Pai is a small city situated in Northern Thailand and because of its allure and the numerous various things to do in Pai, it has turn into a preferred place for vacationers.
From visiting waterfalls and climbing the Pai Canyon, to trying out the Large 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 large! This city is rising and so are the numerous actions obtainable in Pai for vacationers. That is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Thailand.
The street between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. In actual fact, this journey was the principle purpose 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 actual fact, 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. Be taught To Journey a Scooter
Studying to trip a scooter is first on my checklist of issues to do in Pai for a purpose — it’s principally an important 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 check out.
Why is studying to drive a scooter important? Nicely, 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 predominant 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 visitors, making it place for newbies to be taught.
That each one being stated, vacationers stroll round Pai like mummies, all bandaged up from scooter accidents. A lot so, that you simply don’t even have to ask any person “what occurred” whenever 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 a whole lot of enjoyable studying learn how to trip, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the numerous issues to do in Pai.
There are a lot of completely different rental outlets alongside the principle strolling avenue in Pai. You’ll have to go away a money deposit that you’ll 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 outlets as properly 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. Be taught extra about it right here.
2. Wander the Night time Markets (among the finest issues to do in Pai within the night)
Questioning what to do in Pai within the evenings? Each evening there are markets in Pai alongside the strolling avenue. For such a small city, these markets are fairly spectacular. Right here, you could find all the things from clothes to meals, with the perfect low-cost avenue meals choices being discovered on the evening markets.
On the evening markets, additionally, you will be tempted by the purchasing. There are souvenirs, natural treatments, clothes, and extra – principally something you could possibly consider, you’ll discover!
However no matter whether or not or not you need to purchase one thing, the markets are all the time a whole lot of enjoyable and are one of many free issues to do in Pai.
3. Climb to The Large 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 can have you working up a sweat, however the panoramic view from subsequent to the Buddha is price it. Ensure you additionally take a look on the blindingly white Buddha statue, it’s fairly spectacular.
A go to to the Large Buddha is simple. You will note it from city so simply drive in that path and you’ll get there. Visiting the Large 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 costume appropriately and convey some water with you.
4. Occasion at Sundown Bar
No journey to Pai could be full with out 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 exterior of the principle city heart, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (that means you don’t need to drink and drive residence).
The bar is up within the timber and presents a terrific view of the sundown every evening. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed environment for backpackers eager to share some journey tales over a drink. Count on 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 obtainable most months of the 12 months.
Sadly, after 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 though we had been instructed 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 Might 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 could 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 searching for extra Thailand articles, be sure to take a look at our Issues To Do in Koh Phangan article, and our Issues To Do in Bangkok submit. 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 preferred exercise. A number of completely different tour operators manage these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally obtainable.
One of the vital widespread firms for this type of journey known as Energetic Thailand, they are often contacted on their web site. There are additionally a lot of journey company reserving locations in Pai that may assist manage this journey for you.
Costs rely on the variety of folks you may get collectively for a visit, the size of the journey, and the kind of lodging you require.
For a two-day, 1 evening 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 out of doors adventurer, this could 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 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 picture alternatives. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, however needless to say it’s a widespread vacationer hotspot so it may be very busy.
8. Eat Wholesome Meals
Until your Southeast Asia journey has included Canggu Bali, you’re in all probability craving 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 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 actual fact, you’ll discover vegetarian and gluten-free choices in cafes throughout city.
9. Eat Avenue 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 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 just a few baht. However in Pai, the locals are a bit of 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.
Nonetheless, since among the finest issues to do in Thailand is to eat Thai meals, it’s really useful that you simply pattern the native eats, you gained’t be upset.
10. Follow Yoga
Pai is an ideal little city for yoga lovers. There are a number 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 presents yoga courses most mornings at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort additionally presents yoga courses most mornings. I like to recommend asking at your hostel or lodge whenever you arrive about present yoga courses within the space, as the category instances and places can change.
