10 Best Things To Do In Pai: Travel Guide + Extra Tips

We spent 3 nights in Pai as the last stop on our Mae Hong Son Loop road trip, and honestly, it felt like the perfect way to wrap up the adventure.

The vibe in this town is hard to describe — it’s laid-back but lively, with travelers hanging out in cafés, scooters buzzing along the roads, and “wow” sunsets.

We didn’t expect much before coming, but honestly, we were surprised by how good we felt here.

We’re sharing the best things to do in Pai, and if you only have one day, make sure to visit Pai Canyon and the Night Market — they’re our absolute favorites, and we’re sure you’ll love them too.

This Pai travel guide is perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, couples, or anyone looking to explore this unique corner of Northern Thailand.

Map of all the best things to do in Pai

Best things to do in Pai

1. Visit Pai Canyon

If there’s one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it’s Pai Canyon. It’s one of those spots that looks good in photos but is even more impressive in person.

The views over the surrounding valleys and mountains are breathtaking, and the rugged, narrow ridges give it a sense of adventure you won’t find at most viewpoints in Thailand.

We went for sunset, and since the canyon faces west, we got to watch the sun slowly dip behind the mountains.

Even though it was busy, it still felt peaceful — and honestly, we didn’t mind the crowd. If you’re traveling solo or just like meeting other travelers, this is the perfect place to chat while enjoying the view.

Getting here is simple — it’s just a 5-minute walk from the parking area to the viewpoint. Parking is free, and while there’s no set entrance fee, a small donation is appreciated to help maintain the area.

A few things to keep in mind: the soil is very dusty, so don’t wear white, and the ridges can be narrow and uneven with no safety rails.

We wore sturdy sandals, and we’d recommend the same or sneakers, but definitely not flip-flops, especially if you plan to explore further along the trails.

2. Explore Pai Walking Street

If you ask us what to do here at night, the Walking Street Night Market is at the top of the list.

Every evening, the main street transforms into a bustling market, full of food stalls, souvenir shops, and live music. The vibe is exactly what makes this place so special — laid-back, social, and full of positive energy.

We loved wandering up and down the street, trying something different every night. Our favorites? Pad Thai, banana roti, and the creamiest mango sticky rice.

What we really liked was how almost every stall sold a different type of food — not just Thai, but dishes from all over the world. That’s something we didn’t see on Khao San Road in Bangkok, or even in Chiang Mai or Mae Hong Son, and it made the whole experience feel unique.

The market isn’t just about food. There are stalls selling handmade clothes, bags, jewelry, and art — some really unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else. We picked up a few souvenirs here, and the prices were fair, but don’t be shy about bargaining politely.

The market runs every night, usually from around 5:00 PM until 10:30 PM, but most stalls are fully open around 6:00 PM. However, it’s busiest on Fridays and weekends when more vendors set up and the street gets even livelier.

3. Relax at Tha Pai Hot Springs

If you’re looking for a relaxing break, head to Tha Pai Hot Springs, about 7 km south of town. Surrounded by lush greenery, these natural pools remain warm year-round, making them the perfect spot for a quiet soak after a day of exploring.

You can bathe in nicely arranged pools with water temperatures ranging from 36°C to 32°C, so you can pick the one that feels just right. The entrance fee is around 300 THB per person, so make sure to bring cash.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler and the atmosphere is calmer. Getting there is easy — the fastest way is by scooter. There’s parking right by the gate.

If you don’t ride a scooter, you can take a songthaew or local taxi and arrange for a return pickup so you’re not stuck waiting for transport after your visit. Facilities are basic, so don’t expect lockers or changing rooms.

If you’re visiting in the middle of the day, keep your soak short, use sunscreen, or wear a hat — there’s very little shade.

4. Visit the Bamboo Bridge (Boon Ko Ku So Bridge)

The Bamboo Bridge, also known as Boon Ko Ku So Bridge, is easily one of the most unique places to visit. Stretching almost 1 km across rice fields with mountains in the background, it feels like stepping into a postcard.

