Pai, a charming and laid-back town nestled in the picturesque mountains of Northern Thailand, offers an idyllic escape from the urban hustle of Chiang Mai. Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, tranquil ambiance, and vibrant bohemian culture, Pai has become a favorite destination for backpackers, artists, and nature enthusiasts alike. While its relaxed pace is a significant draw, Pai boasts a surprising array of activities that combine adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation.
After navigating the famous “Road of 762 Curves” from Chiang Mai, you’ll find yourself in a town that effortlessly blends beautiful scenery with an easygoing lifestyle. This guide outlines ten incredible experiences that will make your visit to Pai truly unforgettable.
Getting to Pai from Chiang Mai
The journey to Pai is an experience in itself, with multiple transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.
- Shuttle Bus/Van: This is often considered the best method for travel from Chiang Mai to Pai. Services like Smartenplus offer vans accommodating around 9 passengers, providing a fun opportunity to chat with fellow travelers. The journey typically takes about 4 hours, including a 15-minute bathroom break halfway. It’s highly recommended to take motion sickness medication due to the very winding roads. To avoid the cramped rear seats, try not to be the last to board. Vans drop off passengers on Pai Walking Street, where songthaews are available for onward travel to accommodation.
- Motorbike: For adventurous and skilled riders, riding a motorbike from Chiang Mai is a popular choice, taking approximately 3 hours. While the roads are wide and well-paved, they can be dangerous due to speeding vehicles and weather conditions, especially rain. This route is not recommended for inexperienced riders.
- Private Day Trip: If you prefer convenience, top-rated private one-day trips from Chiang Mai include transportation and a guide to Pai.
Getting Around Pai
Once in Pai, the best way to explore is by motorbike. Rental vendors are plentiful, with prices starting around 150 baht per day. Remember that collateral, usually a passport or a cash deposit (around 2000-3000 baht), is typically required. Pai’s rural and open areas make it a good place to learn to ride a scooter if you’re new to it, but caution is advised as accidents are common among new drivers.
Alternatively, songthaews (shared taxis) are readily available and can take you to popular spots. You can also hire a songthaew for a sightseeing tour, but be sure to negotiate the rate beforehand.
10 Essential Things to Do in Pai
1. Witness the Panoramic Views at Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is arguably the best place to enjoy the sunset in Pai, offering incredible panoramic views and unique narrow ridgelines to explore. Its layout, with ridges snaking in all directions, makes it distinctive. Be aware that some ridges have steep drop-offs, requiring full attention, and paths can be narrow, allowing only one person at a time. For those uncomfortable with heights, excellent views can still be enjoyed from safer areas. The canyon transforms into a social scene every evening, with people gathering to chat while watching the sun set. Best of all, there is no entrance fee. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting for sunrise.
2. Relax in the Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Sai Ngam Hot Spring is often highlighted as a trip’s highlight, tucked under a shady forest canopy in a nature reserve north of town. The water is not scorching but rather a perfect, in-between warmth, hovering around 25-30 degrees Celsius. It flows out of the ground and cascades down three levels, creating different relaxing areas. Visiting right when it opens at 8 AM is recommended for a peaceful and quiet experience, as tour groups tend to arrive by 10 AM. The cost to enter Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary (where the hot spring is located) is 200 baht per person plus 20 baht per bike, with the hot springs fee being an additional 20 baht per person.
3. Wander Across the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
The Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge began as a practical solution for locals to navigate rice fields without damaging crops, eventually evolving into a popular tourist attraction. This 800-meter long bridge winds through rice fields and grazing pastures, offering a quiet, calm glimpse of rural Pai. You’ll find a few huts along the way to sit and relax. The best time to visit is from September to early November when the rice fields are lush green. The cost to cross the bridge is 20 baht, which supports the local village’s maintenance.
4. Ascend to the Big White Buddha (Chedi Phra That Mae Yen)
The Big White Buddha is one of Pai’s most recognizable landmarks, part of Wat Phra That Mae Yen, a hillside temple overlooking the Pai valley. The Buddha sits atop a long white staircase, requiring a climb of about 350 steps, which takes approximately 10 minutes from the parking area. It’s a place for reflection, generally quiet without music. The early morning is ideal when the weather is cooler and the Pai valley might be blanketed with fog, making the Big Buddha rise above a “sea of clouds”. It’s also a great spot for sunset views, though it can get crowded. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is customary when visiting this religious site.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Pai Night Market
A visit to Pai is incomplete without experiencing its vibrant night market. Every evening, the streets close to car traffic, transforming into a lively pedestrian zone filled with tourists, locals, and vendors. The market is divided into sections, with stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and trinkets on one side, and an array of street food stalls on the other. The food scene is wonderful, offering affordability and quality, with many vegan options. The market operates from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (or 10:30 PM). It’s a perfect place to grab a quick bite and enjoy Pai’s laid-back yet energetic culture.
6. Explore Pai’s Backroads on a Motorbike
Exploring Pai’s backroads on a motorbike is an adventure in itself, allowing for a unique experience of the town. You can get lost on country roads, encountering water buffaloes, discovering local swimming spots, and finding lesser-known sunset viewpoints. Renting a motorbike typically costs 150 to 300 baht per day. While renting, be prepared to leave collateral, either your passport or a cash deposit of around 2000-3000 baht. This freedom allows you to discover your own secret spots.
7. Visit the Historic Tha Pai Memorial Bridge
An unplanned discovery for many exploring Pai by motorbike, the Tha Pai Memorial Bridge has an interesting history. Originally built by the Japanese during World War 2 to facilitate access routes to Burma, it was later rebuilt by the local community as it was an important river crossing. Although a new bridge now handles traffic, the old bridge remains as a historical point of interest. You’ll find much of its old wooden baseboards still intact, adding a “sketchy” yet thrilling element to the visit. Street vendors are often present on both sides of the bridge entrances.
8. Cool Off at Mo Paeng Waterfall
Mo Paeng Waterfall is a multi-tiered waterfall, ideal for hanging out and swimming. It features well-developed trailways. The falls have a natural pool at the bottom perfect for relaxing and cooling off. It’s particularly popular during the rainy season (July to October) when the waterfall transforms into a “wild water ride”. The waterfall is located about 9 kilometers from the center of Pai and is easily accessible. Admission to the waterfall can sometimes be free, though some sources indicate a 100 baht fee.
9. Experience Culture at Santichon Chinese Village
Santichon Chinese Village is a cultural village built and run by the ethnic Yunnanese Chinese who settled in Pai decades ago. It offers an authentic experience, featuring clay-walled houses, Yunnanese tea shops, and souvenir stands. Visitors can participate in activities such as archery, dressing in traditional costumes, and riding a unique wooden swing that spins in circles. There is also a small museum detailing the community’s history.
10. Catch Sunrise at Yun Lai Viewpoint
Pai has many scenic spots, and Yun Lai Viewpoint is arguably the most famous, offering a wide expansive view from the hills above Pai. It’s a super popular spot for sunrise, where you can watch the sun peek over distant mountains as fog blankets the valley below. The viewpoint is well-developed with a small cafe for drinks. Basic camping facilities are available on-site for those wishing to stay overnight to catch the sunrise. The backroads leading to Yun Lai pass through quiet farmland and villages, providing a glimpse into a quieter side of Pai.
Where to Eat in Pai
Pai’s food scene is highly praised for its combination of affordability and quality, making it a culinary delight. It’s also considered a vegan’s dream destination.
Recommended Restaurants & Cafes:
- Thai Food: Nong Nung, Thai Kitchen, Racha Noodle & Gravy, Nong Beer Restaurant. Khao Soi, a coconut-based noodle soup, is a must-try Northern Thai dish found in Pai.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Fat Cat, Earth Tone, Free Bird Cafe, Lemon Thyme Cafe.
- Other Notables: Ganita Cafe (known for its chicken sandwich, also offers plant-based options), Pulut Ayam Goreng Halal Pai (local favorite for fried chicken), Dammie Cafe and Tham Ma Daa Cafe (chill atmospheres), Centrico Mexican Restaurant (excellent Mexican food, ceviche), Cafe de Pai (great for breakfast/lunch), Rainy Cafe (highly-rated iced coffee), Sweet Art Cafe (art classes, relaxed ambiance), Romance Farm & Cafe (charming cafe on a working farm).
- Pai Night Market: A must-visit for its diverse array of street food, open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where to Stay in Pai
Pai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury resorts.
- Hostels: Cha Li’s Family Hotel & Hostel is praised for its cleanliness and comfort. Other popular options include Society House Luxury Hostel and Deejai Pai Backpackers. The Pai Circus Hostel is famous for its circus classes and infinity pool, though some found mosquito issues and a restrictive atmosphere.
- Guesthouses & Bungalows: KK Hut Guesthouse (comfortable, quiet, with kittens) and Paddy Fields Haven (bungalows on rice fields, ideal for scooter users).
- Hotels/Resorts: Pai Cherkaew, Pai Village Boutique Resort, Kuad Khon Thoe Pai Cottage, The Nest House. Canary Guesthouse is a favored choice, located near the Pai Walking Street but far enough to avoid noise, offering comfortable cabins. For luxury, options like Pai Island Resort and Reverie Siam Resort are available.
Conclusion
Pai truly is a destination that captivates its visitors, often leading them to extend their stays far beyond initial plans. Its mountainous landscapes, serene waterfalls, and therapeutic hot springs offer a refreshing retreat. Beyond its natural beauty, Pai’s vibrant arts scene, eclectic cafes, and lively night market create a unique cultural tapestry. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Pai provides a diverse range of experiences that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Plan your trip to this enchanting northern Thai gem and discover why so many travelers find themselves completely bewitched by Pai.