Pai is a small city situated in Northern Thailand and attributable to its attraction and the various various things to do in Pai, it has develop into a preferred place for vacationers.
From visiting waterfalls and mountaineering the Pai Canyon, to trying out the Huge Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai affords quite a few sights for backpackers, vacationers, expats, and everybody in between.
For such a small place, the record of issues to do in Pai is big! This city is rising and so are the various actions out there in Pai for vacationers. That is positively 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. Actually, this journey was the primary 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. Actually, visiting Pai was one in all my Southeast Asia highlights.
Right here’s a listing of the highest 21 issues to do in Pai you gained’t wish to miss!
1. Study To Trip a Scooter
Studying to experience a scooter is first on my record of issues to do in Pai for a purpose — it’s mainly an important exercise on this tiny city. Like me, 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 major 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 visitors, making it place for newbies to study.
That every one being stated, vacationers stroll round Pai like mummies, all bandaged up from scooter accidents. A lot so, that you just don’t even must ask any individual “what occurred” whenever you see their battered knee, it’s simply assumed it was a scooter accident.
Be sure to 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 a fantastic deal. It was quite a lot of enjoyable studying find out how to 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 primary strolling avenue in Pai. You’ll have to depart a money deposit that you’re going to get again as soon as you come the scooter in its authentic situation — don’t depart your passport, even when they ask.
You should purchase 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 Night time Markets (One of many Greatest 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, yow will discover every little thing 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 buying. There are souvenirs, natural cures, clothes, and extra – mainly something you may consider, you’ll discover!
However no matter whether or not or not you wish to purchase one thing, the markets are at all times quite a lot 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 won’t 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 to additionally take a look on the blindingly white Buddha statue, it’s fairly spectacular.
A go to to the Huge Buddha is straightforward. You will notice it from city so simply drive in that route and you’re going to 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 footage, and stroll again down. Be sure to gown appropriately and convey some water with you.
4. Celebration at Sundown Bar
No journey to Pai can 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 nicely after darkish.)
The Sundown Bar is among the hottest issues to do in Pai amongst vacationers because it’s located simply exterior of the primary city heart, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (which means you don’t must drink and drive dwelling).
The bar is up within the timber and affords a fantastic view of the sundown every evening. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed ambiance 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 among the hottest issues to do in Pai. It’s reasonably priced, solely takes about an hour, and is on the market 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 individuals nonetheless tried to promote us the exercise regardless that we had been instructed by a number of others that the river was unsafe. Maintain 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 may be booked simply via your lodging, via a journey company, or just with one of many guys strolling round city making an attempt to promote tubing excursions.
☞ In the event you’re in search of extra Thailand articles, be 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 mountaineering is changing into a preferred exercise. A number of totally different tour operators manage these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally out there.
Some of the in style firms for this type of journey is 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 manage this journey for you.
Costs rely on the variety of individuals 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) anticipate to pay about 3,500Baht or 100 USD. For the outside 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 moreover its historical past, it’s additionally only a good place to go for a stroll. The bridge crosses a beautiful river making for some good photograph alternatives. Going to the WWII Bridge is free, however understand that it’s a in style 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 totally different locations in Pai the place you may get that wholesome meals repair.
A café known as Earth Tone is a extremely popular 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 taking place many various little avenue 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 only some baht. However in Pai, the locals are slightly extra inventive with their avenue meals, with stalls promoting donuts and Indian meals! Western meals choices like pizza and hamburgers are additionally available as nicely.
Nevertheless, 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 gained’t be disillusioned.
10. Observe 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 affords yoga courses most mornings at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort additionally affords 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 occasions and places can change.
11. Hike the Pai Canyon
In my view, out of the entire issues to do in Pai, mountaineering the Pai Canyon is the perfect! The Pai Canyon is a ravishing canyon with numerous mountaineering 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 a ravishing 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 sneakers and convey 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 lure, however that doesn’t imply it isn’t price visiting!
