Pai is a small city situated in Northern Thailand and as a consequence of its allure and the various various things to do in Pai, it has develop into a well-liked place for vacationers.
From visiting waterfalls and mountain climbing the Pai Canyon, to testing the Huge Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai presents quite a few sights for backpackers, vacationers, expats, and everybody in between.
For such a small place, the checklist 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 highway between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. Actually, this journey was the primary motive 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. Actually, 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 gained’t need to miss!
1. Study To Journey a Scooter
Studying to experience a scooter is first on my checklist of issues to do in Pai for a motive — it’s principally a necessary exercise on this tiny city. Like me, when 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? Effectively, 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 known for vacationers renting scooters as their fundamental 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 very good 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 simply don’t even must ask any person “what occurred” while you see their battered knee, it’s simply assumed it was a scooter accident.
Ensure 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 terrific deal. It was lots of enjoyable studying the best way to experience, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the various issues to do in Pai.
There are a lot of totally different rental outlets alongside the primary strolling avenue in Pai. You’ll have to depart a money deposit that you’ll 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 outlets as properly 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 beautiful journey. Study extra about it right here.
2. Wander the Evening Markets (One of many Finest 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, yow 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 procuring. There are souvenirs, natural treatments, clothes, and extra – principally something you possibly can consider, you’ll discover!
However no matter whether or not or not you need to purchase one thing, the markets are all the time lots 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 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. Ensure you additionally take a look on the blindingly white Buddha statue, it’s fairly spectacular.
A go to to the Huge Buddha is simple. You will note it from city so simply drive in that course and you’ll 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 photos, and stroll again down. Ensure you gown appropriately and convey some water with you.
4. Social gathering 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 properly after darkish.)
The Sundown Bar is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Pai amongst vacationers because it’s located simply outdoors of the primary city middle, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (which means you don’t should drink and drive house).
The bar is up within the bushes and presents a terrific view of the sundown every night time. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed environment 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 likely 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 despite the fact that we have been informed by a number of others that the river was unsafe. Hold 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 will be booked simply by your lodging, by a journey company, or just with one of many guys strolling round city attempting to promote tubing excursions.
☞ When you’re in search of extra Thailand articles, make sure 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 superb 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 changing into a well-liked exercise. A couple of totally different tour operators set up these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally accessible.
One of the common firms for this type of journey known as Lively Thailand, they are often contacted on their web site. There are additionally a number of journey company reserving locations in Pai that may assist set up 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 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 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 in addition to 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 picture alternatives. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, however understand that it’s a common vacationer hotspot so it may be very busy.
8. Eat Wholesome Meals
Except your Southeast Asia journey has included Canggu Bali, you’re in all probability craving a very good 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 highly regarded restaurant serving high-quality vegetarian meals. They’ve superb waffles with fruit, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and extra. Earth Tone is simply one of many many locations to eat wholesome whereas in Pai. Actually, 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 pretty much as good! When the solar begins happening many various little avenue 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 just a few baht. However in Pai, the locals are somewhat extra inventive with their avenue meals, with stalls promoting donuts and Indian meals! Western meals choices like pizza and hamburgers are additionally available as properly.
Nevertheless, since probably the greatest issues to do in Thailand is to eat Thai meals, it’s really helpful that you simply pattern the native eats, you gained’t be upset.
10. Apply Yoga
Pai is an ideal little city for yoga lovers. There are a number 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 lodge while you arrive about present yoga lessons within the space, as the category occasions and places 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 one of the best! The Pai Canyon is an attractive canyon with numerous 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 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 be sure 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!
After I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was scrumptious. Exploring the property and taking some photos are undoubtedly 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 vital frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good motive. Attributable to its sheer dimension, this cave is named one of the vital 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 this cave, a portion of the cave is barely 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 should pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The worth is dependent upon your group dimension however anticipate to pay about 200 Baht ($6) per individual for the cave information. Tham Lod Cave is likely one of 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 somewhat outdoors 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 loosen up away from the hustle and bustle of Pai.
The attractive pure environment of the Sai Ngam Scorching 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 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 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 spite of everything these years, descendants of those settlers nonetheless stay 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 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 lovely buildings in typical Yunnan fashion, and a few fish ponds as properly. It’s doable 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. Journey 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 somewhat harmful it was lots of enjoyable! We in all probability 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 highway. As soon as there, it prices 20 Baht to enter after which you’ll have a view overlooking Pai. This is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Pai for dawn.
18. Go Piranha Fishing
This is likely one of 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 the best way to fish for the piranhas.
You’re given a fishing rod in addition to bread and a web. I used to be having some bother firstly 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 upon the season and size of time you need 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 a lot of waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is likely 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 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 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 few 200m stroll by the jungle to get to the waterfall. When you’re in search of one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is likely one of the finest issues to do in Pai.
20. Drink Mojitos
I personally cherished the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some pals and I walked the streets of Pai searching for some good “completely happy hour” offers. What we discovered was that completely happy hour existed all over the 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 terrific night filled 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 pals over a mojito in Pai.
21. Drive to Chiang Mai
There are a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Chiang Mai as properly, 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 in addition for making folks very automobile 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 a minimum of somewhat movement sick.
No matter how uncomfortable the experience is perhaps, it’s really lovely! I might suggest renting a motorcycle and driving your self with the intention to cease as incessantly as you need.
Nevertheless, 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 possibly can rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses usually are not comfy and don’t cease usually, 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 number of high really helpful 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 personal rooftop balcony, ensuite lavatory and bathe, and beautiful mountain and rice discipline 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 on right here to study extra and guide.
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 supply air-conditioning whereas others are followers solely. Rooms for 2 folks 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 presents company lodging in lovely bungalows, full with a personal 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 choice. 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 attractive cottages listed below are set within the mountains, providing a peaceable keep for guests. Rooms embrace a fan, ensuite lavatory, personal balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included within the room fee, which begins at round $39/night time. Click on right here to study extra and to guide.
Click on right here to go looking by extra mid-range properties in Pai, Thailand.
High Finish:
Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm – rated “Fantastic” 9.1/10. The property right here is beautiful! Set alongside the banks of the Pai River, the wood cottages supply company views of the mountains or backyard from the personal balconies. The ensuite loos have scorching water showers, and the rooms have sitting areas and kettles for company’ use as properly.
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 loosen up with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room fee, which begins at $85/night time. Click on right here to study extra and to guide.
Click on right here to go looking by extra top-end properties in Pai.
Now You Know What To Do in Pai
Primarily based on this checklist of issues to do in Pai, you may in all probability 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 an enthralling city the place vacationers really feel comfy, making it a well-liked place for backpackers to go to whereas in Thailand. I hope this checklist gave you some concepts for issues to do throughout your journey to Pai. Completely satisfied travels!
Photographs on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock. Study extra about their royalty-free pictures right here.
Goats On The Highway Really helpful Sources For Pai, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Pai. It’s necessary 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 out of doors actions reminiscent of snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountain climbing, and many others. We use and suggest Security Wing.
✓ We suggest buying eco-friendly merchandise in your keep in Pai. We’re personally attempting 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 reminiscent of 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 steel straws are excellent for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, convey your personal.
