21 Finest Issues To Do in Pai, Thailand

Pai Thailand is a small city positioned in Northern Thailand and resulting from its allure and the various various things to do in Pai, it has develop into a preferred place for vacationers.

From visiting waterfalls and mountaineering the Pai Canyon, to trying out the Huge Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai affords quite a few sights for backpackers, vacationers, expats, and everybody in between.

For such a small place, the record of issues to do in Pai is big! This city is rising and so are the various actions accessible in Pai for vacationers. That is undoubtedly probably the greatest locations to go to in Thailand.

The street between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. In reality, this journey was the principle purpose I went to Pai within the first place.

However to my shock, Pai was a city that stole my coronary heart, and I’d return to it in a heartbeat. In reality, visiting Pai was considered one of my Southeast Asia highlights.

Right here’s a listing of the highest 21 issues to do in Pai you gained’t wish to miss!

21 Issues To Do in Pai Thailand

Right here’s my record of 21 issues to do in Pai Thailand after visiting a number of instances for prolonged durations of time. In fact, I did much more in Pai than these 21 issues, however I’ve narrowed the record all the way down to what I feel are one of the best sights and experiences in Pai for vacationers of every kind.

1. Study To Experience a Scooter

Studying to journey a scooter is first on my record of issues to do in Pai for a purpose — it’s mainly a vital exercise on this tiny city. Like me, you probably have by no means ridden a motorcycle or scooter earlier than, Pai is the place to don a helmet and take a look at.

Why is studying to drive a scooter important? Nicely, lots of the actions in Pai aren’t really within the city middle, however a few minutes drive out of city.

As a result of Pai is legendary for vacationers renting scooters as their most important mode of transportation, there aren’t too many tuk-tuks on the town. Plus, a part of the allure of Pai is that there isn’t a lot site visitors, making it a great place for newbies to be taught.

That every one being stated, vacationers stroll round Pai like mummies, all bandaged up from scooter accidents. A lot so, that you just don’t even must ask anyone “what occurred” once you see their battered knee, it’s simply assumed it was a scooter accident.

Be sure you put on a helmet, drive cautiously, and naturally, don’t drink and drive.

I rented a scooter for 2 full days whereas I used to be in Pai and it price 500 Baht for each days for an automated scooter, which was a fantastic deal. It was a number of enjoyable studying tips on how to journey, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the various issues to do in Pai.

There are a lot of completely different rental retailers alongside the principle strolling road in Pai. You’ll have to depart a money deposit that you’re going to get again as soon as you come back the scooter in its authentic situation — don’t depart your passport, even when they ask.

You should buy insurance coverage for the scooter from these rental retailers as nicely which can be a good suggestion if it’s your first time using a scooter!

If you wish to do an extended journey, the Mae Hong Son Loop is Thailand’s hottest and gorgeous journey. Study extra about it right here.

2. Wander the Night time Markets (One of many Finest Issues To Do in Pai within the Night)

Questioning what to do in Pai within the evenings? Each evening there are markets in Pai alongside the strolling road. For such a small city, these markets are fairly spectacular. Right here, you will discover the whole lot from clothes to meals, with one of the best low cost road meals choices being discovered on the evening markets.

On the evening markets, additionally, you will be tempted by the purchasing. There are souvenirs, natural cures, clothes, and extra – mainly something you might consider, you’ll discover!

However no matter whether or not or not you wish to purchase one thing, the markets are at all times a number of enjoyable and are one of many free issues to do in Pai.

3. Climb to The Huge White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)

If in case you have been backpacking Thailand for some time, visiting one other Buddha statue may not sound all that interesting, however this one is value it merely for the view!

The steps to get to the highest may have you working up a sweat, however the panoramic view from subsequent to the Buddha is value it. Be sure you additionally take a look on the blindingly white Buddha statue, it’s fairly spectacular.

A go to to the Big Buddha is simple. You will notice it from city so simply drive in that route and you’re going to get there. Visiting the Huge Buddha is free and can take you about an hour to stroll to the highest, benefit from the views and take footage, and stroll again down. Be sure you costume appropriately and convey some water with you.

4. Celebration at Sundown Bar

No journey to Pai could be full and not using a go to to the Sundown Bar. The Sundown Bar is simply because the title suggests, the place to go at sundown (and keep nicely after darkish.)

The Sundown Bar is among the hottest issues to do in Pai amongst vacationers because it’s located simply outdoors of the principle city middle, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (which means you don’t should drink and drive residence).

The bar is up within the bushes and affords a fantastic view of the sundown every evening. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed environment for backpackers desirous to share some journey tales over a drink. Count on to pay round 100 Baht for a drink, however typically they do have 2-for-1 specials.