11. Hike the Pai Canyon
In my view, out of the entire issues to do in Pai, climbing the Pai Canyon is the perfect! The Pai Canyon is a fantastic 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 get pleasure from strolling alongside the canyon ridges and being out in nature.
It’s actually a fantastic 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 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 price visiting!
After I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was scrumptious. Exploring the property and taking some photos are undoubtedly a few 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 frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good purpose. As a result of its sheer measurement, this cave is called one 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 by this cave, a portion of the cave is barely accessible by bamboo boat. Due to this, a information is obligatory with a view 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. Count on 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 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 a bit of exterior of city and fewer developed than a few of the different sizzling springs round Pai. However actually, they’re no secret and could be fairly busy!
These sizzling springs are proper within the jungle making them really feel tranquil and an ideal place to chill out 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 street that results in Tham Lom Cave so each of those actions could possibly be executed in in the future. The doorway payment is 20 Baht ($0.60).
15. Discover the Santichon Village
Santichon Village is a small Yunnan cultural heart about 5km exterior of Pai, reached with a enjoyable (very windy) street. 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 attention-grabbing 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 few 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 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 a neighborhood got here and helped us out. Whereas it appears a bit of harmful it was a whole lot of enjoyable! We in all probability 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 street. As soon as there, it prices 20 Baht to enter after which you should 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 sequence of artificial lakes for fishing. You pay for a choose period of time and the employees will present you learn how to 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 firstly 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 folks handle to catch some big 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 rely on 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 exterior of Pai is the three-tiered Mor Paeng waterfall. Whereas there are lots of waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is likely one of the hottest because of its quick access, and due to how enjoyable it’s to swim and slide there!
Mor Paeng is finest reached by motorcycle alongside the identical street because the Santichon Village and the piranha fishing. It’s a free exercise however the native children will desire 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 automobile park it’s a few 200m stroll by the jungle to get to the waterfall. When you’re searching for 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 liked the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some pals and I walked the streets of Pai searching for some good “comfortable hour” offers. What we discovered was that comfortable hour existed in every single 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 for sure 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 alluring, 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 method there. The street between Chiang Mai and Pai is known for being very scenic, but additionally for making folks very automobile sick!
Earlier than we left Chiang Mai for Pai, different vacationers cautioned us in regards to the many turns and the way everybody just about is assured to get a minimum of a bit of movement sick.
No matter how uncomfortable the trip is likely to be, it’s really lovely! I might advocate renting a motorcycle and driving your self with a view to cease as incessantly as you need.
Nonetheless, if you’re not an skilled rider then don’t do that because it’s a street on which locals drive very quick and the numerous sharp turns could possibly be an issue.
When you don’t need to drive a motorcycle there your self, you could possibly rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses aren’t comfy 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 number of high really useful lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re searching for some luxurious, or are touring on a funds, there’s one thing to go well with 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 subject views. Plus, there’s an onsite pool! These cute bungalows are a novel place to remain in Pai and go from round $17-$20/evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook.
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/evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and to ebook.
Click on right here to seek for extra funds 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 searching for consolation and affordability, this can be a good possibility. Bungalows listed here are from $30/evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and to ebook.
Tarnjedton Pai Resort – rated “Distinctive” 9.0/10. The attractive cottages listed here 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 fee, which begins at round $39/evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and to ebook.
Click on right here to look by extra mid-range properties in Pai, Thailand.
High 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 company views of the mountains or backyard from the personal balconies. The ensuite bogs have sizzling 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 chill out with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room fee, which begins at $85/evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and to ebook.
Click on right here to look 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 aren’t 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 stated, it’s nonetheless an enthralling city the place vacationers really feel comfy, making it a preferred 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 submit are courtesy of Shutterstock. Be taught extra about their royalty-free photographs 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 essential to ensure 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 similar to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, climbing, and so forth. We use and advocate Security Wing.
✓ We advocate 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 similar to 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 metallic straws are excellent for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, deliver your personal.
