The 16 Best Things To Do In Pai, Thailand

The charming town of Pai is located in Northern Thailand, just a few hours north of Chiang Mai. Boasting a laid-back vibe, breathtaking scenery, and rugged scenery, this popular destination has so much to offer.

There are many awesome things to do in Pai as well, ranging from relaxing in hot springs to visiting unique natural formations. Not to mention, this town is a great foodie destination, offering a fantastic night market, various restaurants, and delightful coffee shops.

This Pai travel guide will cover everything you need to know, including the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get around. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions!

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The Best Things To Do In Pai, Thailand

1. Visit Pai Canyon

Pai Canyon is one of the most popular natural attractions in northern Thailand. Although it’s not a huge canyon, the views from the top are jaw-dropping, especially at sunset.

To get the best views, you’ll want to walk along the narrow hiking trails of Pai Canyon. Here, you can take an enjoyable climb. Many people choose to time their visit with sunset as the colours are jaw-dropping, but you’ll encounter more crowds at this time of day.

Just be aware that you’ll be surrounded by cliff edges so this may not be the best place for those with a fear of heights. You’ll also want to wear the correct footwear, as the paths can be very slippery.

The canyon is around a 12-minute drive from Pai Walking Street so is best accessed by hiring a scooter or bicycle. Otherwise, you’re looking at a hike of around two hours.

2. Relax in Pai Hot Springs

Those looking to relax while in Pai should head to the local hot springs. Located in Huai Nam Dang National Park, these hot springs have an average temperature of around 34°C (93°F).

As such they are best enjoyed between November and February, when temperatures are cooler. Alternatively, you can head to the hot springs in the morning while the weather is still pleasant. Those who head early can relax without the crowds too! While here, there’s also the opportunity to boil an egg in the springs!

There are several pools to choose from, some of which are surrounded by lush greenery. On-site, there are restrooms, toilets, and a small shop, where you can buy snacks so you won’t be short of facilities.

Pai Hot Springs is around a 15-minute drive from the town centre (near the Memorial Bridge). Foreigners typically pay 300 THB (£6.40) to enter, with prices being cheaper for locals.

3. Walk along the Bamboo Bridge

The Bamboo Bridge is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Pai. It was one of our favourite spots in Thailand and offers you the chance to get out and admire the area’s spectacular scenery.

The Bamboo Bridge is a bamboo-clad walkway that snakes its way through lush rice fields, boasting a beautiful mountain backdrop. It was built in 2016 so that monks could easily access Pam Bok village, but quickly became a popular attraction with tourists.

Also known as Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, this attraction is located in Pam Bok village, around a 25-minute drive from Pai Walking Street. Hiring a scooter is the best option to get here. We decided to hire a bicycle, but be aware that the ride is difficult, especially in the midday heat.

The entrance fee is 30 THB each (£0.65) so is perfect for those on a budget.

4. River Rafting and Tubing

There are many adventurous things to do in Pai, but river rafting and tubing are two of the most popular. With its wild river rapids and breathtaking scenery, this area of Thailand is the perfect destination for rafting.

Peak rafting season typically runs from late July to October. Just be aware that the class of river rapid (ranging from Class I to Class IV) will depend on when you visit. Rafting activities are also weather-dependent.

Tubing is the more laid-back alternative and there are some fantastic tours on offer. Those after a unique experience should check out this Jungle Tipsy Tubing Experience.

This boozy outdoor activity will see you tube down the Pai River, stopping at various bars along the way. The tour lasts for six hours in total, and you’ll get to engage in fun games, have shots, and listen to live DJs.

5. Marvel at White Buddha, Wat Phra That Mae Ye

It’s thought there are approximately 34,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand (if not more). One of these is Wat Phra That Mae Yen, a huge White Buddha that’s located high upon a hill. From here, you’ll get spectacular vistas of Pai and the surrounding rice fields, especially at sunset.

Getting to the top can be a struggle, especially for those who are travelling during the warmer months. There are approximately 350 steps to walk up, so pack plenty of water and pace yourself if temperatures are high! To avoid the heat, visit the White Buddha either in the morning or during the evening before closing time.

As with all religious landmarks, make sure to dress appropriately. You’ll need to keep your shoulders and legs covered. If you forget to wear long pants, it’s possible to hire a skirt/sarong at the temple.

The White Buddha is approximately a 30-minute walk out of town so it’s not necessary to hire a scooter.

6. Admire The Dragon Bridge at Wat Mai Huay Sai

Wat Mai Huay Sai is one of Pai’s hidden gems. This temple is located alongside the 1095 road, just a 15-minute walk from Coffee In Love, but it’s not the temple itself that will catch your eye.