5. Go Tubing on The Pai River

Tubing alongside the Pai river is among the hottest issues to do in Pai. It’s inexpensive, solely takes about an hour, and is accessible most months of the yr.

Sadly, after I was there, there had simply been some heavy rainfall and the river was flowing so quickly that it was unsafe for tubing.

Some folks nonetheless tried to promote us the exercise regardless that we had been instructed by a number of others that the river was unsafe. Maintain your wits about you and solely tube when it’s secure to take action. The commonest months for heavy rain in Pai are from Might to October.

It prices between 200-300 Baht ($6 – $9) for a visit which incorporates your tube rental in addition to drop-off and pick-up. The tubing journey lasts for about one hour. Tubing may be booked simply by way of your lodging, by way of a journey company, or just with one of many guys strolling round city making an attempt to promote tubing excursions.

☞ If you happen to’re in search of extra Thailand articles, be certain that to take a look at our Issues To Do in Koh Phangan article, and our Issues To Do in Bangkok publish. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in Thailand!

6. Whitewater Rafting (One of many Extra Adventurous Issues To Do in Pai)

In Pai, whitewater rafting mixed with mountaineering is changing into a preferred exercise. A number of completely different tour operators arrange these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally accessible.

One of the well-liked corporations for this type of journey is known as Active Thailand, they are often contacted on their web site. There are additionally numerous journey company reserving locations in Pai that may assist arrange this journey for you.

Costs rely upon the variety of folks you will get collectively for a visit, the size of the journey, and the kind of lodging you require.

For a two-day, 1 evening journey with primary lodging (sleeping in a jungle camp on bamboo with mosquito nets) anticipate to pay about 3,500Baht or 100 USD. For the outside adventurer, this could be probably the greatest issues to do in Pai.

7. Stroll the WWII (Memorial) Bridge

The WWII Bridge was constructed by the Japanese again in 1942. The bridge was used to move weapons and provides to Myanmar throughout WWII. Out of all of the locations to see in Pai, this bridge has essentially the most historic significance.

However apart from its historical past, it’s additionally only a good place to go for a stroll. The bridge crosses a beautiful river making for some good photograph alternatives. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, however remember that it’s a well-liked vacationer hotspot so it may be very busy.

8. Eat Wholesome Meals

Until your Southeast Asia journey has included Canggu Bali, you might be most likely craving a great salad full with avocado! There are a number of completely different locations in Pai the place you will get that wholesome meals repair.

A café known as Earth Tone is a extremely popular restaurant serving high-quality vegetarian meals. They’ve wonderful waffles with fruit, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and extra. Earth Tone is simply one of many many locations to eat wholesome whereas in Pai. In reality, you’ll discover vegetarian and gluten-free choices in cafes throughout city.

9. Eat Road Meals

Whereas the wholesome choices are nice in Pai, the unhealthy road meals choices are simply nearly as good! When the solar begins happening many alternative little road meals stands open up and low cost meals takes over the bustling daytime café scene.

Like anyplace in Thailand, Pad Thai and numerous different noodle dishes can be found for only some baht. However in Pai, the locals are a bit of extra inventive with their road meals, with stalls promoting donuts and Indian meals! Western meals choices like pizza and hamburgers are additionally available as nicely.

Nonetheless, since probably the greatest issues to do in Thailand is to eat Thai meals, it’s beneficial that you just pattern the native eats, you gained’t be dissatisfied.

10. Observe Yoga

Pai is an ideal little city for yoga lovers. There are a number of completely different yoga retreats round, however there are additionally locations in Pai the place guests can simply drop in for a category or two.

The Well-known Pai Circus Hostel affords yoga lessons most mornings at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort additionally affords yoga lessons most mornings. I like to recommend asking at your hostel or resort once you arrive about present yoga lessons within the space, as the category instances and areas can change.

11. Hike the Pai Canyon

For my part, out of the entire issues to do in Pai, mountaineering the Pai Canyon is one of the best! The Pai Canyon is a ravishing canyon with numerous mountaineering trails and lookouts over the countryside.

You will want a scooter or tuk-tuk to get out to the Pai Canyon as it’s a few minute’s drive out of city. When you’re there, you’ll take pleasure in strolling alongside the canyon ridges and being out in nature.

It’s actually a ravishing place to go to. Many individuals discover the Pai Canyon at sundown for much more spectacular views. Entrance to the Pai Canyon is totally free. Simply be sure to put on good strolling footwear and convey loads of water.

12. Have a “ Love Strawberry” Milkshake

The Love Strawberry farm and retailer is a enjoyable cease on the way in which again into city from the Pai Canyon. It’s a little bit of a vacationer entice, however that doesn’t imply it isn’t value visiting!

