Situated 135 kilometers away from Chiang Mai, Pai is a gorgeous village and arguably one of Northern Thailand's most impressive destinations. Over the years, it has been drawing backpackers, adventurers, hippies, flash-packers, hikers, and visitors with other interests. The quaint village is brimming with stunning waterfalls, natural hot springs, and numerous attractions to experience. Pai is not like any other place in Thailand, and once there, travelers may spend more days than they intended. It's so beautiful that a few nights may turn into months. While the town itself might be much to brag about, the village's hippy vibes are thrilling, and there are endless activities for tourists of all interests and ages. Here are the top 10 fun things to do in Pai, Thailand.
10 Explore The Pai Canyon
Also referred to as Kong Lan, Pai Canyon is Thailand’s version of the Grand Canyon, and a visit to the destination is worth it. The Canyon is popular for its mesmerizing valley and sunset views, and tourists will find other visitors from around 5:30 pm, scrambling for the best spots. The Canyon is not just for incredible views but covers a large area for engaging in fun hiking. Some of the paths in the Canyon are quite narrow, making it a perfect place for adventure lovers. Riding a scooter is the only way to get to the Canyon.
9 Go Shopping At Pai’s Walking Street Night Market
The Pai’s main street turns into an incredible market every night, and visitors will find everything here, from amazing street food to jewelry to clothing. Spending some moments here would absolutely pay off, especially when craving some food. There is a wide selection of street food in the market, from smoothies made out of fresh fruits to Indian food to barbecued meats and everything in between. Even if one is not into shopping, just being here is entertaining, especially watching people driving scooters for the first time.
8 Wander At Pai’s Stunning Waterfalls
A tour in Pai cannot be complete without exploring its amazing waterfalls, some of which are actually Thai’s most impressive. Mor Paeng Waterfall is the easiest to access from town, making it the most visited of them all. Because of this, travelers will find the falls mostly overcrowded, as every tourist stops there. But the waterfall is breathtaking, and its major draw is the fact that one can slide down its slippery rocks and have a refreshing dip into the pool below. Pam Bok Waterfall is another beautiful attraction, but with fewer crowds because one can only get there on a scooter. The waterfall is a perfect spot for swimming and enjoying fascinating views from the viewpoint.
7 Soak In The Natural Hot Springs
Pai is full of natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing, especially in the afternoon. These hot springs are best visited in winter when Pai temperatures are cold. Pai, being a common backpacker destination, travelers will find lots of them by the hot springs, giving them ample opportunity to make some new friends. Some of the most amazing springs are the Pai Hot Springs and Sai Ngam Hot Springs. Pai Hot Springs is located on the south side of the town center, while the San Ngam Hot Springs is situated about 17 kilometers north of Pai, an approximately 25-minute drive from the town center.
6 Visit The Land Split
Located on the road heading to Pam Bok Waterfall, the Pai Land Split is one of the region's most famous attractions and is worth exploring. Surrounded by beautiful hills, the Land Split was once a working farm until it was damaged by two earthquakes. Now a unique destination in Pai, the Land Split lets travelers experience nature and Thai hospitality at once. While wandering around here, tourists will meet the owner, who is friendly and greets everyone with a welcoming smile. Travelers will enjoy a lot in this place, including sweet papaya, Roselle juice and wine, Roselle jam, and many other delicious snacks offered at absolutely no cost! It is truly a magical place to be.
5 Learn How To Ride A Scooter
Pai is undoubtedly one of Thai's best spots to ride scooters, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and peaceful roads. Also, Pai lacks public transportation, and a scooter is the main means of getting around the picturesque village town. The fact that tourists won't have to deal with traffic like other places, such as Chiang Mai, makes Pai the ideal place to learn how to ride scooters. Visitors can rent scooters in some of the many shops offering them at affordable prices. All one needs to do is get some fuel and enjoy the ride.
- The cost of renting a scooter: $5 per day
4 Don't miss Wat Phra That Mae Yen (The White Buddha)
Also known as the White Buddha, Wat Phra That Mae is an attraction no one would want to miss. Located on top of the hill, travelers can see it from many spots within the town. It is not only religiously significant; it also provides some of the most impressive views of Pai. One can get there by crossing the bridge heading out of town, and walking further until they cover two kilometers out of town. From there, there is a path leading to the top of the hill, and it features 353 steps to get to the White Buddha. Getting there can be exhausting, but the breathtaking views from the top are worth the effort!
3 Explore Tham Lod Cave
Visiting one of Thai’s most beautiful caves is, without a doubt, an interesting activity not to be missed when touring Pai. The cave is situated about a 45-minute drive from town, on the road leading to Mae Hong Son. The drive towards the place is scenic, with roads winding up the incredible mountains, offering impressive views. There is a stunning viewpoint called Kiw Lom, which is a must-stop. On one side of the road, tourists can look through the Myanmar border, and on the other side are the Pai's beautiful valleys and mountains. Stretching 1.5 kilometers, the cave has Nam Lang River flowing through it. Visiting this cave is indeed among the most fun things to do in Pai, Thailand.
2 Visit The Fluid Swimming Pool
Situated at the center of Pai valley and only a short walking distance from town, the Fluid Swimming Pool is definitely a top fun place to be in Pai. The pool has a bar & restaurant offering delicious western dishes and is a popular scene for backpackers. The mornings around here are always peaceful and relaxed, followed by more vibrant afternoons. At the swimming pool, travelers will meet new people and build some awesome friendships. There is no room for boredom here, thanks to the constant supply of yummy food, incredible cocktails, and fruit shakes.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: 80 baht per adult person. Kids are allowed to enter for free.
1 Learn How To Make Authentic Thai Food
Pai Cookery School is the perfect place to learn how to make an authentic Thai dish, as it offers the full experience one needs, from purchasing all the ingredients at the market to making the meals. The school puts more emphasis on Thai herbs and teaches how they can be used for cooking and as medicine. Attending these classes is an excellent way of learning a new skill while touring Pai. Taking Thai cooking classes is indeed an experience every traveler is going to relish!