21 Greatest Issues To Do in Pai, Thailand

Pai Thailand is a small city positioned in Northern Thailand and resulting from its attraction and the various various things to do in Pai, it has turn out to be a preferred place for vacationers.

From visiting waterfalls and climbing the Pai Canyon, to testing the Massive Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai provides 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 large! This city is rising and so are the various actions accessible in Pai for vacationers. That is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Thailand.

The highway between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. In reality, 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. In reality, visiting Pai was certainly one 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!

21 Issues To Do in Pai Thailand

Right here’s my listing of 21 issues to do in Pai Thailand after visiting a number of occasions for prolonged intervals of time. In fact, I did much more in Pai than these 21 issues, however I’ve narrowed the listing all the way down to what I feel are the most effective points of interest and experiences in Pai for vacationers of every kind.

1. Study To Trip a Scooter

Studying to experience a scooter is first on my listing of issues to do in Pai for a cause — it’s principally a vital exercise on this tiny city. Like me, if 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, 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 foremost 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 a superb place for newbies to study.

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 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 value 500 Baht for each days for an computerized scooter, which was an awesome deal. It was loads of enjoyable studying how one can experience, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the various issues to do in Pai.

There are lots of totally different rental outlets alongside the principle strolling road in Pai. You’ll have to go away a money deposit that you’ll get again as soon as you come the scooter in its unique situation — don’t go away your passport, even when they ask.

You should buy insurance coverage for the scooter from these rental outlets 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 beautiful journey. Study extra about it right 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 road. For such a small city, these markets are fairly spectacular. Right here, yow will discover every thing from clothes to meals, with the most effective low cost road meals choices being discovered on the night time markets.

On the night time markets, additionally, you will be tempted by the buying. There are souvenirs, natural treatments, clothes, and extra – principally something you 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 loads 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 price 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 price it. Be sure you additionally take a look on the blindingly white Buddha statue, it’s fairly spectacular.

A go to to the Massive Buddha is straightforward. You will notice it from city so simply drive in that route and you’ll 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 photos, and stroll again down. Be sure you costume appropriately and produce some water with you.

4. Get together at Sundown Bar

No journey to Pai can be full and not using a go to to the Sundown 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 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 need to drink and drive dwelling).

The bar is up within the timber and provides an awesome view of the sundown every night time. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed environment for backpackers desirous to share some journey tales over a drink. Anticipate to pay round 100 Baht for a drink, however generally 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 offered 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 although we had been informed 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 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 attempting to promote tubing excursions.

☞ In case you’re on the lookout for extra Thailand articles, make certain 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 climbing is turning into a preferred exercise. A couple of totally different tour operators set up these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally accessible.

One of the well-liked firms for this sort of journey is named Lively Thailand, they are often contacted on their web site. There are additionally a lot of journey company reserving locations in Pai that may assist set up this journey for you.

Costs depend upon the variety of individuals you will 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) anticipate to pay about 3,500Baht or 100 USD. For the out of doors adventurer, this may 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 probably the most historic significance.

However moreover 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 that it’s a well-liked 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 a superb salad full with avocado! There are a number of totally different locations in Pai the place you will get that wholesome meals repair.

A café known 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 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 pretty much as good! When the solar begins taking place many alternative little road meals stands open up and low cost meals takes over the bustling daytime café scene.

Like wherever in Thailand, Pad Thai and numerous different noodle dishes can be found for just a few baht. However in Pai, the locals are slightly 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 among the finest issues to do in Thailand is to eat Thai meals, it’s advisable that you just pattern the native eats, you received’t be disenchanted.

10. Apply 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 provides yoga courses most mornings at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort additionally provides yoga courses most mornings. I like to recommend asking at your hostel or resort once you arrive about present yoga courses within the space, as the category occasions and areas can change.

11. Hike the Pai Canyon

For my part, out of all the issues to do in Pai, climbing the Pai Canyon is the most effective! The Pai Canyon is an attractive canyon with numerous climbing 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 get pleasure from strolling alongside the canyon ridges and being out in nature.

