21 Greatest Issues To Do in Pai, Thailand

Pai Thailand is a small city situated in Northern Thailand and attributable to its attraction and the numerous various things to do in Pai, it has change into a preferred place for vacationers.

From visiting waterfalls and mountaineering the Pai Canyon, to testing the Huge Buddha and exploring by scooter, Pai gives quite a few points of interest 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 positively probably the greatest places to visit in Thailand.

The street between the northern metropolis of Chiang Mai and Pai is an thrilling journey all by itself. In reality, this journey was the primary cause I went to Pai within the first place.

However to my shock, Pai was a city that stole my coronary heart, and I'd return to it in a heartbeat. In reality, visiting Pai was considered one of my Southeast Asia highlights.

Right here’s a listing of the highest 21 issues to do in Pai you received’t need to miss!

21 Issues To Do in Pai Thailand

Right here’s my checklist of 21 issues to do in Pai Thailand after visiting a number of instances for prolonged durations of time. After all, I did much more in Pai than these 21 issues, however I’ve narrowed the checklist all the way down to what I believe are one of the best points of interest and experiences in Pai for vacationers of all types.

1. Study To Journey a Scooter

Studying to experience a scooter is first on my checklist of issues to do in Pai for a cause — it’s principally an important exercise on this tiny city. Like me, in case you have by no means ridden a bike 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? Nicely, most of the actions in Pai aren’t really 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 principal 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 be taught.

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 have to ask any person “what occurred” once 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 an awesome deal. It was a whole lot of enjoyable studying tips on how to experience, and was additionally a helpful technique of transport for getting round to the numerous issues to do in Pai.

There are various completely different rental retailers alongside the primary strolling avenue in Pai. You'll have to go away a money deposit that you'll get again as soon as you come the scooter in its unique situation — don’t go away your passport, even when they ask.

You should buy insurance coverage for the scooter from these rental retailers 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. Study extra about it 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, you'll find all the pieces from clothes to meals, with one of the best 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 treatments, clothes, and extra – principally something you might 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 Huge White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)

If in case you have been backpacking Thailand for some time, visiting one other Buddha statue won't sound all that interesting, however this one is value it merely for the view!

The steps to get to the highest could 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 Big Buddha is simple. You will notice it from city so simply drive in that route 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 costume appropriately and produce some water with you.

4. Occasion at Sundown Bar

No journey to Pai can be full and not using a go to to the Sunset 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 among the hottest issues to do in Pai amongst vacationers because it’s located simply outdoors of the primary city heart, however nonetheless inside strolling distance (that means you don’t should drink and drive residence).

The bar is up within the bushes and gives an awesome view of the sundown every evening. Cushions line the ground as seating and create a relaxed environment for backpackers desirous 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 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 yr.

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 despite the fact that we have been advised 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 most typical 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 may be booked simply by means of your lodging, by means of a journey company, or just with one of many guys strolling round city making an attempt to promote tubing excursions.

☞ Should you’re on the lookout for extra Thailand articles, make certain to take a look at our Things To Do in Koh Phangan article, and our Things 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 mountaineering is changing into a preferred exercise. A number of completely different tour operators set up these sorts of journeys and multi-day choices are additionally obtainable.

One of the vital in style corporations for this sort of journey known as Active 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 on 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 evening journey with primary 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 is able to 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 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 picture 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

Except 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 will get that wholesome meals repair.

A café referred to 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 reality, 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 wherever in Thailand, Pad Thai and numerous different noodle dishes can be found for only some baht. However in Pai, the locals are somewhat extra artistic 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 things to do in Thailand is to eat Thai food, it’s really useful that you just pattern the native eats, you received’t be upset.

10. Apply Yoga

Pai is an ideal little city for yoga lovers. There are just a few 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 gives yoga courses most mornings at 9:30 am. The Swadasee Pai Resort additionally gives yoga courses most mornings. I like to recommend asking at your hostel or resort once you arrive about present yoga courses within the space, as the category instances and areas can change.

11. Hike the Pai Canyon

In my view, out of the entire issues to do in Pai, mountaineering the Pai Canyon is one of the best! The Pai Canyon is a good looking 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 good looking 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 to put on good strolling sneakers and produce 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 value visiting!

