Pai is a hippie vibe town surrounded by the stunning mountain ranges and lush valleys in northern Thailand. While the city center boasts its own charm, the best things to do in Pai are to be found beyond its cozy boho cafes and souvenir shops. The hot springs, adventurous hikes, endless waterfalls to explore and laid-back vibe in the mountains, attracts artists, musicians and digital nomads from all around the world. Most intend to stay a few days, but end up being in Pai for weeks.
Tourism has brought some undeniable changes to Pai, resulting in a vibrant nightlife and a lot of western influences. While Pai may not be the mythical heaven on earth that some blogs might proclaim, it offers a unique and adventurous setting which you wouldn’t like to miss!
Best things to do in Pai
If you only have a limited amount of time in Pai, you will probably feel a bit overwhelmed while reading all those travel blogger tips about the best things to do in Pai. This 3 day itinerary in Pai will give you a feel of all the magical places in the area, so you will have an epic adventure in Northern Thailand!
Day 1: Pai Canyon and Pai Walking Street
The Pai Canyon, although a very small place to discover, seems like an out of this world scenery. It is an amazing place to do a little hike and letting out your inner child by jumping over rocks and walking on narrow pathways with very steep drops on both sides. It’s also the best place to watch the sunset in Pai.
However, many travelers are aware of this and it will be very crowded at the Canyon before sunset. Go on time and choose for a spot a little bit further away from the entrance if you’d like to enjoy the sunset in a more private setting. As you travers the rugged trails, you might encounter fellow travelers strumming guitars and enjoying drinks. It’s moments like these that make Pai truly special.
After a beautiful sunset at the Pai Canyon, it’s time to treat your belly. The pai night market on pai walking street offers the best atmosphere to grab dinner and enjoy the nightlife in Pai to its fullest. Even if you don’t like the parties or gas balloons, there are also nice boho cafes with life music and sweet deserts.
Day 2: Sai Ngam Hotsprings and Bamboo Bridge
The Sai Ngam Hotspring are one of the attractions you can visit if you buy a one day ticket for the Lum Nam Pai Wildlife sanctuary. It gives you entrance to the park during the day of purchase and to some waterfalls, such as the Pam Bok Waterfall, near the Pai city center. However, if you’d like to do the Tham Lod Cave which lies another 1 and a half hour drive from the hotsprings, be prepared for a daytrip.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to undertake this grand adventure, as our muscles were still recovering from the epic scooter journey to Pai. Nevertheless, the Sai Ngam Hotsprings offer a small but completely natural refreshment with a jungle view. After indulging in the soothing waters for an hour, you can satisfy your appetite with a little snack from the café conveniently situated right next to the hotsprings before hopping back on your scooter for the next stop on your Pai itinerary.
Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Pai and really took us by surprise, is the Bamboo Bridge. Initially, we thought of a small modest bridge but what we encountered was far beyond our expectations. A remarkable 1-kilometer-long bridge made entirely of bamboo greeted us, leading to a serene monastery. As we strolled along the bridge, we couldn’t help but admire the graceful sight of free-roaming bulls leisurely grazing on the verdant grass. The surrounding area also boasts several charming restaurants, making it an ideal spot to indulge in a delicious meal while witnessing the breathtaking sunset.
insert pic bamboo bridge
However, my boyfriend had his heart set on witnessing the sunset from the farthest viewpoint, just a 10-minute drive from the bamboo bridge. Little did we know that this seemingly short journey would turn into a dangerous, yet unforgettable adventure. The drive itself was a feast for the eyes, with mesmerizing vistas unfolding at every turn.
However, I must caution you—the estimated travel time provided is far from accurate! After approximately 20 minutes, the road gradually deteriorated into a muddy and treacherous path. Navigating these treacherous conditions on a scooter, with both of us on board, proved to be quite challenging as we gingerly maneuvered through sharp turns. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach the pinnacle of the viewpoint.
With darkness descending and our slipping multiple times, perilously close to the steep drop-offs, fear began to overshadow our determination. Sensing the impending danger of traversing the precarious roads in the dark, we made the decision to descend slowly. However, the steepness of the roads caused our brakes to overheat, bringing us very close to the edge of a ravine before we were able to stop. Miraculously, another adventurous couple came to our rescue, guiding us to safety. Grateful beyond words, we decided to express our appreciation by treating our heroes to a well-deserved drink at the lively Pai Walking Street.
Day 3: Santichon village, Yun Lai Viewpoint and Mo Pang Waterfall
Another top thing to do in Pai is the Santichon Village, a cute Chinese village. Engage in traditional folk games and spin the ferris wheel, immersing yourself in the nostalgic ambiance of this unique place. If you’re up for a challenge, I dare you to eat at the Chinese restaurant with ultra spicy food. Even the bravest among us, may find themselves reaching for water!
Your next stop should be the Yun Lai Viewpoint which is only a 5 minute drive away from the Santichon Village and offers an epic viewpoint over Pai!
One more stop to go before heading home (I really recommend you already drive a part of the road back to Chiang Mai instead of doing it as a one way trip): The Mo Pang Waterfall. It’s a short hike up and you’ll have a nice place to refresh yourself before heading back. We always were amazed by how short the hikes up were in Thailand. A normal hike up (not a day trip through the jungle), was averagely a maximum of 30 minutes. As the hikers we are, we had to get used to this idea. Thailand is a beautiful place, but very adapted to all tourists.
While it’s true that some travel bloggers may exaggerate when likening Pai to a paradise on earth, there’s no denying that this captivating town is a destination brimming with adventure and allure. We only had 3 days of time in Pai since we were so amazed by the beautiful things on the road to Pai. However, if you can choose to stay longer, I would opt to stay for at least five days so you can include a cool nature hike to one of the more hidden waterfalls in the neighbourhood!
Best places to stay in Pai
Romantic time mountain resort has an amazing view over the valley and is a true romantic getaway in the wonders of pai. Another accommodation spot to check out is the pai country hut. They all have small wooden cabins to sleep in with little hammocks outside. Stargazing in the Pai village is a must do activity!
Best time to visit pai
The best time to visit Pai is right after the rainy season when it’s dry and nature is at its greenest and most vibrant and waterfalls are still at its fullest potential. October-November would be a good period to go, right before the peak season starting in December.
How to get around in Pai
If you find yourself arriving in Pai by bus or van instead of embarking on the exhilarating Mae Hong Son route by scooter, the first thing you’ll have to do is renting a scooter in town. Here, scooters are the preferred mode of transportation, and it’s easy to see why. Once you hop on that trusty scooter, your adventurous spirit awakens in the realm of Pai Paradise! Pai’s low-key traffic and well-maintained roads make it an ideal destination for riders of all levels.