It’s actually an attractive 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 sneakers and produce 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 entice, 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 photos are undoubtedly 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 some of the frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good cause. Attributable to its sheer dimension, this cave is named some of the 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 barely accessible by bamboo boat. Due to this, a information is obligatory 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 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 need to pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The value relies on your group dimension however anticipate 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 Sizzling Springs

The Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs is also called the “Secret” Sizzling Springs as they’re slightly exterior of city and fewer developed than a number of the different sizzling springs round Pai. However actually, 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 calm down away from the hustle and bustle of Pai.

The gorgeous pure environment of the Sai Ngam Sizzling Springs mixed with the low value makes them one of many prime 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 highway that results in Tham Lom Cave so each of those actions could possibly be completed in sooner or later. 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) 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 can 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 rooster are simply a few the favored dishes.

Strolling across the village you will notice lovely buildings in typical Yunnan type, and a few fish ponds as nicely. It’s doable 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. Trip 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 loads of enjoyable! We most likely spent loads longer than we should 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 highway. 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 greatest 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 collection of artificial lakes for fishing. You pay for a choose period of time and the employees will present you how one can fish for the piranhas.

You’re given a fishing rod in addition to bread and a internet. I used to be having some bother originally however the employees had been tremendous useful and taught me the tips. We solely managed to catch one small piranha throughout our time there however another individuals handle to catch some large 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 depend upon the season and size of time you wish to go fishing however anticipate to pay round 200 Baht for 3 hours price 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 numerous waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is without doubt one of the hottest resulting from its quick access, and due to how enjoyable it’s to swim and slide there!

Mor Paeng is greatest reached by motorcycle alongside the identical highway because the Santichon Village and the piranha fishing. It’s a free exercise however the native youngsters 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 automotive park it’s a few 200m stroll via the jungle to get to the waterfall. In case you’re on the lookout for one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Pai.

20. Drink Mojitos

I personally cherished the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some mates and I walked the streets of Pai in the hunt for some good “joyful hour” offers. What we discovered was that joyful 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 an awesome night stuffed with rum and sugar!

Pai is a really social place for vacationers. The environment 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 lots of enjoyable issues to do in Chiang Mai as nicely, so when you’ve checked out Pai, make your method there. The highway between Chiang Mai and Pai is legendary 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 slightly movement sick.

No matter how uncomfortable the experience may be, it’s actually lovely! I might advocate renting a motorcycle and driving your self with the intention to cease as ceaselessly as you need.

Nonetheless, in case you are 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 could possibly be an issue.

In case you don’t wish to drive a motorcycle there your self, you can rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses usually are 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 here are a couple of prime advisable lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for some luxurious, or are touring on a price range, there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody.

Funds:

The Countryside Pai – rated “Fabulous” 8.9/10. The lovable bungalows right here supply visitors a personal rooftop balcony, ensuite lavatory and bathe, and beautiful 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 on right here to study extra and guide.

Villa de Pai – rated “Very Good” 8.2/10. These bungalows are snug and have a personal 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 on right here to study extra and to guide.

Click on right here to seek for extra price range lodging in Pai.

Midrange:

Pai Vieng Fa Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. This tropical property provides visitors lodging in lovely bungalows, full with a personal balcony and mountain surroundings. There’s air-conditioning, and an onsite swimming pool. In case you’re on the lookout for consolation and affordability, this can be a good possibility. Bungalows listed below are from $30/night time. Click on right here to study extra and to guide.

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 lavatory, personal balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included within the room price, which begins at round $39/night time. Click on right here to study extra and to guide.

Click on right 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 beautiful! Set alongside the banks of the Pai River, the picket cottages supply visitors 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 visitors’ 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 may calm down with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room price, which begins at $85/night time. Click on right here to study extra and to guide.

Click on right here to look via extra top-end properties in Pai.

Pai Thailand FAQs

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 are not any seashores, island events, or streets absolutely devoted to night-clubbing, however that is what makes Pai a singular place to go to.

With that being mentioned, 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. Pleased travels!

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

Goats On The Street Advisable Assets For Pai, Thailand

✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Pai. It’s vital to ensure you have satisfactory journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in out of doors actions similar to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, climbing, and so on. We use and advocate Security Wing.

✓ We advocate buying eco-friendly merchandise in your keep in Pai. We’re personally attempting 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 similar to LifeStraw or GrayL, or get your self a Steri-Pen. When it comes to utensils, this bamboo set is nice for picnics, whereas these glass or metallic straws are good for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, carry your personal.

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