Pai is a small town in the northern part of Thailand, near the Myanmar border in Mae Hong Son Province. Despite its relatively small size, there are plenty of things to do in Pai and the surrounding area, which is known for its beautiful and scenic landscapes.
Pai used to be a small market village, but in recent years, backpackers have made it one of the top destinations in the world for backpackers, enjoying cheap guesthouses and a relaxed atmosphere.
In this article, I’m sharing some of the best places to visit in Pai and the surrounding area.
Big White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)
Big White Buddha, or as it is known in Thai the Wat Phra That Mae Yen, is a giant sitting Buddha found in the village Mae Hi next to Pai. The icon is located on a small hill and offers a great view of the villages.
The temple is particularly known for its great sunsets as you can watch the sun disappear behind the hills surrounding the region from here. The stairs leading to the statue are not a big challenge but keep in mind this is a sacred place and you have to dress appropriately.
More reading: Interesting facts about Buddhism.
Tubing on The Pai River
Tubing is one of the most popular activities in Pai. All you have to do is get seated in one of the inflated rubber rings and enjoy your journey down the river. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the way and you can stop as you please.
The town also offers shops selling items like dry bags that can be used to make sure whatever you bring with you stays dry. Renting one of the tubes costs around 300 Baht including the Tuk Tuk trip from Pai to the starting point upstream.
Whitewater Rafting
The Pai River also offers some great Whitewater Rafting. The travel agencies in Pai can take you on these adventures for an affordable price that includes safety equipment and transport.
Depending on how adventurous you are you can decide for more relaxed rides or jump into exciting class 4 rapids. The rafting tours usually also include visits to the nearby hot springs and waterfalls.
Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon, also called Kong Lan, is a great spot for trekking and offers beautiful untouched nature just outside Pai. Amongst the highlights of the canyon are its unusual rock formations that can often be climbed or walked upon.
They don’t just look spectacular but also give great panoramas as some of them are very high and often quite scary to walk on.
Visitors can explore the canyon on their own or take part in a guided tour, no matter what you decide to do the canyon is going to be an amazing experience.
Tham Lod Cave
The cave of Tham Lod is located just north of Pai and is an absolute marvel for nature lovers. Getting here is a bit tricky as it takes around 90 minutes on foot to reach the cave but once you have made it here you will not regret it.
This cave can be explored with kayaks or bamboo rafts and is just a magical place full of natural beauty. There are also many bats living here making the experience even more interesting.
The entry fee of the national park includes a guide that will lead you safely through the area.
Sai Ngam hot springs
Sai Ngam hot springs are a unique ”wellness”-experience. They are located just north of Pai and consist of several pools of varying temperatures surrounded by beautiful forests and wildlife.
This place is very popular with locals and foreigners alike which makes it busy throughout the day. Despite its popularity, the experience of coming here is very peaceful and serene, and just bathing in the thermal water while listening to the chirping birds is very soothing and relaxing.
Learn how to cook Thai food at Pai Cookery School
Learning to cook Thai food is a popular activity for foreign visitors no matter where they go and Pai is no different. The lovely town offers several cooking schools out of which the Pai Cookery School is one of the most well-known and best-regarded.
It welcomes everyone eager to learn the local cuisine with open arms, sharing not just its passion for good Thai food but also the friendliness and hospitality of the Thai people. The classes also include a trip to the local market where the variety of ingredients is explained.
Have some fun at Pai’s bar street
Despite its small size, Pai offers a little bar street that entertains visitors of the town who are in search of nightlife. Of course, everything is much sleepier here compared to Thailand’s southern beach towns but the bars are still worth a visit as they offer great drinks while often broadcasting football games or movies.
There are also many street food vendors found on Pai’s bar street which make the place great for exploring Thailand’s yummy dishes. Apart from food and drinks, there are also many clothes and souvenir vendors found here.
Conserve Natural Forests
Conserve Natural Forests is an environmental organization that aims at protecting the region’s natural habitats and biological diversity. The organization offers tours to interested visitors explaining their efforts and techniques to preserve Thailand’s great forests.
There is also a tortoise enclosure found here. For interested visitors, internship programs are available, ideal for everyone eager to stay here for longer.
The fields in which the organization offers internships in include Photography, Forest Management, Social Media Marketing and Sustainability Management.
Santichon Village
The village of Santichon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pai and consists of several houses built in the traditional Yunnan style. The culture and traditions of the Yunnan people living here have endured for centuries and make a really interesting experience.
Many of the ancestors of the village’s residents have fled here after the Chinese revolution but there are also many Thai hill-tribe people living here. The town is also known for its fantastic Yunnanese food and many locals come here regularly to enjoy these authentic and delightful dishes.
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Yun Lai Viewpoint is a very popular spot for watching the beautiful sunrises of the region. It is located on a hilltop and can be reached with a motorbike or car.
The viewpoint is located near the historic Santichon Village and visiting both places is a great combined half-day trip from nearby Pai.
Due to its great sunrises, the viewpoint gets very busy in the early mornings but coming here is worth it throughout the day and if you like it less crowded you can also come here in the afternoon or evening.
Pai Land Split
Pai Land Split is an interesting seismic rift that was created by a number of earthquakes. The land split is almost like a real-life geography lesson and is one of the most unique attractions in Pai’s surrounding countryside.
The owner of the farmlands on which the land split has occurred is very hospitable and has opened a shop selling the fruits and nuts of his trees as well as delicious fresh juices.
Mae Yen Waterfalls
The village of Mae Hi is home to the beautiful Mae Yen Waterfalls and its swimmable basin. This waterfall is located in beautiful tropical vegetation east of Pai and requires around three hours of trekking as there is no road connecting it to the town.
The trek leads through beautiful jungles and is part of the attraction. Please keep in mind that you will need to bring your own water and snacks for the journey as there are no shops nearby.
Sitjemam Muay Thai
Sitjemam Muay Thai is Pai’s number one address for fans of Thai kickboxing. The venue offers show fights as well as Muay Thai courses for all levels. Sitjemam also offers programs aiming at weight loss and improved fitness levels that are very fun and offer an interesting alternative to the sports you might be used to in your home country.
Boon Ko Ku So Bridge
Boon Ko Ku So Bridge is one of the most interesting structures of the area. This famous bridge was built out of bamboo and serves as a means to allow the monks living here easy access to the village.
The bridge stretches over many rice paddies and offers fantastic views over the mountains of the region. The best time of the day to visit is before 8 am as this is when the monks perform the alms ritual that has them going from house to house and receiving the food for the day.
More reading from Thailand
- Things to do in Chiang Rai
- Things to do in Chiang Mai
- 21 Thai fruits to try while visiting
- Elephant nature park in Chiang Mai
Want more recommendations on places to visit in Pai? Leave a comment below!