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Pai - Small town in Northern Thailand, many people love.
Pai - Small town in Northern Thailand, that many people love! Plan your stay with our comprehensive guide to what's on, transport, accommodation options, and tours. Everything you need to know is here and made easy for you.
Pai
Pai is a small town in northern Thailand, near the Myanmar border, that attracts many tourists with its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Pai has a variety of attractions, such as hot springs, waterfalls, caves, markets, and temples. It is a popular destination for backpackers and hippies, who enjoy cheap accommodation, funky cafes, and nightlife.
Walking Street
One of the attractions in Pai is the walking street that runs every evening from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can find a lot of things to see and do here, such as shopping for souvenirs, enjoying live music, relaxing at a bar or cafe, or sampling different kinds of food and snacks from various cuisines (Asian/European/local). Try "ข้าวส้ม", "Cow Som" meaning "Orange Rice" a local speciality of Mae Hong Son province, which is sold at some of the food stalls. It's a delicious and unique dish that you won't regret. The walking street is a great place to experience the lively and diverse culture of Pai.
Tubing
You’ll get to experience the beauty of Pai’s nature from a unique angle and make some new friends along the way. You can rent a rubber tube from any of the shops on Walking Street, and then hop on the river and enjoy the relaxing ride, or you'll probably feel more comfortable joining a tour and going as a group.
Usually, you’ll start your journey a few km upstream from Pai town. It will take you about 1-2 hours to get back, depending on the current. But be careful: tubing is not safe in the rainy season when the river is too high. If you visit Pai during this time, you can still have a blast with white water rafting. The high water levels make the rapids more thrilling and challenging.
Pai Canyon
A stunning natural attraction that attracts many visitors who want to enjoy the sunset and the thrill of walking on the narrow ridges. The canyon was formed by erosion over thousands of years, creating a network of sharp spines that rise above the ground. Some paths are less than half a metre wide, with steep drops on both sides. These paths are unsuitable for people who are afraid of heights or not careful. They are very dangerous. There have been several accidents and injuries at the canyon. I urge visitors to be more responsible and cautious when exploring the site. There is no need to risk your life for a photo or a view. You can get amazing pictures and views from the first viewpoint, which is safe and easy to access. Pai Canyon is one of the best free attractions in the area and a must-see for anyone who loves nature and beauty. Just be smart and stay safe!
Bamboo Bridge
Also known as Boon Ko Ku So, is an iconic attraction in Pai, Thailand. This 800-meter-long bamboo bridge offers a stunning view of the surrounding rice paddies and traditional Thai architecture. It was built as a shortcut for local monks to reach the Wat Phra That Mae Yen temple. The bridge is open to the public and attracts many tourists. You can enjoy some snacks and drinks at a small cafe near the bridge. To get there, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle from Pai Town or take a songthaew.
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
A Buddhist temple. The temple was built in 1892 and features a sacred white chedi, or pagoda, which stands at the temple’s entrance. The chedi is decorated with colourful flowers made of fabric and local plants. The temple is also known for its large white Buddha statue that overlooks the whole valley and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. The statue can be reached by climbing up many steps, which is considered a part of the pilgrimage. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fields.
Wat Si Don Chai
Old temple in Pai. It is believed to be the first temple of Pai, dating back to over 700 years ago. The temple is famous for its bronze Buddha statue, Phra Singh, which was brought from Chiang Mai in 1478. The temple also has beautiful architecture and murals, such as the Naga-shaped handrails and the pointy roofs. Wat Si Don Chai is a sacred place for Buddhists and a popular attraction for tourists who visit Pai.
Hot Springs
One of the best ones is Sai Ngam Hot Spring, which has clear water and a jungle spa atmosphere. You can enjoy a private soak in the morning when there are fewer people around. You can also visit a traditional Thai village nearby, where you can see wooden stilt houses and local culture.
Another option is Pai Hotsprings Spa Resort, which is ideal for mineral bath lovers. You can choose from different thermal baths and a pool that has a beautiful view of the river and the countryside. You do not have to stay here to use the facilities but you still have to pay a small fee.
The most popular hot springs in Pai are Ta Pai Hot Springs
Which have a magical setting, especially at sunrise. You can see the hot springs surrounded by nature and steam. There is a path along a creek that leads you to different baths with temperatures from 34°C to 38°C. The water is supposed to have health benefits, but you should take a break every 15 minutes to avoid feeling dizzy from the vapours.
Tham Lod Cave
Is a natural limestone cave system. It is one of the most impressive and easily accessible caves in the country, with a freshwater stream running through it and a variety of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also an archaeological site, with ancient teakwood coffins carved by the Lawa tribespeople over 1,400 years ago. You can explore Tham Lod Cave by bamboo rafts, torch and guide, and see its stunning landscape and wildlife, including bats and swifts.
Ban Jabo
This charming village is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by lush greenery and misty landscapes. You can reach it in just 20 minutes from Tham Lod Cave, a natural wonder with ancient rock formations and cave paintings.
Ban Jabo also has some delicious food options to satisfy your appetite. The Noodle Soup House is a must-try, where you can slurp noodles while enjoying the view from the edge of the cliff. For a coffee break, head to Dekdoi Coffee and admire the panoramic vista (and look for our Salt in our Hair sticker on the wall!).
Explore the surrounding area
You can rent a scooter from Walking Street, the main street in Pai. There you can find many shops that offer scooters for a reasonable price. You can also book tours here or from a walking street that will take you to attractions such as waterfalls, hot springs, and temples. Walking Street is the centre of Pai's nightlife. As long as you stay close to walking street, you will have a convenient and enjoyable time in Pai.
TRANSPORT
First off you need to get to Chiang Mai, the best way here is by plane but if you're already in Chiang Mai just scroll down a little bit
Van
If you're in a group your best bet is to book a van, these can pick you up from your hotel and take you to your hotel in Pai. Simples. You can book this with the Asian Public Transport widget below.
Bus
To save money, especially if you're not a group, you can take a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai. They stop for bathroom breaks along the way. They go from the Chiang Mai Arcade.
Taxi
For convenience and flexibility, you can hire a taxi to take you from Chiang Mai to Pai. You can choose the size of the car that suits your needs and enjoy a door-to-door service
All of which you can book with the widget below!
ACCOMMODATION
North Pai - This is great for first-timers. It has some of the most popular hostels and resorts. You can also discover hidden treasures in this area, like the amazing Mae Yao waterfall and Sai Noam Hot Springs after a busy day.
Downtown Pai.
This is where you can find many bars and places to have fun. You can enjoy the music, the drinks, and the friendly atmosphere. Downtown Pai is not too crowded, but it still has the charm of a small mountain town.
Downtown Pai also has the amazing Pai Night Market, which is one of the best in Thailand. You can buy many things there, like jewellery, dream catchers, and delicious food. The night market is a great place to go every night.
Downtown Pai is the best choice for you if you like a lively environment.
Riverside Pai
It is located on the east side of the town centre, where it is more peaceful but still close to the lively places. You can cross the river and find many cheap places to sleep and eat. Riverside Pai gives you the best of both worlds: low cost and high fun, making it a great choice for budget travellers.
South Pai
Away from the busy city centre, it offers a scenic getaway for true rest. Earth Tone, our favourite restaurant in Pai, has a spacious and comfortable atmosphere ideal for socializing and meeting new people.
TOURS
Tubing and private trips can be booked in advance, other tours are available in Pai, especially on walking street and probably at your hotel/hostel.