The bridge is built entirely from bamboo and has a rustic vibe. It’s around 8 km from the center, and getting there by scooter is straightforward, though the road has a few steep and narrow sections.

There’s a small parking area near the entrance, and a modest entrance fee applies during the day; however, entry is free after 5 PM.

For the best experience, visit early in the morning or just before sunset when the light is soft and the air is cooler.

You’ll also find a few small cafés and restaurants around the bridge — perfect for grabbing a coffee or sheltering if it rains.

And if you walk about 10 minutes to the end of the bridge, you’ll reach a quiet, sacred area with monks’ houses hidden in the woods, which makes the walk even more special.

5. Watch Sunrise at Yun Lai Viewpoint

For one of the best sunrise views in Pai, head to Yun Lai Viewpoint. Perched high above the valley, this spot offers a panoramic view of Pai and the surrounding mountains that looks absolutely magical as the sun comes up.

We visited for sunrise before heading back to Chiang Mai, and even though the visibility that day wasn’t great because of the smoke in the background, we still enjoyed it.

On a clear morning, we can only imagine how breathtaking the view must be. The viewpoint faces east, making it one of the best places in the town to watch the sunrise.

The viewpoint is about 6 km from the center, and the ride takes around 15 minutes by scooter. The road gets steep and winding near the top, so take it slow, especially in the dark. The parking area is large and we didn’t pay for using it.

We paid 20 THB for entrance, and there’s a small cafe at the top where you can grab a coffee or tea while you wait for the sun to rise.

We recommend bringing a light jacket — mornings here can be chilly, especially during the cool season, but also during the hot season.

If you’re not an early riser, visiting later in the day is still worth it, though you should expect more people and a less peaceful vibe compared to sunrise.

6. Chase waterfalls in Pai

There are a few beautiful waterfalls, and visiting at least one of them is a must while you’re here. Each one has its own vibe, so it’s easy to pick the one that suits your plan — or make a day of visiting a few.

• Mor Paeng Waterfall (100 THB entrance fee) – One of the more popular waterfalls, known for its natural rock slide. It’s great for swimming, but it does get busy during the day.
• Mae Yen Waterfall – Best for adventurous travelers. It’s a long hike (about 2–3 hours each way), but the journey through the forest and the reward of a secluded waterfall make it worth the effort if you have the time and energy.

The best time to visit is during or just after the rainy season, when the water levels are high and the scenery is lush and green. During the dry season, some waterfalls might have less water flow, so check conditions locally before heading out.

7. Explore Tham Lod Cave

We stopped at Tham Lod Cave on our way from Mae Hong Son to Pai, and it turned out to be one of the most amazing stops of our trip.

You don’t need to be doing the Mae Hong Son Loop to see it, though — the cave is only about 35 km north of Pai, making it a perfect half-day trip if you’re staying in town.

The cave itself is massive, stretching for over 1.5 km, and exploring it feels like stepping into another world. We arranged a local guide right at the entrance, and they handed us gas lanterns to light the way.

Walking through the dark chambers and floating along the underground river on a bamboo raft felt like a real adventure.

Inside, we explored several chambers, each one completely different — from towering stalactites and stalagmites to ancient cave paintings and even wooden coffins believed to be thousands of years old.

Getting there is easiest by scooter, but the road has winding mountain sections, so take it slow. If you’d rather not drive, we recommend booking the Pai Sunrise Private Tour to Jabo Viewpoint & Nam Lod Cave, which has excellent reviews (4.8 stars).

For fewer crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, as midday tends to be busier with group tours.

8. Stop for Lunch at Ban Jabo village

We visited Ban Jabo Village right before heading to Tham Lod Cave, since it was on the way, and stopped for lunch with incredible views.

Located approximately 40–50 km from the town, it’s a bit of a drive, but absolutely worth the effort, as you can combine it with Tham Lod Cave.