Once I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was scrumptious. Exploring the property and taking some footage are undoubtedly a few of the most touristy issues to do in Pai.

13. Go to Tham Lod Cave

The Tham Lod Cave is big (greater than 1,600m lengthy and 50m excessive), with a go to right here being one of the frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good purpose. Attributable to its sheer measurement, this cave is called one of the spectacular in Thailand.

Inside you’ll discover many limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations hanging from above (and a few bats!), and because the Lang River flows by way of this cave, a portion of the cave is simply accessible by bamboo boat. Due to this, a information is necessary as a way to enter.

From Pai, it’s attainable to go to Tham Lod Cave on a tour or to go by yourself with a scooter. Both approach, the drive takes about 45 minutes. Count on to pay about 600 Baht ($18) for a full-day tour from Pai together with the information as soon as at Tham Lod Cave.

If you wish to go independently, you’ll nonetheless should pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The value is dependent upon your group measurement however anticipate to pay about 200 Baht ($6) per individual for the cave information. Tham Lod Cave is among the high locations to go to in Pai, don’t miss it!

14. Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs

The Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs is also referred to as the “Secret” Sizzling Springs as they’re a bit of outdoors of city and fewer developed than a few of the different scorching springs round Pai. However truthfully, they’re no secret and may be fairly busy!

These scorching springs are proper within the jungle making them really feel tranquil and an ideal place to loosen up away from the hustle and bustle of Pai.

The gorgeous pure environment of the Sai Ngam Hot Springs mixed with the low price makes them one of many high issues to do in Pai for each locals and vacationers.

Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs are simply reached by scooter solely half-hour from Pai. They’re alongside the identical street that results in Tham Lom Cave so each of those actions might be achieved in in the future. The doorway payment is 20 Baht ($0.60).

15. Discover the Santichon Village

Santichon Village is a small Yunnan cultural middle about 5km outdoors of Pai, reached with a enjoyable (very windy) street. This village was settled by the Chinese language who fled the revolution of Mao Tse Tung, and in spite of everything these years, descendants of those settlers nonetheless stay right here making it an attention-grabbing place to go to.

There are a few various things to do at Santichon Village. The primary could be to wander round and take a look at the clay homes and eat a few of the conventional Yunnanese delicacies. Fried shiitake mushrooms and steamed black hen are simply a few the favored dishes.

Strolling across the village you will note lovely buildings in typical Yunnan fashion, and a few fish ponds as nicely. It’s attainable to purchase fish meals and feed the a whole lot of koi fish, which is surprisingly much more entertaining than I anticipated it to be. Santichon Village is totally free to enter.

16. Experience the Human Powered Ferris Wheel

On the Santichon Village, there’s a human-powered Ferris Wheel. We couldn’t get it going ourselves however then an area got here and helped us out. Whereas it appears a bit of harmful it was a number of enjoyable! We most likely spent rather a lot longer than we must always have enjoying with this child’s toy!

17. Yun Lai Viewpoint

Simply previous the Santichon Village is the Yun Lai Viewpoint. It’s accessible solely by a really bumpy street. As soon as there, it prices 20 Baht to enter after which you’ll have a view overlooking Pai. This is among the finest locations to go to in Pai for dawn.

18. Go Piranha Fishing

This is among the most uncommon issues to do in Pai. On the Piranha Fishing Park, there’s a collection of synthetic lakes for fishing. You pay for a choose period of time and the employees will present you tips on how to fish for the piranhas.

You’re given a fishing rod in addition to bread and a web. I used to be having some hassle originally however the staff had been tremendous useful and taught me the tips. We solely managed to catch one small piranha throughout our time there however another folks handle to catch some enormous ones.

That is purely a leisure exercise and the entire piranhas are launched again into the lake as soon as they’re caught. They solely use barbless hooks.

Costs rely upon the season and size of time you wish to go fishing however anticipate to pay round 200 Baht for 3 hours value of fishing together with some bait.

19. Swim at Mor Paeng Waterfall

Solely 7km outdoors of Pai is the three-tiered Mor Paeng waterfall. Whereas there are various waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is among the hottest resulting from its quick access, and due to how enjoyable it’s to swim and slide there!

Mor Paeng is finest reached by motorcycle alongside the identical street because the Santichon Village and the piranha fishing. It’s a free exercise however the native children will desire a small tip in the event that they allow you to climb the waterfall and slide down.

There’s a small space right here for parking your bike, and from the automobile park it’s a couple of 200m stroll by way of the jungle to get to the waterfall. If you happen to’re in search of one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is among the finest issues to do in Pai.

20. Drink Mojitos

I personally liked the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some mates and I walked the streets of Pai searching for some good “glad hour” offers. What we discovered was that glad hour existed in every single place, however not for only one hour, for many of the day – and sometimes featured Mojitos.