Once I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was scrumptious. Exploring the property and taking some footage are positively a few of 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 frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good purpose. Attributable to its sheer dimension, 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 because the Lang River flows via 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 attainable to go to Tham Lod Cave on a tour or to go by yourself with a scooter. Both approach, 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 must pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The worth relies on your group dimension however anticipate to pay about 200 Baht ($6) per individual for the cave information. Tham Lod Cave is among the high 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 few of the different scorching springs round Pai. However actually, they’re no secret and may be fairly busy!
These scorching 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 Sizzling Springs mixed with the low value makes them one of many high 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 may very well be executed in someday. The doorway price 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) 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 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 can 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 notice stunning buildings in typical Yunnan type, and a few fish ponds as nicely. It’s attainable 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. 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 an area got here and helped us out. Whereas it appears slightly harmful it was quite a lot of enjoyable! We in all probability spent rather a lot longer than we should always have taking part in 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 among the finest locations to go to in Pai for dawn.
18. Go Piranha Fishing
This is among 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 find out how to fish for the piranhas.
You might be given a fishing rod in addition to bread and a internet. I used to be having some bother in the beginning 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 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 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 a lot of waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is among the hottest attributable to its easy accessibility, and due to how enjoyable it’s to swim and slide there!
Mor Paeng is finest reached by motorcycle 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 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 via the jungle to get to the waterfall. In the event you’re in search of one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is among the finest issues to do in Pai.
20. Drink Mojitos
I personally beloved the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some pals and I walked the streets of Pai searching for some good “completely satisfied hour” offers. What we discovered was that completely satisfied hour existed in all places, 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 for sure I had a fantastic night filled with rum and sugar!
Pai is a really social place for vacationers. The ambiance in pubs and eating places is pleasant and alluring, and I’m virtually sure that you’ll make many pals 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 approach there. The highway between Chiang Mai and Pai is known for being very scenic, but additionally for making individuals 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 at the least slightly movement sick.
No matter how uncomfortable the experience may be, it’s actually stunning! I might suggest renting a motorcycle and driving your self with the intention to cease as often as you need.
Nevertheless, 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 may very well be an issue.
In the event you don’t wish to drive a motorcycle there your self, you may rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses should 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 high advisable lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re in search of some luxurious, or are touring on a finances, there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody.
Funds:
The Countryside Pai – rated “Fabulous” 8.9/10. The lovable bungalows right here provide company a personal rooftop balcony, ensuite lavatory and bathe, and wonderful 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/evening. Click on right here to study extra and ebook.
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 provide air-conditioning whereas others are followers solely. Rooms for 2 individuals go from round $13/evening. Click on right here to study extra and to ebook.
Click on right here to seek for extra finances lodging in Pai.
Midrange:
Pai Vieng Fa Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. This tropical property affords company lodging in stunning bungalows, full with a personal balcony and mountain surroundings. There’s air-conditioning, and an onsite swimming pool. In the event you’re in search of consolation and affordability, it is a good possibility. Bungalows listed below are from $30/evening. Click on right here to study extra and to ebook.
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 embody a fan, ensuite lavatory, non-public balcony, TV and fridge. Breakfast is included within the room fee, which begins at round $39/evening. Click on right here to study extra and to ebook.
Click on right here to go looking 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 provide company views of the mountains or backyard from the non-public balconies. The ensuite loos have scorching water showers, and the rooms have sitting areas and kettles for company’ use as nicely.
You’ll have entry to the property’s non-public 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 study extra and to ebook.
Click on right here to go looking via extra top-end properties in Pai.
Now You Know What To Do in Pai
Based mostly on this record 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 stated, it’s nonetheless a captivating city the place vacationers really feel snug, making it a preferred place for backpackers to go to whereas in Thailand. I hope this record gave you some concepts for issues to do throughout your journey to Pai. Glad travels!
Photos on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock. Study extra about their royalty-free pictures right here.
Goats On The Highway Advisable Assets For Pai, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Pai. It’s essential to be sure you have satisfactory journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in outside actions akin to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountaineering, and many others. We use and suggest Security Wing.
✓ We suggest buying eco-friendly merchandise on your keep in Pai. We’re personally making an attempt 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, think about shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter akin 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, convey your personal.