The village itself is small and peaceful, perched high in the mountains — perfect for enjoying a quiet meal with breathtaking views over endless valleys and hills.

There are two places where you can stop, but only one serves proper food — Saolahu Coffee — and that’s where we sat down. The restaurant serves simple Thai dishes along with freshly brewed coffee, and honestly, we couldn’t have been more satisfied.

The food was great, the coffee was amazing, and the views over the mountains made it an unforgettable stop. We were lucky to grab a seat right on the edge, where the views are the best.

There’s also Dekdoi Coffee Jabo, which doesn’t serve full meals but is perfect if you’re looking for a coffee or a light snack. The views from there are just as breathtaking, making it a great stop if you’re after a more relaxed coffee break.

For the perfect itinerary, we recommend visiting Tham Lod Cave in the morning, followed by a stop at Ban Jabo Village for lunch. In the afternoon, head back toward Pai, stop by Wat Phra That Mae Yen (which we’ll talk about below), then watch the sunset at Pai Canyon and finish your day at the vibrant Walking Street in the evening.

9. Visit the White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)

The White Buddha, officially called Wat Phra That Mae Yen, is one of the most recognizable landmarks, sitting high on a hill overlooking the valley.

You can see the statue from many parts of town, but climbing up to the top is what makes this spot special.

The walk up involves a short but steep staircase — about 350 steps — and while it’s a bit of a workout, the panoramic views of Pai and the surrounding mountains are worth every step.

Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to visit, with softer light and cooler temperatures, but any time of day offers a great view.

Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated to help maintain the site. Make sure to dress respectfully, as this is an active religious site — cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before stepping onto the main platform.

10. Chill at Pai’s Cafes

We’re coffee and food lovers, so exploring the local cafe scene was a must for us. Whenever we travel, we always look for places with the highest reviews on Google, because we want to try the best of the best.

These are our favorite and top picks in Pai:

• Om Garden Cafe – Our go-to for breakfast. The food is fresh, portions are generous, and the laid-back vibe makes it the perfect way to start the day.
• Dammie Cafe – The food is super tasty, the drinks are refreshing, and the cakes… wow, they’re beyond amazing. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is the place.
• Malamong Art Cafe – A quirky, artsy spot with a unique vibe. Perfect for a relaxed coffee or a quiet afternoon surrounded by creative energy.
• Reung-Rao Coffee & Bread – A cozy cafe with great coffee and freshly baked bread. It’s a quieter alternative if you want to escape the busier places in town.

The best part? Most cafes have a relaxed, social vibe, making them perfect for meeting other travelers or just enjoying a slow morning/afternoon with a good book.

11. Enjoy the evening at Pai’s Bars

Pai might be a small mountain town, but its nightlife is surprisingly lively. After sunset, the town transforms into a fun mix of live music, cocktails, and good vibes, with most places just a short walk from each other. Here are our favorite spots to check out:

• Almost Famous – A cozy little cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and chill atmosphere. Perfect for starting the night before heading out to a livelier spot.
• Blah Blah Bar – A fun, social spot with excellent music — especially if old punk is your thing. It’s always buzzing with travelers, making it an easy place to meet new people.
• Spirit Bar & Jewelry – A unique bar with a laid-back, bohemian vibe. They serve strong cocktails, and the space doubles as a jewelry shop, adding to its artsy Pai charm.

The best part about nightlife is that everything is within walking distance, so you can easily hop between bars and find the perfect spot to match your mood.

12. Get a Thai Massage

Getting a Thai massage is one of those things you have to do in every town, and for us, Phakamong Thai Massage was hands-down the best.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile — and even got a small cookie both before and after the session, which was such a thoughtful little touch.

We booked a Classic Thai Massage (our favorite), and honestly, we were blown away by how good it was. The therapist really knew what she was doing, working through all the tension and tight spots with so much precision and care.

The whole place felt calm, clean, and professional, which made it easy to relax the moment we lay down.