Here, there’s a dragon bridge which depicts colourful serpents on each side. Each one is incredibly detailed and colourful, making for great photographs. After crossing the bridge, you’ll also come across a large Buddha statue.

Compared to other areas in Pai, Wat Mai Huay Sai is really quiet. You could easily wander around this complex without seeing another soul and that’s all part of its charm. Not to mention, you’ll get epic mountain views from here! The one thing we will say is that taking photographs at this place can be difficult due to the sun’s position.

So if you’re looking for free things to do in Pai, we’d suggest heading to this complex!

7. Grab a Drink at Coffee in Love

There are so many cafes and restaurants to choose from in Pai (and its surrounding area). However, Coffee In Love is certainly one of the most popular and it’s not hard to see why!

This cute little coffee shop is located on the outskirts of town, around a 5-minute drive away. The bright yellow building offers an outdoor terrace, where you can appreciate breathtaking valley views. Instagram lovers should also take a picture with the ‘I am Pai’ sign before leaving!

As the name suggests, this cafe is famous for its coffee. The cheesecake is also a big hit, but there are other sweet treats on offer, as well as more substantial options, such as burgers and noodles.

‘I Love U Pai Cafe‘ is another charming cafe in Pai and there’s just a 5-minute walk between the two. Here, you can relax on swinging chairs while taking in the scenery.

8. Visit Memorial Bridge

No trip to Pai is complete without a visit to the Memorial Bridge. This historical landmark was constructed during WWII by the Japanese army, who needed a route from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. This was so they could attack Burma, which was a British colony at the time.

Unfortunately, villagers were forced to work on this bridge as well as elephants, who had to drag trees from the jungle. After WWII had finished, the Japanese left and burnt down the bridge. As it had become such an important transport route for the local people, a wooden bridge was later rebuilt.

Although you can’t see the original bridge, this landmark is still worth a visit. If you’d like to get photographs, head here early in the morning when Memorial Bridge is quiet. It’s around a 12-minute drive from the centre of town so is best accessed by scooter.

9. Try Local Dishes at the Night Market

Thailand is famous for its street food and there are dozens of markets throughout the country where you can try the local cuisine. Pai Night Market is a fantastic place to do so as there are lots of local dishes on offer!

The night market is located along Pai Walking Street, which is when this area really comes alive. There are so many different vendors here, selling a variety of foods, including classics such as Pad Thai and banana coconut pancakes.

This market also offers a variety of other international options, such as crepes and curry puffs. There are vegan dishes too, so there’s something for everyone.

As well as food vendors, there are various other stalls at this market, selling everything from jewellery to paintings. This makes it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs too! Just be aware that this market can get really crowded.

10. Head to Pai Land Split

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Pai, head to the Pai Land Split. This unique geological formation is around a 20-minute drive from the centre of town so is easily accessible.

Pai Land Split was originally a normal piece of land until a small earthquake occurred in 2008. This caused a crack to appear in the land, and it’s believed there’s a fault line here, so the ‘split’ continues to grow. More recent earthquakes have caused additional fissures in this area.

The Pai Land Split is still located on private property but the farmer allows people to visit in exchange for a donation. While here, you walk along a mapped trail which gives you fantastic views of the gorge. Afterwards, you can pick up a drink or snack from the farmer’s stall.

While exploring this area, look out for ants nests, spiders, and snakes.

11. Hire a Motorcycle to Explore the Surrounding Area

There’s no denying that driving abroad can often feel overwhelming, especially for those who will drive on the other side of the road. However, many tourists choose to hire a scooter as it’s a great way to get around.

You’ll find plenty of unique things to do in Pai itself, but there’s so much to do in the surrounding area. Those with a scooter will have no issues exploring attractions outside of the town, including Pai Canyon, Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint, and Mo Pang Waterfall.

Scooter rentals start from 150-200 THB (£3.20-£4.20) per day so they are very affordable. You’ll find plenty of rental options in Pai, but do your research first, rather than just going for the cheapest option.

Some rental companies will also offer lessons for approximately 100 THB (£2.15). These are well worth the effort, especially for those who don’t have much experience with scooters.

12. Marvel at the Architecture of Wat Sri Don Chai

Wat Sri Don Chai (down as Wat Si Don Chai on Google Maps) is another must-visit for those wondering what to do in Pai, Thailand. Dating back over 700 years, it’s the oldest temple in the Pai District.

The architecture of Wat Sri Don Chai will blow you away, with its intricate detailing, serpentine sculptures, and beautiful colouring. Not to mention, the temple is set within a lush area, full of trees and greenery.

However, the interior is just as impressive. Those who head inside will be greeted with incredible paintings and artwork, along with a beautiful chandelier. Within this temple (also known as Wat Luang Sari Bua Ban), you’ll find Phra Buddha Sihing (Phra Singh Pai) too. It’s the image of the Buddha in the Chiang Saen Singh style.

