Nestling in Mae Hong Son province, northern Thailand, Pai is a serene mountain town celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural charm.Visitors flock here for its tranquil atmosphere and a plethora of outdoor activities, including exploring Mor Paeng Waterfall and hiking at Kong Lan (Pai Canyon).
The vibrant Walking Street Market offers local handicrafts and delicious street food. Don’t miss the Bamboo Bridge spanning lush rice fields or the soothing Sai Ngam Hot Spring. Indulge in local delights like Khao Soi and Coconut Cake while immersing yourself in Pai’s laid-back vibe.
Accessible from Chiang Mai by road or Kan Airlines, Pai promises an unforgettable retreat amidst picturesque landscapes.
Discover Pai
Pai is a small mountain town located in Mae Hong Son province in Northern Thailand. Either you are looking for a restful solace for a couple of nights or looking to party and enjoy the hippie, Pai is one of the best destinations for you.
Pai’s natural surroundings make it a great destination for outdoor activities. The best time to visit Pai is during the cooler season which is in the month from November to February.
Things to do in Pai:
1. Mor Paeng Waterfall:
It is one of the best waterfalls in Pai. This is the closest waterfall to the city center. It is about 7 km from the city center. Mor Paeng is a three-tiered waterfall. Using the staircase you can climb up to the basin of the second level.
Surrounded by many small and large trees, the waterfall makes this spot a perfect place to relax and explore nature. To fully enjoy your visit, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning as the spot tends to get crowded later in the day. Entry to Mor Paeng Waterfall is free.
2. Kong Lan:
This place is also known as Pai Canyon. This spot is located about 8 km from the city center. erosion over decades has formed this unique geographical area. The majority of the tourists visit this spot to enjoy sunset, hiking, and linger around the canyon but, be careful as there is a lack of safety railings.
You will find a few stalls selling cold drinks and snacks at the trailhead. To get to the first viewpoint you need to climb many stairs but the view from there is worth the effort. The entry to the canyon is free for all. It opens from 6 am to 8 pm.
3. Walking Street Market:
This market is located on Rungsiyanon Road. This shopping paradise offers you a wide range of souvenirs, unique handicrafts, lacquerware, and hand-made clothes.
This market operates every night in the center of Pai. Here, you can also try the fabulous range of authentic street food, juices, and tasty desserts. Plenty of bars and restaurants surround this place. This market starts at 6 pm and closes at 10:30 pm.
4. Visit the Bamboo Bridge:
Traditionally this bridge is known as Boon Ko Ku So. The length of this bridge is 800 meters and it stretches over a field of lush rice fields in the Mae Hong Son region.
The admission fee to this bamboo bridge is 30 Baht. On your trip to this bamboo bridge, you can also feed the fishes in the small pond, visit the Buddhist temple, and grab some food or coffee from the cafe on the top of the rice fields. The best time to visit this spot is between July to November, when the rice is long and rushed.
5. Sai Ngam Hot Spring:
Sai Ngam Hot Spring is located 17km north of Pai. The hot springs feature a three-tiered cascading natural hot water pool. The top tier is the hottest having temperature of 34-degree celsius.
The water temperature is just perfect to float in. You will also find some small stall vendors near the car park where you can buy some refreshments. The entry fee to these hot springs is 200 Baht per person. It opens from Monday to Sunday from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
Food to try in Pai:
1. Khao Soi:
This dish is made with boiled, hand-cut yellow egg noodles. Coconut milk, curry soup base and chicken or beef garnished with crunchy fried noodles.
This is an evening snack served with a side plate of pickled mustard greens, halved shallots, and a lime.
2. Coconut Cake:
This is a traditional dessert in Pai. These are circular cake pods made out of condensed coconut milk. These are gooey from the inside and soft pancake-like from the outside.
Some sugar is sprinkled over it before serving.
How to reach Pai:
1. Reaching Pai by flight:
You can reach Pai directly only from Chiang Mai. Kan Airlines is the only airline operating between Chiang Mai and Pai.
Another way to reach Pai is to take a flight to Bangkok and reach Pai by road. The overall trip will cost you about 1700 Baht
2. Reaching Pai by bus:
You will get many buses and minibuses from Chaing Mai and Mae Hong Son to reach Pie. Public buses take about 4 hours to reach Pai from Chiang Mai. The journey will cost you about 80 Baht.