I merely couldn’t flip down 2 for 1 Mojitos and evidently I had a fantastic night stuffed with rum and sugar!

Pai is a really social place for vacationers. The environment in pubs and eating places is pleasant and alluring, and I’m virtually sure that you’ll make many mates over a mojito in Pai.

21. Drive to Chiang Mai

There are a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Chiang Mai as nicely, so when you’ve checked out Pai, make your approach there. The street between Chiang Mai and Pai is legendary for being very scenic, but additionally for making folks very automobile sick!

Earlier than we left Chiang Mai for Pai, different vacationers cautioned us in regards to the many turns and the way everybody just about is assured to get at the least a bit of movement sick.

No matter how uncomfortable the journey is likely to be, it’s actually lovely! I’d advocate renting a motorcycle and driving your self as a way to cease as regularly as you need.

Nonetheless, in case you are not an skilled rider then don’t do that because it’s a street on which locals drive very quick and the various sharp turns might be an issue.

If you happen to don’t wish to drive a motorcycle there your self, you might rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses should not comfy and don’t cease usually, it’s nonetheless a enjoyable journey and will get you from level A to B. The drive takes roughly 3 hours with out stopping.

The place to Keep in Pai, Thailand

Listed here are a number of high beneficial lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re in search of some luxurious, or are touring on a funds, there’s one thing to go well with everybody.

Price range:

The Countryside Pai – rated “Fabulous” 8.9/10. The lovable bungalows right here provide friends a personal rooftop balcony, ensuite toilet and bathe, and beautiful mountain and rice area views. Plus, there’s an onsite pool! These cute bungalows are a singular place to remain in Pai and go from round $17-$20/evening. Click here to learn more and book.

Villa de Pai – rated “Very Good” 8.2/10. These bungalows are comfy and have a personal balcony with a hammock for chillin’ out. Free espresso, tea and fruits can be found within the morning. Some rooms provide air-conditioning whereas others are followers solely. Rooms for 2 folks go from round $13/evening. Click here to learn more and to book.

Click here to seek for extra funds lodging in Pai.

Midrange:

Pai Vieng Fa Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. This tropical property affords friends lodging in lovely bungalows, full with a personal balcony and mountain surroundings. There’s air-conditioning, and an onsite swimming pool. If you happen to’re in search of consolation and affordability, it is a good possibility. Bungalows listed below are from $30/evening. Click here to be taught extra and to e book.

Tarnjedton Pai Resort – rated “Distinctive” 9.0/10. The gorgeous cottages listed below are set within the mountains, providing a peaceable keep for guests. Rooms embrace a fan, ensuite toilet, non-public balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included within the room price, which begins at round $39/evening. Click here to be taught extra and to e book.

Click here to look by way of extra mid-range properties in Pai, Thailand.

Prime Finish:

Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm – rated “Fantastic” 9.1/10. The property right here is gorgeous! Set alongside the banks of the Pai River, the wood cottages provide friends views of the mountains or backyard from the non-public balconies. The ensuite loos have scorching water showers, and the rooms have sitting areas and kettles for friends’ use as nicely.

You’ll have entry to the property’s non-public farm which is 5 kilometers away, and after a day of having fun with all of the issues to do in Pai, you’ll be able to loosen up with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room price, which begins at $85/evening. Click here to be taught extra and to e book.

Click here to look by way of extra top-end properties in Pai.

Pai Thailand FAQs

Now You Know What To Do in Pai

Primarily based on this record of issues to do in Pai, you’ll be able to most likely inform that it isn’t your typical city in Thailand. There are not any seashores, island events, or streets totally devoted to night-clubbing, however that is what makes Pai a singular place to go to.

With that being stated, it’s nonetheless an enthralling city the place vacationers really feel comfy, making it a preferred place for backpackers to go to whereas in Thailand. I hope this record gave you some concepts for issues to do throughout your journey to Pai. Blissful travels!

Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock. Study extra about their royalty-free pictures here.

Goats On The Highway Really useful Assets For Pai, Thailand

✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Pai. It’s essential to be sure to have ample journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in outside actions corresponding to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountaineering, and many others. We use and advocate Security Wing.

✓ We advocate buying eco-friendly merchandise to your keep in Pai. We’re personally making an attempt to cut back the quantity of single-use plastic that we use, and encourage you to do the identical throughout your travels.

To keep away from buying plastic water bottles whereas in Pai, take into account shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter corresponding to LifeStraw or GrayL, or get your self a Steri-Pen. By way of utensils, this bamboo set is nice for picnics, whereas these glass or metal straws are excellent for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, convey your personal.

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