When it comes to planning a trip to northern Thailand, you probably already have well-known cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on your itinerary. For somewhere more rural and relaxing, I encourage you to add Pai to the list.
This bohemian, laidback town may not be the hidden gem it once was, but it has retained its magic, despite its growing popularity. There’s something almost magnetic about Pai; many people plan to stay for a couple of days, then find themselves still there weeks – or even months – later! In this post, I will share my suggestions on the best things to do and see in Pai, along with advice on where to stay, how to get there and when to visit.
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Sightseeing and Exploring
Pai Canyon
One of the highlights of my time in Pai was visiting Pai Canyon, a natural sandstone formation with different paths and ridges. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are truly stunning! Make sure to bring sturdy shoes with good grip (leave the flipflops at home!). Some of the paths are very narrow, with steep drops on each side and no safety railings in place. One wrong step could be your last(!) so pay attention to your footing and don’t venture too close to the edge. There isn’t much tree coverage in Pai Canyon so it’s a good idea to bring a sunhat, suntan lotion and plenty of water!
Pai Canyon is a popular sunset spot, so I suggest arriving in good time (30-45 minutes before sunset) to get a comfortable spot. Don’t forget to bring your own blanket or something to sit on! It’s free to visit the Canyon, and you can find some food trucks at the entrance to the hiking path if you need to buy any refreshments.
Tham Lod Cave
Another popular attraction is Tham Lod Cave, which is around 50 km from Pai. The limestone cave is home to an impressive variety of stalactites and stalagmites (and a fair few bats!). Visitors can take a guided tour through the cave and travel along the river which flows through it on a bamboo raft. There’s a set price of 600 baht per raft (maximum three passengers) so if you’re a solo traveller, try to group up with other travellers. On the walking part of the tour, you are led through the cave with gas lamps and can climb steps and ladders to see the wall paintings and stalactites in more detail.
Tham Lod Cave can be reached by your own vehicle (car or motorbike) or via taxi. There is a large parking lot with restaurants at the entrance. During the rainy season and after heavy rainfall, parts of the cave (or the entire cave) may be closed.
Mae Yen Waterfall
Pai is surrounded by several waterfalls, the easiest to reach being Mae Yen (accessible on foot from Pai town centre). Full disclosure – my husband and I didn’t actually reach the waterfall; we had to turn back because we underestimated how long the route would take and didn’t bring enough food and water with us. Google Maps estimates it will take around 4 hours’ round trip, whereas the reviews say it’s more like 6 hours so plan accordingly.
We really enjoyed the section we hiked; you feel totally immersed in the jungle, completely surrounded by beautiful scenery. There were very few other hikers. It’s worth noting that you have to cross the river around forty times (no bridges) so bring waterproof shoes or prepare to go barefoot through the water. It’s best to visit Mae Yen during the dry season, as it’s extra slippery in the rainy season and more dangerous to wade through the river.
Wellness & Relaxation
A very popular activity in Pai is visiting the hot springs. There are several hot springs near the town, such as Tha Pai Hot Springs (only 7 km away). Whilst you might not want to visit during the scorching summer months, it’s the perfect way to unwind during the chillier winter months when temperatures in and around Pai can plummet. Alternatively you could also visit the popular Sai Ngam Hot Springs (just north of Pai), which has a heated river you can swim in.
Other wellness activities in Pai include visiting spas for massages, foot scrubs, facials, pedicures and manicures. You should expect to pay between 200-400 for a massage, depending on the style. There are also several yoga schools offering drop-in sessions.
You also don’t have to spend any money to relax in Pai. I loved lying on the riverbank, or in a hammock, reading my book, listening to the sound of nature around me and watching the world go by.
Pai Walking Street
Pai Walking Street is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, massage parlours and market stalls. Although you can shop there during the day, it’s better to visit after 4pm when the atmospheric night market starts (open daily until around 11pm).
Every evening, street food vendors and market sellers line the pavements, selling everything from your quintessential hippie jewellery and clothing to more unique handmade crafts and souvenirs. It is also a great place to dive into the town’s vibrant street life, mingle with other travellers, enjoy live music and try some traditional Thai food (as well as international cuisine).
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is a temple is located on a hilltop on the outskirts of Pai. If you have the energy to climb the 300 steps to the top and passed the grand lion statues, your reward will be incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the huge white Buddha statue at the top. The Buddha statue – known as Big Buddha Pai – is particularly photogenic against the bright blue sky. Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is also a gorgeous spot to visit for sunset. It is a religious site, so make sure to cover knees and shoulders (trousers or long skirts advised), and remove your shoes at the top level.
