Pai is a small city situated in Northern Thailand and because of its appeal and the various various things to do in Pai, it has turn out to be a well-liked place for vacationers.
From visiting waterfalls and climbing 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 large! This city is rising and so are the various actions obtainable in Pai for vacationers. That is positively among the finest places to visit in Thailand.
The highway between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. In truth, this journey was the primary cause 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 truth, visiting Pai was certainly one of my Southeast Asia highlights.
Right here’s a listing of the highest 21 issues to do in Pai you gained’t need to miss!
1. Study To Experience a Scooter
Studying to trip a scooter is first on my record of issues to do in Pai for a cause — it’s principally a necessary exercise on this tiny city. Like me, in case you 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? Properly, most of the actions in Pai aren’t truly within the city heart, however a few minutes drive out of city.
As a result of Pai is known 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 appeal of Pai is that there isn’t a lot visitors, making it an excellent place for newbies to be taught.
That each one being mentioned, vacationers stroll round Pai like mummies, all bandaged up from scooter accidents. A lot so, that you just don’t even have to ask any individual “what occurred” while 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 an amazing deal. It was loads of enjoyable studying trip, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the various issues to do in Pai.
There are various completely different rental retailers alongside the primary 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 nicely which can be a good suggestion if it’s your first time driving 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 Evening Markets (One of many Greatest 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 will discover every little thing from clothes to meals, with one of the best 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 treatments, clothes, and extra – principally something you may consider, you’ll discover!
However no matter whether or not or not you need to purchase one thing, the markets are at all times loads 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)
When you have been backpacking Thailand for some time, visiting one other Buddha statue may not sound all that interesting, however this one is price it merely for the view!
The steps to get to the highest could have you working up a sweat, however the panoramic view from subsequent to the Buddha is price 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 straightforward. You will note it from city so simply drive in that path 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. Occasion at Sundown Bar
No journey to Pai could be full with no go to to the Sunset Bar. The Sundown Bar is simply because the identify 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 primary city heart, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (that means you don’t need to drink and drive residence).
The bar is up within the bushes and affords an amazing 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 among the hottest issues to do in Pai. It’s reasonably priced, solely takes about an hour, and is out there most months of the yr.
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 individuals nonetheless tried to promote us the exercise though we have been advised by a number of others that the river was unsafe. Preserve your wits about you and solely tube when it’s secure to take action. The commonest 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 might be booked simply via your lodging, via a journey company, or just with one of many guys strolling round city making an attempt to promote tubing excursions.
☞ When you’re in search of extra Thailand articles, make sure that to take a look at our Things To Do in Koh Phangan article, and our Things To Do in Bangkok put up. 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 climbing is changing into a well-liked exercise. A number of completely different tour operators set up these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally obtainable.
Some of the standard corporations for this sort of journey is named Active Thailand, they are often contacted on their web site. There are additionally plenty of journey company reserving locations in Pai that may assist set up this journey for you.
Costs depend upon the variety of individuals 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 fundamental lodging (sleeping in a jungle camp on bamboo with mosquito nets) count on to pay about 3,500Baht or 100 USD. For the outside adventurer, this might be among the finest 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 stunning river making for some good photograph alternatives. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, however remember the fact that it’s a standard 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 an excellent salad full with avocado! There are a number of completely different locations in Pai the place you may get that wholesome meals repair.
A café referred to as Earth Tone is a very talked-about 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 truth, 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 avenue meals choices are simply nearly as good! When the solar begins taking place many alternative little avenue meals stands open up and low cost meals takes over the bustling daytime café scene.
Like wherever in Thailand, Pad Thai and varied different noodle dishes can be found for only some baht. However in Pai, the locals are a bit of extra artistic with their avenue meals, with stalls promoting donuts and Indian meals! Western meals choices like pizza and hamburgers are additionally available as nicely.
Nonetheless, since among the finest things to do in Thailand is to eat Thai food, it’s beneficial that you just pattern the native eats, you gained’t be upset.
10. Observe Yoga
Pai is an ideal little city for yoga lovers. There are a couple 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 while you arrive about present yoga lessons within the space, as the category occasions and places can change.
11. Hike the Pai Canyon
For my part, out of the entire issues to do in Pai, climbing the Pai Canyon is one of the best! The Pai Canyon is an exquisite canyon with varied climbing trails and lookouts over the countryside.
You will have 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 an exquisite 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 you put on good strolling sneakers and convey loads of water.
12. Have a “ Love Strawberry” Milkshake
The Love Strawberry farm and retailer is a enjoyable cease on the best way again into city from the Pai Canyon. It’s a little bit of a vacationer lure, however that doesn’t imply it isn’t price visiting!
After I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was scrumptious. Exploring the property and taking some footage are positively a number of the most touristy issues to do in Pai.
13. Go to Tham Lod Cave
The Tham Lod Cave is large (greater than 1,600m lengthy and 50m excessive), with a go to right here being one of the crucial frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good cause. As a result of its sheer measurement, this cave is called 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 via this cave, a portion of the cave is simply accessible by bamboo boat. Due to this, a information is necessary with the intention to enter.