Wat Sri Don Chai is just under a 10-minute drive from the centre of Pai or a 45-minute walk.

13. Chase the Local Waterfalls

There are several waterfalls near Pai so you’ll have a few different options. The most popular are Mo Paeng Waterfall, Pam Bok Waterfall, and Mae Yen Waterfall, all of which have something to offer.

Mo Paeng is just under a 20-minute drive from Pai and is a popular spot with locals and tourists. There are multiple pools at this waterfall which are great for cooling off, along with a few areas where you can slide down the rocks. Entrance is typically 100 THB (£2.15).

Pam Bok is a similar distance from the town and is near the Bamboo Bridge. It’s a popular swimming spot, although there’s not much water in the dry season so keep that in mind. Not to mention, the entrance fee for this waterfall can be anything from 100-400 THB (£2.15-£8.55) depending on who you get!

Finally, there’s Mae Yen Waterfall which is accessible via a long hike.

14. Take a Tour of Conserve Natural Forests (CNF)

You won’t be short of things to do in Pai (and the surrounding area). However, if you’re after something a bit different, why not head to Conserve Natural Forests?

This non-profit organisation aims to restore natural forests throughout the country, and they have planting sites in over 7 Thai provinces. CNF work to restore these landscapes in ways that will benefit the local communities and enhance biodiversity. This organisation also focuses on wildlife conservation.

While in Pai, you can head on a guided eco-tour of Conserve Natural Forests. Not only will you learn all about sustainable tourism, ecological restoration, and Asian elephant conservation, but you’ll be getting your hands dirty! Activities range from gathering seeds to finding new planting sites.

CNF asks for a minimum donation of 1000 THB (£21.35) per person for the day, and the money will go towards tree-planting and helping local communities.

15. Head out to Tham Lod Cave

Tham Lod Cave (often referred to as Nam Lod Cave) is another popular attraction in Pai. It’s one of the most easily accessible caves in Thailand and boasts a huge river entrance, so is very impressive!

You’ll explore Tham Lod by raft and there are usually a couple of tour options. The full tour typically costs 600 THB (£12.80) per group, with a maximum of three people. Your guide will take you on a bamboo raft along the cave’s river, and you’ll explore via lantern which is a cool experience.

Tham Lod Cave is also famous for its large bat population, which can often be seen leaving the cave at dusk. Just be aware that the cave itself is pretty smelly, due to the various bird and bat droppings.

Tham Lod Cave is over an hour’s drive from Pai town and is best accessed by scooter.

16. Appreciate the Local Viewpoints

Finally, while in Pai, you’ll want to visit the nearby viewpoints. The town is set in a beautiful area of Northern Thailand and there’s no better way to appreciate the surrounding scenery.

Yun Lai Viewpoint is one of the best places to visit. It’s approximately a 15-minute drive from the town and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, especially at sunrise when the fog is rolling in. The entrance fee is 10-20 THB (£0.20-£0.40) and it’s possible to enjoy a pot of tea up here too!

Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint is another popular spot, located around a 30-minute drive from Pai. On a clear day, the views from here are spectacular. There’s also a cafe where you can grab something to eat or a coffee. Just be aware that the road up to Doi Kiew Lom is quite steep, so be cautious if you’re on a scooter.

Helpful Information For Visiting Pai, Thailand

How to get to Pai

Pai is under a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai, which is where many people travel from. You’ll have a couple of options when travelling between the two destinations.

Those who are confident drivers can hire a scooter to drive between Pai and Chiang Mai, and this will allow you to explore the surrounding area too. Scooter rentals are very affordable as well, although you’ll need to consider how much luggage you have with you.

Minibuses also run daily between the two destinations and the journey takes roughly 4 hours. There are several departures a day and tickets are super affordable, costing as little as £5 per person. These can be booked in advance on a platform such as 12Go Asia, or you can book with a local tour operator.

Those who aren’t on a budget can also take a taxi between the two destinations, but this will be at least £35, probably more.

How to get around Pai

Pai is fairly compact, with the majority of hotels, eateries, and shops all being located together. Many of them are set near Pai Walking Street so you can easily get around on foot.

However, many of the things to see in Pai are located outside of the town. The likes of Wat Si Don Chai and Big Buddha Pai are under an hour’s walk from the main street so you won’t need transport for those.

If you want to explore the surrounding area, then hiring a scooter or bicycle is your best option. Rentals are extremely cheap too, and you’ll have much more flexibility.

Just be aware that taxis aren’t as readily available here, compared to other large cities in Northern Thailand, such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. As such, if you don’t want to drive around yourself, you’re best off exploring Pai on a guided tour. Alternatively, you can travel around in a songthaew (pickup truck transport).

