hammock, studying a ebook or gazing the arena move you via.

Many lodging choices have nice perspectives over the valley or via the river. Make sure to select any such and benefit from the vistas! Surely one of the crucial highest issues to do in Pai!

Disclaimer – In earlier variations of this newsletter we indexed visiting Thom’s Elephant Camp as one of the crucial highest issues to do in Pai. Whilst we at all times discouraged any person from using an elephant, we used to present everybody a possibility to make their very own selections. Since then we’ve won studies that Thom’s isn’t as healthy because it was, and as such we’ve got rid of it from our listing and need to warn others to not discuss with Thom’s Elephant Camp.

Pai Trip Information

That can assist you take advantage of it whilst you discuss with Pai Thailand, we’ve put in combination this epic little Pai go back and forth information for you.

When you’re questioning get there, the place to stick and what to devour after you’ve tackled the entire superior issues to do in Pai, that is the information for you!

Learn how to Get to Pai Thailand

There’s a lot of alternative ways to get to Pai, and it is dependent upon your funds, taste and the place you’re coming from.

The general public go back and forth to Pai from Chiang Mai, and incessantly go back the similar manner. There are 3 choices to get to Pai from Chiang Mai.

Fly

If cash isn’t an possibility, and time is, you’ll take a flight from Chiang Mai to Pai. It’s no doubt now not the most affordable possibility, however you’ll be there very quickly.

Trip Bus

The most typical manner for humans to get to Pai is to take a go back and forth bus from Chiang Mai, and whilst those are moderately reasonable and fast, they’re additionally just a little loopy.

The street from Chiang Mai to Pai has 762 curves on it, and zipping round the ones bends in a cramped go back and forth bus could make everybody onboard nauseous.

You’ll want to select up some movement illness pills from a pharmacy in Chiang Mai first.

You’ll be able to ebook your delivery to Pai from any hostel or company in Chiang Mai.

If you wish to ebook it forward of time despite the fact that to make sure you don’t leave out a seat, the highest position to take action is on 12go.asia.

Experience a Scooter

That is the most productive and most delightful approach to go back and forth to Pai, as you’ll get the danger to truly take in the epic surroundings alongside the path.

The recent air on your face is an excellent factor, and the street has been not too long ago paved to be close to best possible all the manner.

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

Please be very cautious despite the fact that in this experience from Chiang Mai to Pai. We’ve met dozens of backpackers who’ve crashed in this street, and in each and every example, it was once as a result of they both were given too cocky with their abilities, or had been green and had no thought experience.

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

When you’re going to experience a scooter from Chiang Mai to Pai, you’ll want to have go back and forth insurance coverage.

Lodging – The place to Keep in Pai, Thailand

Pai has were given an ideal number of puts to crash, from luxurious accommodations to mid-range boutique accommodations to dingy backpacker dives, and the entirety in between. There’ll surely be someplace to suit your funds!

The primary time we visited Pai we stayed at two other puts – Highly spiced Pai and Circle of relatives Huts – and whilst they had been just right again then, the lodging choices have truly advanced in recent times!

Now you’ll keep someplace slightly great on the cheap, or truly splash out and keep in one of the most maximum fantastic lodging within the nation.

Pai has additionally turn out to be just a little of a virtual nomad hotspot, which means if you have an interest in long-term lodging or personal residences and cabins there are slightly a couple of choices as smartly.

To search out those take a look at AirBnB (and use this hyperlink to obtain $35 off of your first keep).

As a fair larger bonus, we’ve partnered with the reserving agent Agoda to present all of our readers 10% off in their lodging world wide! Use the coupon: AGODANMD10 to get your cut price.

The Easiest Hostel In Pai – DeeJai Pai Backpackers

The legends at DeeJai Pai Backpackers were running onerous to show their humble domicile into the most productive backpacker lodging in Pai, and so they’ve in the end performed it!

The dorm rooms are extremely blank and spacious, and the typical space is one thing to die for – beautiful perspectives over the rice paddies with one of the most highest sundown spots in Pai.

It’s a great spot to stick if you’re on a backpacker funds.

Easiest Funds Lodging For {Couples} – Pai Nation Hut

On the finish of the Strolling Boulevard and over the bamboo bridge is a choice of superior lodging.

Whilst you recover from the bamboo bridge for your proper is Circle of relatives Huts, the place we first stayed after we got here to Pai, however the remaining time we had been there we determined to check out where at the left, and wow what a place!

Pai Nation Hut is administered via an amazingly pleasant woman and has an epic location proper at the river.

The bungalows have personal toilets, at ease beds and hammocks at the balconies, making them an excellent spot to relaxation on the finish of a large day exploring.

In addition they have running wifi.

Seize some beers and relax via the river in peace and quiet, and don’t be shocked when you find yourself extending your keep there for longer than anticipated (we did!).

Easiest Mid-Vary Resort – Phu Pai Artwork Resort

If you wish to have a fantastic lodging, however would moderately sleep in additional of a conventional lodge room as a substitute of a bamboo bungalow, Phu Pai Artwork Resort is where to be.

It has surprising rooms with the entire creature comforts you’d be expecting, together with wifi within the rooms and a TV, and the valuables is actually beautiful.

There’s a big pool for those who love to relax on the ones scorching Pai days, and the eating place serves superb meals.

It’s just a little outdoor of the city too, which means it’s very quiet and secluded.

Easiest Luxurious Resort In Pai – Reverie Siam Lodge

In the case of natural luxurious there are a few choices in Pai, however nowhere does it higher than Reverie Siam Lodge.

If dwelling the dream is top for your listing of items to do in Pai, then you’ll want to ebook in for a few nights at Reverie Siam Lodge and make allowance your self to be absolutely spoilt.

It has a great pool with mountain perspectives, a herbal pool, superb personnel with glorious consideration to element, and the rooms are to die for.

The decorations are quintessentially Thai, and tastefully performed, so that you’ll most likely finally end up taking a couple of concepts for your home whilst you go away.

You’ll want to devour and drink on the eating place and bar as smartly. The cocktails are a should.

Easiest Eating places in Pai Thailand

Pai has come a ways from its previous hippie backpacker days, and now there are a variety of superior and top quality eating places on the town. In reality when looking to take into accounts what to do in Pai, consuming is correct up there at the listing now!

In case you are after a world-class burger head to Maya Burger Queen (you’ll want to haven’t eaten for some time as they’re large).

Dang Thai Meals makes one of the most highest Thai meals in Pai, and it’s all at a very fair worth, so you’ll want to devour there as smartly.

Om Lawn Cafe has much less conventional Thai choices however does nice vegetarian, wholesome foods.

Splash out on some Mexican at Cafecito if you wish to have one thing other too.

[box] That’s it for our listing of the most productive issues to do in Pai. Have we overlooked the rest? Have you ever discovered the listing helpful? Go away a remark under and tell us![/box]

DISCLAIMER: One of the vital hyperlinks on this article are associate hyperlinks, because of this when you ebook lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we can obtain a small fee at no further value to you. Those commissions lend a hand us stay growing extra unfastened go back and forth content material to lend a hand humans plan their vacations and adventures. We most effective counsel the most productive lodging, excursions and merchandise, and continuously evaluate those. Thank you to your improve, sort pal!

Save this Pin for later?