From Pai, it’s doable to go to Tham Lod Cave on a tour or to go by yourself with a scooter. Both manner, 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 need to pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The worth relies on your group measurement however count on 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 Scorching Springs
The Sai Ngam Scorching Springs is also called the “Secret” Scorching Springs as they’re a bit of outdoors of city and fewer developed than a number of the different sizzling springs round Pai. However truthfully, they’re no secret and might be fairly busy!
These sizzling 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 Scorching Springs are simply reached by scooter solely half-hour from Pai. They’re alongside the identical highway that results in Tham Lom Cave so each of those actions may very well be achieved in at some point. The doorway price is 20 Baht ($0.60).
15. Discover the Santichon Village
Santichon Village is a small Yunnan cultural heart about 5km outdoors of Pai, reached with a enjoyable (very windy) highway. 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 fascinating 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 number 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 stunning buildings in typical Yunnan fashion, and a few fish ponds as nicely. It’s doable to purchase fish meals and feed the tons of 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 a bit of harmful it was loads of enjoyable! We most likely spent loads longer than we should always have taking part in 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 highway. As soon as there, it prices 20 Baht to enter after which you should have a view overlooking Pai. This is among the greatest 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 sequence of synthetic lakes for fishing. You pay for a choose period of time and the employees will present you fish for the piranhas.
You might be given a fishing rod in addition to bread and a web. I used to be having some hassle at the start however the employees have been tremendous useful and taught me the methods. We solely managed to catch one small piranha throughout our time there however another individuals 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 depend upon the season and size of time you need to go fishing however count on to pay round 200 Baht for 3 hours price 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 lots of waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is among the hottest because of its quick access, and due to how enjoyable it’s to swim and slide there!
Mor Paeng is greatest reached by bike alongside the identical highway 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 assist you to climb the waterfall and slide down.
There’s a small space right here for parking your bike, and from the automotive park it’s a few 200m stroll via the jungle to get to the waterfall. When you’re in search of one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is among the greatest 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 in the hunt for some good “completely satisfied hour” offers. What we discovered was that completely satisfied hour existed in every single place, however not for only one hour, for many of the day – and infrequently featured Mojitos.
I merely couldn’t flip down 2 for 1 Mojitos and evidently I had an amazing night filled with rum and sugar!
Pai is a really social place for vacationers. The ambiance in pubs and eating places is pleasant and welcoming, and I’m nearly sure that you’ll make many mates over a mojito in Pai.
21. Drive to Chiang Mai
There are various enjoyable things to do in Chiang Mai as nicely, so when you’ve checked out Pai, make your manner there. The highway between Chiang Mai and Pai is known for being very scenic, but additionally for making individuals very automotive sick!
Earlier than we left Chiang Mai for Pai, different vacationers cautioned us concerning 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 trip is perhaps, it’s actually stunning! I’d suggest renting a motorcycle and driving your self with the intention to cease as regularly as you need.
Nonetheless, if you’re not an skilled rider then don’t do that because it’s a highway on which locals drive very quick and the various sharp turns may very well be an issue.
When you don’t need to drive a motorcycle there your self, you may rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses should not snug and don’t cease usually, it’s nonetheless a enjoyable trip 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 high beneficial lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re in search of some luxurious, or are touring on a price range, there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody.
Finances:
The Countryside Pai – rated “Fabulous” 8.9/10. The lovable bungalows right here supply company a non-public rooftop balcony, ensuite rest room and bathe, and beautiful mountain and rice area views. Plus, there’s an onsite pool! These cute bungalows are a novel 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 individuals go from round $13/night time. Click here to learn more and to book.
Click here to seek for extra price range lodging in Pai.
Midrange:
Pai Vieng Fa Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. This tropical property affords company 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 in search of consolation and affordability, this can be a good possibility. Bungalows listed below are from $30/night time. 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 embody a fan, ensuite rest room, personal balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included within the room price, which begins at round $39/night time. Click here to be taught extra and to e book.
Click here to look via extra mid-range properties in Pai, Thailand.
Prime Finish:
Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm – rated “Great” 9.1/10. The property right here is gorgeous! Set alongside the banks of the Pai River, the picket cottages supply company views of the mountains or backyard from the personal balconies. The ensuite loos have sizzling water showers, and the rooms have sitting areas and kettles for company’ use as nicely.
You’ll have entry to the property’s personal farm which is 5 kilometers away, and after a day of having fun with all of the issues to do in Pai, you possibly can loosen up with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room price, which begins at $85/night time. Click here to be taught extra and to e book.
Click here to look via extra top-end properties in Pai.
Now You Know What To Do in Pai
Based mostly on this record of issues to do in Pai, you possibly can most likely inform that it isn’t your typical city in Thailand. There are not any seashores, island events, or streets absolutely devoted to night-clubbing, however that is what makes Pai a novel place to go to.
With that being mentioned, it’s nonetheless a captivating city the place vacationers really feel snug, making it a well-liked 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. Joyful travels!
Photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock. Study extra about their royalty-free pictures here.
Goats On The Street Advisable Sources For Pai, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Pai. It’s vital to be sure you have ample journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in outside actions resembling snorkelling, diving, kayaking, climbing, and many others. We use and recommend Safety Wing.
✓ We suggest 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 resembling 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 good for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, convey your individual.