The best time to visit Pai

November to February is considered the best time to visit Pai. During this time of year, temperatures are relatively cool and pleasant, with highs of 18-21°C (64-70°F). There also isn’t much rainfall during these months.

We visited Pai in November and had a fantastic time! Just be aware that it can be cool in the evening, especially as you’ll be in northern Thailand. Winter is typically the best time to visit the country in general, so you can combine your visit to explore other areas.

Rainfall is typically at its highest between May and September, with September being the rainiest month! The hottest time to visit is between March and May when temperatures can reach up to 38°C (100°F).

Just make sure you time your visit to Pai wisely. Even visiting during the rainy season can have its highlights, especially as the town’s surroundings are so lush and green.

Where to stay in Pai, Thailand

There are tons of fantastic accommodation options in Pai. Whether you’re looking for an affordable bungalow or you’d prefer a more luxurious option, there’s something for everyone!

For the best experience, we’d suggest staying somewhere close to Pai Walking Street.

Here are some of our best accommodation recommendations!

Budget: KK Hut

KK Hut is just a 15-minute walk from Pai Walking Street so it’s in a great location. This property is where we stayed in Pai, and although the accommodation is basic, the rooms are very affordable!

The bungalows here are spacious and include a hammock outside where you can relax. They have a fan and there’s a shared bathroom for guests to use. Rooms are also available with a private bathroom.

Mid-range: Family House Zen Boutique Resort

Family House Zen Boutique Resort is a beautiful property that offers spacious double rooms. Some also feature an outdoor balcony/outdoor area, and you’ll have breakfast included in your stay!

A highlight of staying at this resort is the facilities, as you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and garden area. Those who decide to hire a motorbike will benefit from free private parking and you’ll have free WiFi.

Luxury: Pai Village Boutique Resort

Pai Village Boutique Resort is one of the most luxurious options in town. Set within beautiful tropical gardens, this resort offers an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, massage services, and a landscaped Koi pond garden.

You’ll stay in a traditional Thai-style cottage with a private balcony/outdoor area, hammock, and a private bathroom with a hot shower. You’ll also have breakfast included in your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pai, Thailand

How many days do I need in Pai?

We’d suggest spending 2-3 days in Pai. This will give you enough time to explore the local sights (such as the Pai Canyon) try some of the local restaurants and of course, relax.

Honestly, you could easily spend longer here as there are so many things to do in Pai. Some people also visit on a day trip from Chiang Mai by hiring a scooter, but that just won’t give you enough time in our opinion.

What is a good budget for Pai?

We recommend a minimum budget of £30-£40 per person per day. This will be enough for affordable accommodation, local dishes, and a couple of attractions, as Thailand is an affordable country to travel through.

Those who want to visit more attractions may need to increase their budget. However, you can easily get by on £30 per person, especially if you’re travelling as a couple as you can split accommodation costs.

Is it worth visiting Pai?

In our opinion, Pai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. With its laid-back hippie vibe, variety of things to do, and fantastic restaurants, this charming town has something for every kind of traveller.

So many people have the opinion that Pai just isn’t worth visiting, especially as it’s no longer a hidden gem. However, this destination is still certainly worth the trip if you’re exploring Northern Thailand.

Is Pai expensive?

Thailand is an affordable country to travel around, and the town of Pai is no different. You can find accommodation for as little as £5 a night, some of which sleeps two people, so that’s £2.50 each!

If you head to the night market, you can also pick up dishes for as little as £1.20. Not to mention, many of the attractions are free to visit or have cheap entrance fees, so you certainly don’t have to splash the cash.

Where To Go After Pai

If you’re planning to explore more of Thailand after Pai, you’ll be spoilt for choice. As you’ll already be in Northern Thailand, the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai would be our top picks!

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Famous for its historical temples, bustling night markets, and laid-back vibe, it’s a must-visit. There are some fantastic ethical elephant sanctuaries in the surrounding area too.

The city of Chiang Rai is home to two of Thailand’s most iconic temples; Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten. This destination also has a fantastic night bazaar along with plenty of attractions so you won’t run out of things to do!

Those who have entered Thailand from Laos will want to head further south too. As well as the crazy city of Bangkok, you’ve got the country’s popular island destinations. So many options!

Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Pai, Thailand

Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what to do in Pai. Whether you’re looking to try the local cuisine, relax in the hot springs, or wander along the Bamboo Bridge, there’s something for everyone! Not to mention, there are so many accommodation options to choose from.

Pai is honestly a must for any Thailand itinerary, especially for those who love to relax. Just make sure you don’t rush your time here as there’s so much to do.

If you have further questions about the top things to do in Pai, don’t hesitate to contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments below!

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• The Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary
• Visiting Kanchanaburi In Thailand

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