We’ve rounded up the most up-to-date and best things to do in Pai, Thailand… Experience some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets you will find across the globe.
Pai is a truly stunning part of Northern Thailand to visit, with a multitude of activities, adventures, and locations for tourists to enjoy.
Charmingly situated amongst the mountains, the small village has become a mecca for backpackers and tourists in search of some of the most beautiful scenery Thailand has to offer.
This is the perfect place to visit to use as a base to go trekking, visit waterfalls, take long beautiful scooter rides, and have adventures amongst the beautiful mountainside.
Best Things To Do In Pai, Thailand…
1. Hike The Pai Canyon
The huge Pai Canyon offers some brilliant views and fantastic hikes for the visiting active tourists.
This is a great starting point for the energetic and athletic traveler looking to get their vacation off to an adventurous start.
You will enjoy whiling away the hours hiking, climbing, and exploring the beautiful canyon, (known as Thailand’s answer to Grand Canyon.)
Witness the wonderful wildlife, take some stunning photos and wait for the sun to set to enjoy a few drinks as you enjoy the magical atmosphere all around you as the sky changes its colors.
Please make sure that you are wearing suitably strong hiking boots and that you don’t attempt any paths or climbs which are beyond your fitness level.
Pai Canyon is without doubt one of the best things to do in Pai.
2. Explore The Spirit Caves (Tham Lod Cave)
While you are in Pai, you should make the trip to a truly stunning and monumental set of limestone caves located about 35km away from town, the Spirit Caves are known as some of the most awe-inspiring caves to be found in Thailand.
Float through the Spirit Caves (Tham Lod Caves) on a bamboo raft down the Lang River that flows through them for a magical experience spotting stunning rock formations and some of the wildlife, such as bats who inhabit the caves.
You can take a closer look at the beautiful natural phenomenon’s stalagmites and stalactites as well as the awe-inspiring ancient wall paintings and ceramics which can be seen on this massive site.
This is a great activity if you want a more relaxed activity away from hiking and climbing, enjoy the coolness of the cave and enjoy the splendor all around you.
A tour of the cave will cost you between 200 and 600 Baht depending upon group size and the length of your tour and we recommend this as one of the best things to do in Pai, Thailand.
3. Take A Trip To The Santichon Chinese Village
The Village of Santichon, a Chines Ethnic-minatory village is situated just 5km outside of Pai and is well worth a visit for those who are interested in culture and history.
The Yunnan village was originally founded by the Chinese who traveled north after the revelation.
Nowadays, it sees many tourist visits and provides travelers with a taste of the Yunnan culture and traditions.
This is a fascinating chance to experience some of the unique histories in the area and sample some delicious Yunnan cuisine.
A great way to integrate some culture and history amongst the more adventurous activities within the mountains and entry is free!
4. Have A White Water Rafting Adventure
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush during your trip, then this is a fantastic area to go white water rafting in!
You can spend a day or two on a tour of the local rivers, speeding down them as the waves crash around you.
There are several different White Water Raft Tour Operators available offering experiences such as Pai Adventure Rafting & Thai Rafting.
We’d say any form of water sports like this will be one of the best things to do in Pai!
5. Visit The Night Market On Walking Street
Get an authentic and affordable taste of Thai cuisine and culture by visiting the main street, which plays host to a wide array of stalls and food vendors each night.
Pick up some locally made clothes or jewelry, a beautiful personalized postcard, or walk around the stalls sampling the delicacies which take your fancy.
There is a wide variety of foods on offer from local Thai Food, to Indian food, to Barbecued meats and Sushi, so whether or not you leave the market with any souvenirs, you definitely won’t leave hungry!
This is a perfect place to go people-watching – sit down, grab a drink and watch the fascinating mix of locals and tourists from around the globe as they stroll by.
6. Enjoy The Wonderful Pambok Waterfall
Pambok Waterfall is particularly beautiful and is only a short ride on a scooter from the village.
Escape the heat with a visit to one of the many beautiful waterfalls that can be found in the Pai area.
This is a great waterfall to head to if you are looking for a more secluded experience, there is even a chance you might be able to experience this beautiful pool all to yourself.
The stunning scenery is in the shade for a lot of the day, so the water is the perfect cool contrast to the heat around you.
You can have a great time leaping into the cool depths from some ledges, but make sure that you have checked the depths are safe beforehand and are a capable swimmer before you do so.
7. Take A Dip In The Tha Pai Hot Springs
If you need a break from all that hiking and climbing, then head for a relaxing soak in the Tha Pai Hot Springs!
At the Springs, soothing cool water streams across hot to the touch rocks to create the perfect warm, heated pool for your to luxuriate in surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The springs are a popular place to head to for some relaxation and rejuvenation so chances are you’ll run into some other friendly tourists to chat to while you enjoy whiling away an hour or two of pure relaxation.
This is a fantastic place to head to during the cooler months, where you can access some much-needed warmth surrounded by beautiful plants and wildlife.
8. The White Buddha On Top Of The Hill (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)
When you are in Pai, you will be able to spot this beautiful White Buddha on Top of the Hill (Wat Phra That Mae Yen), from just about anywhere in the area.
This shrine is not only a beautiful landmark to see from below, but you can also make the trip up the 353 steps to enjoy some of the most beautiful views around!
You should consider timing your hike with the sunset and you will be able to experience the most gorgeous shades of the surrounding wildlife as the sun disappears.