If you’re after a massage that’s both high-quality and affordable, this is the place to go. After a long day of exploring Pai or riding your scooter around, an hour here is exactly what you need to feel refreshed and ready for more adventures.

Where to eat

The town is filled with great places to eat, ranging from simple local dishes to fresh and healthy options. As food lovers, we tried quite a few spots during our stay — and these are the ones we’d recommend the most:

• Two Sisters Restaurant – A cozy spot serving authentic Thai food with great portions and fair prices.
• Jerk Spot Pai – Craving something different? This place serves amazing Jamaican-style food. The jerk chicken is a must-try.
• Ganita Cafe – A great vegetarian choice for brunch or a light lunch. Fresh, healthy, and beautifully plated dishes that taste as good as they look.
• Bom Bowls – If you’re into smoothie bowls, this is the place to go. Big portions, lots of fresh toppings, and perfect for a refreshing start to your day.

No matter what you’re craving, the food scene has something for everyone — and the relaxed atmosphere in town makes eating out even better.

How to get around Pai

Getting around the town is simple, and the best option really depends on how much you plan to explore.

Scooter

The most flexible way to get around is by renting a scooter. We arrived on scooters we’d rented in Chiang Mai for our Mae Hong Son Loop, but you can just as easily rent one in town. Prices start at around 150–200 THB per day for a basic automatic scooter.

If you’re new to riding, take it slow — the roads in and around the town can be steep and winding. And don’t forget your international driving license; there are regular police checks in town, and fines are common if you don’t have the license.

Songthaew (Local Taxi)

If you don’t feel like riding a scooter, songthaews — local shared taxis — are easy to find. They can take you to popular attractions like Pai Canyon and the hot springs.

Always agree on the price before getting in, and if you’re heading to a far spot, consider arranging a pickup time for the ride back.

Walking

For exploring the town itself, walking is perfect. The center is compact, with most cafes, restaurants, and bars within easy reach. Plus, a bit of movement between meals and massages definitely doesn’t hurt.

Best time to visit Pai

This place is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season.

The cool season (November to February) is the most popular time to visit. Days are sunny and warm, and nights can get surprisingly chilly, especially if you’re out on a scooter — so bring a light jacket.

The hot season (March to May) can be intense, with temperatures often climbing above 35°C. This period is also known for the burning season (March and April) when farmers burn crop fields. The air quality drops and the views, especially in the mountains, can be hazy.

We visited in early March while doing the Mae Hong Son Loop, and while the visibility in Pai itself wasn’t too bad, it wasn’t great on some days.

The rainy season (June to October) brings lush green scenery, fuller waterfalls, and fewer crowds. The rain usually comes in short bursts rather than all day, so it’s still a good time to visit — just be cautious when riding scooters, as the roads can get slippery.

If we had to recommend the best time, November to February is perfect for clear skies, cooler air, and overall great weather.

Quick tips for visiting

• Book accommodation early if you’re visiting during the cool season, as it tends to get very busy.
• Ride carefully if you’re on a scooter — the roads around the town are winding, with steep hills and sharp turns.
• Pack a jacket, especially if you’re visiting between November and February — mornings and evenings can be cold.
• Bring cash. While some places accept cards, many cafés, street stalls, and smaller shops are still cash-only.
• Use ATMs wisely. Every withdrawal comes with a high, fixed fee, usually 220 THB, no matter how much you take out. It’s cheaper to withdraw a larger amount once instead of making multiple smaller withdrawals.

Final thoughts

What started as our last stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop quickly became one of our favorite places in Thailand. It’s laid-back, fun, and full of experiences that make you want to slow down and stay a little longer.

If you only have one day in Pai, we recommend visiting the White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen), then heading to Pai Canyon for sunset, and wrapping up your evening at the Walking Street Night Market. Those three stops alone capture the very best of Pai.

Planning a trip to Thailand? Save this guide for your visit, and let us know in the comments which spots you’re most excited to see.