River Sports
Pai river winds through the town centre, offering fun activities like rafting, kayaking and tubing (floating down the river in a big, inflatable tube). You can rent the equipment from any of the tour companies in town. Pai Adventures is a well-established company in town, providing rafting tours, along with jungle treks and cave explorations, where all the gear and instructions are included.
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Only fifteen minutes’ drive from Pai town centre is Yun Lai, which offers fantastic, panoramic views across the valley and surrounding mountains. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise. From the base of the Yun Lai platform, you can walk up a steep slope or take a shuttle bus (300 baht per person). The entrance fee is 20 baht per person, and there’s an on-site cafe and small shop.
What to Eat in Pai
While in Pai, take the opportunity to sample some Northern Thai cuisine, known for its bold flavours and abundance of aromatic herbs, such as kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and lemongrass. There’s a heavy influence from Burma and Laos, which makes Northern Thai cuisine stand out from what you can try elsewhere in the country. It is without a doubt my favourite culinary region of Thailand. Popular dishes such asKhao Soi, a creamy coconut-based noodle soup, and Gaeng Hanglay, a flavourful pork belly curry, infused with a unique mix of spices. For more unmissable food recommendations, check out my 10 Must-Try Dishes in Thailand.
Enjoy the traditional Northern cuisine at any number of restaurants and food stalls in Pai. Some tour agencies and hostels also offer cooking classes and food tours to teach visitors about local specialities. Pai also has a wide range of cafes, serving up delicious coffee and homecooked meals.
When to Visit Pai
The best time to visit Pai is from November to early March. This is the dry season, in which you can expect warm, sunny weather and very little rain (if any). Temperatures are in the 20°C range and slowly rise in January and February. However, Pai is up in the mountains so it can be very cold at night. My husband and I were there in January and were freezing our first night in our accommodation, despite sleeping in hoodies and trousers. The next morning, we asked the hostel reception for thick blankets which were gratefully received.
If you can’t be there between November and March, you might get lucky in October. It is a transitional month between the rainy season and the dry season and is often a good time to travel to Pai. I wouldn’t suggest visiting between early March and May as it is the burning season in northern Thailand (also known as the smoking/smoke season). During this time, many farmers in northern Thailand and neighboring countries begin burning their fields. Air quality and visibility can be massively reduced, and the resulting smog can be harmful for your health. I would also avoid the summer months; the rainy season begins in May and peaks in July and August, tampering off in September/October.
Where to Stay in Pai
Pai’s accommodation scene is diverse, with options ranging from budget hostels and guesthouses to slightly more comfortable boutique stays and riverside bungalows. Many properties are within walking distance of Walking Street and the night market, which is the heart of town life – perfect if you like easy access to food, cafés, bars and local culture.
Here are some well-rated accommodation options for you to think about:
- Pho Rak Nah Pai ($) – A friendly budget guesthouse set slightly outside the town centre, with simple, comfortable cottages, a garden and terrace, and easy access to scenic walks and local temples.
- Hugga Pai ($$) – A highly convenient, well-located place right near Pai’s Walking Street with clean, spacious rooms, balconies and helpful staff; it’s ideal for visitors who want to be central and walkable to markets, eateries and nightlife.
- Baan Aew Pai ($$) – A relaxed guesthouse featuring air-conditioned bungalows and garden views just minutes from Pai’s main Walking Street, making it easy to explore on foot while still feeling tucked into a quieter side street.
- Pai Princess Resort ($$$) – A peaceful, well-reviewed guesthouse set just a short walk from Pai’s bus station and Walking Street, offering colourful, comfortable rooms, a lovely garden and a relaxed vibe away from town noise.
How to Get to Pai
Shuttle buses run regularly between Pai and Chiang Mai. The journey takes around 4hrs 20 minutes and costs as little as 6 euros per person, one way. The road that connects Chiang Mai and Pai is full of twists and turns (762 curves to be exact!). If you suffer from motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take some medicine before setting off.
You can book your transport to Pai from any hostel or tour agency in Chiang Mai, or via Busbud or 12Go. Alternatively you could drive yourself if you have your own vehicle; the roads are in a good condition and it’s a popular route for locals and tourists.
Getting Around Pai
Pai town centre is very compact and walkable, but it’s a good idea to rent a motorbike to explore the surrounding countryside, which is home to many small villages and rice fields. Many hostels and hotels offer scooter or bicycle rentals, and petrol is readily available at petrol stations and fuel dispensers.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t confident enough to rent one so my husband and I walked extensively and used some taxi services. You can book guided tours to the local attractions through your accommodation.
I hope this post has shown why Pai firmly deserves a spot on your Thailand itinerary. With its idyllic landscapes, cultural richness and laidback atmosphere, Pai invites visitors to slow down and savour the beauty of Northern Thailand. If you have any questions about Pai, please put them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow
