Pai is a small city positioned in Northern Thailand and as a consequence of its attraction and the numerous various things to do in Pai, it has develop into a preferred place for vacationers.
From visiting waterfalls and mountain climbing the Pai Canyon, to testing the Massive Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai presents quite a few points of interest for backpackers, vacationers, expats, and everybody in between.
For such a small place, the listing of issues to do in Pai is big! This city is rising and so are the numerous actions accessible in Pai for vacationers. That is positively top-of-the-line places to visit in Thailand.
The street between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. The truth is, this journey was the principle cause I went to Pai within the first place.
However to my shock, Pai was a city that stole my coronary heart, and I might return to it in a heartbeat. The truth is, visiting Pai was one in every of my Southeast Asia highlights.
Right here’s an inventory of the highest 21 issues to do in Pai you received’t wish to miss!
1. Study To Experience a Scooter
Studying to experience a scooter is first on my listing of issues to do in Pai for a cause — it’s mainly a necessary 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 check out.
Why is studying to drive a scooter important? Nicely, most 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 attraction of Pai is that there isn’t a lot site visitors, making it an excellent 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 have to ask someone “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 computerized scooter, which was a fantastic deal. It was a whole lot of enjoyable studying tips on how to experience, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the numerous issues to do in Pai.
There are lots of totally different rental retailers alongside the principle strolling avenue in Pai. You’ll have to go away a money deposit that you’re going to get again as soon as you come back the scooter in its unique situation — don’t go away your passport, even when they ask.
You should purchase insurance coverage for the scooter from these rental retailers as effectively 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 here.
2. Wander the Night time Markets (top-of-the-line issues to do in Pai within the night)
Questioning what to do in Pai within the evenings? Each night time there are markets in Pai alongside the strolling avenue. For such a small city, these markets are fairly spectacular. Right here, you’ll find all the things from clothes to meals, with the most effective low-cost avenue meals choices being discovered on the night time markets.
On the night time markets, additionally, you will be tempted by the purchasing. There are souvenirs, natural cures, clothes, and extra – mainly something you possibly can 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 whole lot of enjoyable and are one of many free issues to do in Pai.
3. Climb to The Massive 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 can 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 Massive 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 can be full with out a go to to the Sunset Bar. The Sundown Bar is simply because the title suggests, the place to go at sundown (and keep effectively after darkish.)
The Sundown Bar is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Pai amongst vacationers because it’s located simply exterior of the principle city middle, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (which means you don’t must drink and drive dwelling).
The bar is up within the timber and presents a fantastic view of the sundown every night time. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed ambiance for backpackers eager to share some journey tales over a drink. Anticipate 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 without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Pai. It’s reasonably priced, solely takes about an hour, and is out there most months of the 12 months.
Sadly, once 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 although we have been instructed by a number of others that the river was unsafe. Maintain your wits about you and solely tube when it’s protected to take action. The most typical months for heavy rain in Pai are from Could 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 will be booked simply by means of your lodging, by means of a journey company, or just with one of many guys strolling round city making an attempt to promote tubing excursions.
☞ When you’re on the lookout for extra Thailand articles, be sure that to take a look at our Things To Do in Koh Phangan article, and our Things To Do in Bangkok submit. 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 mountain climbing is turning into a preferred exercise. A couple of totally different tour operators manage these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally accessible.
Probably the most widespread corporations for this type of journey is known as Active Thailand, they are often contacted on their web site. There are additionally a lot of journey company reserving locations in Pai that may assist manage this journey for you.
Costs rely on the variety of folks you may get collectively for a visit, the size of the journey, and the kind of lodging you require.
For a two-day, 1 night time journey with primary lodging (sleeping in a jungle camp on bamboo with mosquito nets) count on to pay about 3,500Baht or 100 USD. For the out of doors adventurer, this may be top-of-the-line 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 probably the most historic significance.
However in addition to 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 picture alternatives. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, however remember the fact that it’s a widespread vacationer hotspot so it may be very busy.
8. Eat Wholesome Meals
Except your Southeast Asia journey has included Canggu Bali, you’re most likely craving an excellent salad full with avocado! There are a number of totally different locations in Pai the place you may 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. The truth is, you’ll discover vegetarian and gluten-free choices in cafes throughout city.
9. Eat Avenue Meals
Whereas the wholesome choices are nice in Pai, the unhealthy avenue meals choices are simply pretty much as good! When the solar begins happening many alternative little avenue meals stands open up and low-cost meals takes over the bustling daytime café scene.
Like anyplace in Thailand, Pad Thai and varied different noodle dishes can be found for only some baht. However in Pai, the locals are slightly extra inventive with their avenue meals, with stalls promoting donuts and Indian meals! Western meals choices like pizza and hamburgers are additionally available as effectively.
Nonetheless, since top-of-the-line things to do in Thailand is to eat Thai food, it’s beneficial that you just pattern the native eats, you received’t be upset.
10. Observe Yoga
Pai is an ideal little city for yoga lovers. There are a couple of totally 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 presents yoga lessons most mornings at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort additionally presents 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 occasions and areas can change.
11. Hike the Pai Canyon
In my view, out of all the issues to do in Pai, mountain climbing the Pai Canyon is the most effective! The Pai Canyon is a stupendous canyon with varied mountain climbing trails and lookouts over the countryside.
You’ll need 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 stupendous 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 ensure you 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 positively among 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 crucial widespread issues to do in Pai – however for good cause. As a consequence of its sheer measurement, this cave is named one of the crucial spectacular in Thailand.
Inside you’ll discover many limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations hanging from above (and a few bats!), and for the reason that Lang River flows by means of this cave, a portion of the cave is simply accessible by bamboo boat. Due to this, a information is necessary with a view to enter.
From Pai, it’s potential to go to Tham Lod Cave on a tour or to go by yourself with a scooter. Both method, the drive takes about 45 minutes. Anticipate 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 must pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The worth is determined by your group measurement however count on to pay about 200 Baht ($6) per particular person for the cave information. Tham Lod Cave is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Pai, don’t miss it!
14. Sai Ngam Scorching Springs
The Sai Ngam Scorching Springs is also referred to as the “Secret” Scorching Springs as they’re slightly exterior of city and fewer developed than among the different scorching springs round Pai. However truthfully, they’re no secret and will be fairly busy!
These scorching springs are proper within the jungle making them really feel tranquil and an ideal place to chill out 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 prime issues to do in Pai for each locals and vacationers.
Sai Ngam Scorching 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 may very well be carried out 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 exterior 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 any case these years, descendants of those settlers nonetheless reside right here making it an attention-grabbing place to go to.
There are a few various things to do at Santichon Village. The primary can be to wander round and take a look at the clay homes and eat among the conventional Yunnanese delicacies. Fried shiitake mushrooms and steamed black rooster are simply a few the favored dishes.
Strolling across the village you will note stunning buildings in typical Yunnan model, and a few fish ponds as effectively. It’s potential to purchase fish meals and feed the a whole bunch 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 a neighborhood got here and helped us out. Whereas it appears slightly harmful it was a whole lot of enjoyable! We most likely spent quite a bit 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 without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Pai for dawn.
18. Go Piranha Fishing
This is without doubt one of the most uncommon issues to do in Pai. On the Piranha Fishing Park, there’s a sequence 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 internet. I used to be having some bother at the start however the employees have 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 all the piranhas are launched again into the lake as soon as they’re caught. They solely use barbless hooks.
Costs rely on the season and size of time you wish to go fishing however count on to pay round 200 Baht for 3 hours value of fishing together with some bait.
