17 Best Things to do in Pai, Thailand
Your ultimate guide to Pai: the 17 best things to see, do, and discover
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High up in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Pai is a beautiful town known for its bohemian vibes, with a gorgeous night market, winding streets and natural beauty surrounding it. Despite its small size, there’s a surprising number of things to do and see here that can keep even the most jaded traveller busy. Hippie markets, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons and hill tribes are just some of the things awaiting you up here in the north of the country. Here’s our edit of the 17 best things to do in Pai, Thailand.
1. Explore Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon, known locally as Kong Lan, is a stunning natural wonder just a short drive from Pai town. Narrow, winding trails zig-zag high above a red-earth valley. Explore the canyon and snake your way along the honeycomb of ridges – each ridge is a path that twists and turns along the canyon below. Those with a fear of heights might struggle a little on some of the narrower paths, but generally it’s a safe place to explore – and oh, so beautiful! Come here for the sunset to witness the canyon bathed in golden light, casting shadows across the canyon as night falls. Bring a blanket and some food for a romantic date night like no other.
2. Relax in the Pai Hot Springs
Hidden in the jungles around Pai, the Tha Pai hot springs are medicine for the soul, rich in minerals and perfect for soothing away those travelling aches. The warm baths are surrounded by dense rainforest, with each pool naturally built into the riverbed with stones. Most of the baths range between 34°C and 38°C – with some topping off at a scorching 80°C, hot enough to boil eggs! Locals used to come here with bags of them, using the thermal waters to cook batches at a time. That’s no longer permitted, and instead, the pools are here for relaxation and enjoyment. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon before closing, to experience the most tranquillity.
3. Visit the White Buddha
Located on a hilltop outside Pai and visible for miles away, the White Buddha is an iconic, majestic statue with panoramic views of the lush Pai Valley below. Reaching the statue requires a climb of 353 steps, but the journey up there is worth it, even if just to see the rolling landscape fold away in front of you. Unlike busier Buddha sites in Thailand, it’s peaceful and serene up here. Get here in the early evening for the most spectacular sunset views.
4. Wander Through Pai Walking Street
This is the pulsing heart of Pai, and come nightfall, it transforms into a colourful night market. Food stalls, craftspeople, performances, crystal jewellery – you’ll find it all here. The street food is particularly good; make sure you arrive with an empty belly and sample as much as you can. End the night with a delicious nutella and banana crepe as you meander through the stalls. It’s busy here, but nothing like the markets of Chiang Mai. Instead, the atmosphere here is bustling but laid back, reflecting the hippie, bohemian atmosphere that the town is so famous for. This is more than a night market – it’s an experience that captures the spirit of Pai.
5. Visit the Bamboo Bridge
The Bamboo Bridge in Pai, known as Boon Ko Ku So, is a spectacular raised pathway that winds through lush rice fields. Stretching over 800m, this handcrafted bamboo bridge connects the village to a nearby temple – Wat Phu Sa Ma – and it was originally built by villagers to make it easier for monks to walk through the fields for alms. Today, visitors come here to walk along the bridge and take in the sweeping views of emerald-green rice paddies, full of local, rural life – especially when it’s time for the rice harvest. It’s peaceful here, especially on a quiet morning with a gentle breeze in the air.
6. Cool Off at the Pam Bok Waterfall
PHOTO CREDIT: MAE HONG SON THAILAND.COM
Not far from the Bamboo Bridge is Pam Bok Waterfall, a hidden gem in the peaceful countryside of Pai. The waterfall is tucked away in a shaded canyon, cascading into a refreshing pool and surrounded by dense rainforest. It’s accessible by a short hike from the main road, which takes you through the jungle. In the rainy season, the waterfall is in full flow, filling the pool with fresh, crisp water that’s perfect for cooling off in the Thai heat. Even in the dry months, it’s an enchanting, quiet oasis that feels worlds away from the energy of the town. Bring a picnic and enjoy a few hours swimming and relaxing.
7. Discover the Chinese Village (Santichon Village)
Experience a slice of Chinese culture at Santichon Village. Located just outside Pai, this offers a fascinating window into Yunnanese culture. Originally settled by Chinese immigrants from Yunnan province in China, the village maintains its heritage through its iconic clay houses, decorated archways and Chinese-style gardens. You can find authentic Chinese experiences here, from sampling Yunnan-style tea and dumplings to trying on traditional clothing and taking photos in front of the village’s pagodas. The hillside location also gives it panoramic views of Pai Valley – the best views are from the top of the hill. Like most immigrant villages, each corner of Santichon Village tells a story, from the handcrafted pottery workshops to the open-air markets where locals display unique goods you won’t see anywhere else in Thailand. A visit to Santichon Village transports you to another era, fusing Thai and Chinese traditions like nowhere else.
8. Visit the Memorial Bridge
Built during World War II, the Memorial Bridge was originally constructed by the Japanese army as a means to transport supplies and troops between Thailand and Myanmar. Although the original structure was made of wood, it has since been reconstructed with steel, and is now a popular tourist attraction. Walk across the bridge and take in breathtaking views over the river and surrounding mountains. Information plaques give you insight into the area’s wartime history. Get here for sunset to watch the golden light reflecting off the water below you.
9. Take a Yoga Class
Photo: Bodhi Tree Yoga Pai
The boho vibe of Pai attracts plenty of creatives and wellness enthusiasts, especially those looking to get away from it all in the forested mountains of north Thailand. Pai in particular is a haven for wellness, with several vegan eateries, juice stands and yoga studios offering classes for all levels. Many of the yoga studios here are nestled within the beautiful landscape, overlooking rice fields and the mountains beyond. If you’re going to learn yoga anywhere in Thailand, this is the place. You’ll find everything from beginner friendly classes to advanced Vinyasa flows. Finish your yoga session with a fresh smoothie from a stand in town, before heading to a drumming circle in the evening.
10. Ride the Pai Bamboo Rafts
Photo: Reverie Siam
Looking for a new and unique way to experience Pai? Head onto a traditional bamboo raft and coast down the meandering rivers. Made from sturdy bamboo poles, the rafts gently glide down the Pai river as you cruise through lush jungle and past fertile farmlands. It’s an unforgettable way to experience this landscape first hand, rather than whizzing past on a scooter or hiking a well-trodden tourist attraction. Guided by locals, these trips include insights into the ways of life here and the forests that surround you. The peace out on the water is something to experience first hand. Keep an eye out for elusive wildlife and local farmers tending to their rice fields.
11. Visit the Coffee in Love Café
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pai valley, this beautiful yellow building serves up delicious coffee with a side order of sweeping rice fields and rolling hills. After a day exploring the surroundings of Pai, there’s nowhere more peaceful to relax and soak in the beauty than on the outside terrace here. Enjoy your coffee with a pastry or a light lunch, and if for some reason you don’t fall in love with the drinks, you’ll almost certainly fall in love with the view that stretches out to the horizon in front of you. A couple of hours spent here on a quiet afternoon will be one of the joys of your trip.
12. Learn Muay Thai from a Pro
Experience Thailand’s national sport by learning how to fight at renowned school Charnchai Muay Thai. Founded by the fighter Bee Chatthong, this gym offers rigorous, authentic training for all levels, from beginners to advanced fighters. With classes led by skilled Thai instructors, students are introduced to traditional techniques, including striking, footwork and conditioning, all while focusing on discipline and the respect inherent in the sport. Despite the intense training here, Charnchai Muay Thai has a warm and welcoming environment, with supportive trainers who are passionate about teaching new students this ancient martial art.
14. Explore the Mor Paeng Waterfall
Just a short drive from Pai, Mor Paeng Waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and comes complete with a natural waterslide. This multi-tiered waterfall flows over smooth, sloping rocks, creating natural slides that are perfect for splashing around in on a warm day. The lower pool is shallow enough for wading, while the more adventurous among you can give the waterfall slide a go, into the deeper pool below. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, and is the ideal place to spend a few hours. Bring some food and make the most of the beautiful scenery here.
15. Visit the Wat Klang Temple
Wat Klang is one of Pai’s oldest temples, located in the heart of the town. The temple features a striking white pagoda adorned with golden accents that glisten in the sunlight. It’s a sleepy, quiet temple that offers a more intimate glimpse into how the monks live. See into the open kitchen where monks go about their day to day life. Located just off the walking street in Pai, it’s the perfect way to break up a day of cafe hopping and shopping.
16. Hike to Mae Yen Waterfall
If you do no other treks or hikes in Pai, make it the one to Mae Yen waterfall. With over 20 water crossings and paths that wind through dense jungle and bamboo forests, it’s like going on your own Indiana Jones adventure. The trek is 7km each way, rated moderate difficulty and takes around 6-7 hours in total. The path is clearly marked and it’s difficult to get lost, but it still feels wild and remote. If you leave early, you’re unlikely to meet any other tourists on the trail, and you’ll feel like an explorer of old as you twist and turn through the dense jungle of Northern Thailand. The hike culminates at Mae Yen waterfall, an elegant cascade of water with a pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a sweaty hike!
17. Stargaze at Pai Canyon at Night
By day, Pai Canyon’s dramatic red earth and narrow ridges create breathtaking scenery, but by night, this spot transforms into a quiet, still open observatory under a blanket of stars. Even though it’s a short drive from Pai town, the canyon is far from city lights, providing excellent conditions for stargazing with clear, unobstructed views. As dusk settles, find a spot along the canyon’s edges, watching as the Milky Way and constellations gradually light up the sky. The vast, star-filled canopy above makes for an awe-inspiring evening. Bring some blankets and good company – this is one of those nights you won’t forget.
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