As always, you should be sure to wear some sturdy shoes, take plenty of water and wear clothes that are respectful of the shrine’s religious status.
Although a little trek, The White Buddah is definitely one of the best things to do in Pai.
9. Go To Circus School
If you fancy a fun and unusual time away from the mountains, then this 600 baht experience is well worth the entrance fee.
Learn how to juggle, staff, poi and diablo along with a wide variety of other activities from the experienced and helpful circus teachers.
This is a great option for a family bonding session or friends travelling together, and one that you are will always remember.
If you want to take a break from learning how to juggle, you can enjoy the beautiful views all around this gorgeous elevated location.
There aren’t many people in the world who can claim to have received circus training in the mountains of Thailand!
10. Partake In The Night-Time Scene
Pai is a pretty small, isolated mountain town, but there is no lack of clubs and bars for tourists to enjoy!
Backpackers tend to head to the Boom Bar, a vibrant busy location with affordable drinks, great music and a host of fellow travelers to enjoy the night with.
Other bars to check out include the Mad Monkey Hostel, the Sunset Bar and the Don’t Cry Bar.
If you were worried that a trip to this picturesque place would mean little opportunity for a few epic nights out on the town, you couldn’t be more wrong!
11. Visit The WW2 Memorial Bridge
Take some time out of your trip to pay a visit to this bridge with true historical significance.
In 1942 the Japanese built this bridge to transport weapons to Myanmar during the Second World War.
As well as providing a sobering and monumental reminder of another side of the area’s history, it is set within an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a beautiful place to go for a walk.
If you want to avoid being crushed by crowds of fellow travelers, you should aim to arrive either earlier in the morning or later in the day as this is a tourist hotspot in the area.
12. Tubing Down The River Pai
Tubing down the river is one of the most popular activities for tourists in Pai, it’s fun, it’s affordable and it lasts about an hour.
Get a new view of Pai from the river as you drift through the beautiful scenery, mountains and wildlife of this stunning area.
There are several operators offering these fun experiences and the activity should cost you from 200 to 300 Baht.
You can easily book an experience through your hotel or by approaching one of the vendors you wil be able to spot selling the activity on the streets.
13. Pai Piranha Fishing Park & Guesthouse
If there are any fishing enthusiasts in your party, then this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to enjoy a spot of fishing in Pai.
The Pai Piranha Fishing Park will rent you a fishing rod with a barbless hook, net, and bread to entice the fish and give you some tips on getting started.
This activity is for recreation only and once caught the fish are released back into the lake.
Definitely one of the more eccentric activities on offer in Pai, this fun experience will give fishing fans a unique tale to tell to their fellow enthusiasts once they get home!
The price of this experience varies according to how long you want to fish, but a three-hour experience will cost you approximately 200 baht and includes the rental of the equipment.
14. Spend A Sunrise At The Yun Lai Viewpoint
For a wonderful way to start your day, you should make sure to plan a trip to this beautiful viewpoint to watch the stunning vistas as the sun rises.
This isolated area is only accessible by a single, bumpy road and you need to pay 20 Baht for entry, but the views you will enjoy are worth the effort.
The scenic panorama is truly breathtaking and this is a magical way to experience the beauty of Thailand.
15. Spend A Day Improving Your Mind and Body With The Shaolin Monks
This is another unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to consider including in your trip to Pai.
Spend some time on this day retreat at the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat’s Shaolin Warrior School and rejuvenate your mind and body by learning a spiritual mixture of ancient meditation and fighting techniques.
This is a fantastic way to destress and gain a new sense of peace amongst the picturesque mountains guided by experts.
There are various length options for your visit to the retreat, ranging from a couple of hours to several day; a three-hour session will cost you about $40 USD and you can book through the website of Nam Young Kung Fu Retreat Day Courses.
Summary: 15 Best Things To Do In Pai, Thailand
Pai has a vast number of enjoyable experiences on offer for you when you visit, whether you are in search of athletic adventures or relaxing cultural sights.
Pai has kept its own unique identity whilst becoming a popular tourist spot and as you can see from our 15 Best Things To Do In Pai -You can partake in many fun activities which are unique to the area.
We hope that you will make sure to stop off at some of the landmarks, activities, and experiences we have highlighted above and have a wonderful trip to this incredibly special part of the world.
For more ideas and inspirations about places to visit and things to do during your Thailand vacation, make sure to check out The Best Places To Visit In Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pai
Where is Pai in Thailand?
Pai is a small mountain village in the Mae Hong Son province of Thailand, just 130km Northwest of Chiang Mai. The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai is most easily accessible by car or bus taking approximately 3 hours.
Pai is famously known as one of Thailand’s most beautiful northern towns sitting on the banks of the river Pai itself. The area is home to the Pai Canyon, Spirit Caves, hot springs, and the traditional Chinese village of Santichon.
Although slightly rural, the town of Pai is well worth the visit for those heading to Northern Thailand. Travelers can enjoy a slower pace of life on their Thai travels, enjoying the lush green mountain scenery – A breath of fresh air for those fond of nature and the great outdoors.
The easiest way to get to Pai is via Train and Bus, often in two stages. Firstly, you’ll need to get a train (11-15 hrs) or bus (9-11 hrs) from Bangkok North to Chiang Mai. Secondly, you’ll want to take a 3-hour bus journey from Chiang Mai to Pai.
The best time to visit Pai, Thailand is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is the most popular time to visit as the temperatures are mild and the days are sunny.
Map of Pai
Pai by Video