Once I was there I had a strawberry milkshake which was scrumptious. Exploring the property and taking some photos are positively a number 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 crucial frequent issues to do in Pai – however for good cause. As a result of its sheer dimension, this cave is called one of the crucial 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 means of 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 potential 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. 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 should pay for a information as soon as on the cave. The value is dependent upon your group dimension however count on to pay about 200 Baht ($6) per individual for the cave information. Tham Lod Cave is among the prime locations to go to in Pai, don’t miss it!

14. Sai Ngam Scorching Springs

The Sai Ngam Scorching Springs is also referred to as the “Secret” Scorching Springs as they're somewhat outdoors of city and fewer developed than a number of the different sizzling springs round Pai. However truthfully, they're no secret and may 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 gorgeous pure environment of the Sai Ngam Hot Springs mixed with the low price makes them one of many prime 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 achieved in in the future. The doorway price is 20 Baht ($0.60).

15. Discover the Santichon Village

Santichon Village is a small Yunnan cultural heart about 5km outdoors 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 reside 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 number 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 fashion, and a few fish ponds as properly. It’s potential to purchase fish meals and feed the tons of 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 a whole lot of enjoyable! We in all probability spent so much 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 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 collection of artificial lakes for fishing. You pay for a choose period of time and the employees will present you tips on 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 hassle at first however the employees have been tremendous useful and taught me the methods. We solely managed to catch one small piranha throughout our time there however another folks handle to catch some large 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 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 numerous waterfalls close to Pai, Mor Paeng is among the hottest attributable to 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 street because the Santichon Village and the piranha fishing. It’s a free exercise however the native youngsters will need a small tip in the event that they enable 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 couple of 200m stroll by means of the jungle to get to the waterfall. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing to chill you off, visiting this waterfall is among the finest issues to do in Pai.

20. Drink Mojitos

I personally liked the mojitos in Pai! One afternoon, some associates and I walked the streets of Pai seeking some good “glad hour” offers. What we discovered was that glad hour existed all over the 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 an awesome night stuffed 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 virtually sure that you'll make many associates over a mojito in Pai.

21. Drive to Chiang Mai

There are various enjoyable things to do in Chiang Mai as properly, so when you’ve checked out Pai, make your manner 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 concerning the many turns and the way everybody just about is assured to get at the very least somewhat movement sick.

No matter how uncomfortable the experience could be, it's actually stunning! I'd advocate renting a bike and driving your self with the intention to cease as steadily as you need.

Nevertheless, 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.

Should you don’t need to drive a bike there your self, you might rent a driver to take you, or just simply catch a bus. Whereas the buses will not be 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 just a few prime really useful lodging choices in Pai. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for some luxurious, or are touring on a price range, there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody.

Price range:

The Countryside Pai – rated “Fabulous” 8.9/10. The lovable bungalows right here supply friends a personal rooftop balcony, ensuite lavatory and bathe, and wonderful mountain and rice area 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 here to learn more and book.

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 supply air-conditioning whereas others are followers solely. Rooms for 2 folks go from round $13/evening. Click here to learn more and to book.

Click here to seek for extra price range lodging in Pai.

Midrange:

Pai Vieng Fa Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.4/10. This tropical property gives friends lodging in stunning bungalows, full with a personal balcony and mountain surroundings. There’s air-conditioning, and an onsite swimming pool. Should you’re on the lookout for consolation and affordability, it is a good choice. Bungalows listed below are from $30/evening. Click here to be taught extra and to guide.

Tarnjedton Pai Resort – rated “Distinctive” 9.0/10. The gorgeous 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 charge, which begins at round $39/evening. Click here to be taught extra and to guide.

Click here to go looking by means of 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 friends 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 friends’ 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 possibly can chill out with a therapeutic massage. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is included within the room charge, which begins at $85/evening. Click here to be taught extra and to guide.

Click here to go looking by means of extra top-end properties in Pai.

Pai Thailand FAQs

Now You Know What To Do in Pai

Primarily based on this checklist of issues to do in Pai, you possibly can in all probability inform that it isn’t your typical city in Thailand. There aren't any seashores, island events, or streets totally 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 snug, 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!

Photos on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock. Study extra about their royalty-free photographs 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 be sure to have satisfactory journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in out of doors actions resembling snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountaineering, and so on. We use and recommend Safety Wing.

✓ We advocate buying eco-friendly merchandise to your keep in Pai. We’re personally making an attempt 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, think about shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter resembling 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 metal straws are good for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, convey your individual.

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