19. Swim at Mor Paeng Waterfall
Solely 7km exterior of Pai is the three-tiered Mor Paeng waterfall. Whereas there are lots of waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is without doubt one of the hottest as a consequence of its quick access, and due to how enjoyable it’s to swim and slide there!
Mor Paeng is finest reached by bike alongside the identical street because the Santichon Village and the piranha fishing. It’s a free exercise however the native children will need 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 means of the jungle to get to the waterfall. When you’re on the lookout for one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Pai.
20. Drink Mojitos
I personally liked the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some buddies and I walked the streets of Pai in the hunt for some good “completely satisfied hour” offers. What we discovered was that completely satisfied hour existed all over the place, however not for only one hour, for a lot of the day – and infrequently 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 ambiance in pubs and eating places is pleasant and alluring, and I’m nearly sure that you’ll make many buddies over a mojito in Pai.
21. Drive to Chiang Mai
There are lots of enjoyable things to do in Chiang Mai as effectively, so when you’ve checked out Pai, make your method there. The street between Chiang Mai and Pai is legendary for being very scenic, but in addition 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 no less than slightly movement sick.
No matter how uncomfortable the experience may be, it’s really stunning! I might suggest renting a motorcycle and driving your self with a view to cease as steadily 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 numerous sharp turns may very well be an issue.
When you don’t wish to drive a motorcycle there your self, you possibly can rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses should not snug and don’t cease typically, it’s nonetheless a enjoyable experience 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 below are a couple of prime beneficial lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for some luxurious, or are touring on a finances, there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody.
Funds:
The Countryside Pai – rated “Fabulous” 8.9/10. The lovable bungalows right here supply friends a non-public rooftop balcony, ensuite toilet and bathe, and wonderful mountain and rice subject views. Plus, there’s an onsite pool! These cute bungalows are a singular place to remain in Pai and go from round $17-$20/night time. Click here to learn more and book.
Villa de Pai – rated “Very Good” 8.2/10. These bungalows are snug and have a non-public balcony with a hammock for chillin’ out. Free espresso, tea and fruits can be found within the morning. Some rooms supply air-conditioning whereas others are followers solely. Rooms for 2 folks go from round $13/night time. Click here to learn more and to book.
Click here to seek for extra finances lodging in Pai.
Midrange:
Pai Vieng Fa Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. This tropical property presents friends lodging in stunning bungalows, full with a non-public balcony and mountain surroundings. There’s air-conditioning, and an onsite swimming pool. When you’re on the lookout for consolation and affordability, this can be a good possibility. Bungalows listed here are from $30/night time. Click here to be taught extra and to guide.
Tarnjedton Pai Resort – rated “Distinctive” 9.0/10. The gorgeous cottages listed here are set within the mountains, providing a peaceable keep for guests. Rooms embody a fan, ensuite toilet, non-public balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included within the room charge, which begins at round $39/night time. Click here to be taught extra and to guide.
Click here to go looking by means 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 picket cottages supply friends views of the mountains or backyard from the non-public balconies. The ensuite bogs have scorching water showers, and the rooms have sitting areas and kettles for friends’ use as effectively.
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 may chill out with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room charge, which begins at $85/night time. Click here to be taught extra and to guide.
Click here to go looking by means of extra top-end properties in Pai.
Now You Know What To Do in Pai
Primarily based on this listing of issues to do in Pai, you may most likely inform that it isn’t your typical city in Thailand. There aren’t 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 snug, making it a preferred place for backpackers to go to whereas in Thailand. I hope this listing gave you some concepts for issues to do throughout your journey to Pai. Blissful travels!
Pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock. Study extra about their royalty-free photographs here.
Goats On The Highway Advisable Assets For Pai, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Pai. It’s necessary to ensure you have ample journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in out of doors actions akin to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountain climbing, and so forth. We use and recommend Safety Wing.
✓ We suggest buying eco-friendly merchandise to your keep in Pai. We’re personally making an attempt to scale 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, contemplate shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter akin 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, carry your individual.
