Landmarks in Pai
- 01
Mo Paeng Waterfall
A multi-tiered waterfall in the hills near Pai with natural swimming pools, which is at its best after the rains and popular as a cool daytime stop.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 to 2 hours including the journey
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- During and just after the rains, roughly July to November; check road conditions
- Tickets
- We could not confirm a current entry fee or opening hours from the sources we opened. Take cash for small payments, and check locally whether the site is open after heavy rain.
- 02
Pai Canyon (Kong Lan)
A maze of narrow clay ridges and steep drops a short ride outside Pai town, best known as a sunset viewpoint over the surrounding valley and forest.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Late afternoon for sunset; dry months, November to February
- Tickets
- We could not confirm a current entry fee or opening hours from the sources we opened, so check locally. There are no railings on the ridge paths; wear shoes with grip and keep children close to an adult.
- 03
Pai Memorial Bridge
A steel truss bridge over the Pai River outside town, popularly linked with Japan's wartime road works, and a quiet, short stop on a drive around the valley.
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; dry months
- Tickets
- Free and open air. We could not verify any visitor facilities or opening hours.
Experiences in Pai
- 04
Pai River Rafting and Tubing
Seasonal river trips on the Pai River, from gentle tubing to whitewater rafting, offered by guesthouses and local operators.
- Time needed
- Half to full day, depending on trip
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Wet season, roughly July to October, for rafting; check with operators
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage reports operator prices of about 1,200 to 1,800 baht for rafting and trekking packages, which change. Check safety equipment and insurance before booking.
- 05
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
A basic riverside hot spring in the hills outside Pai, with natural pools of warm water in a forest setting.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Cool mornings in the dry season, November to February
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage reported an entry price of 200 baht for Sai Ngam, but fees change, so check locally. Bring cash.
- 06
Tha Pai Hot Springs
A hot spring site near Pai where sulphur water, reported at up to 80 degrees Celsius, is cooled into bathable pools set in a green riverside park.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Cool mornings in the dry season, November to February
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage reports a government entry price of 300 baht for foreigners and 100 baht for Thai nationals, with last entry at 18:00, and cheaper private spas nearby. Prices change, so check on the day.
Neighbourhoods in Pai
- 07
Santichon Chinese Village
A Yunnan-style cultural village near Pai, settled by Chinese Yunnanese families, with tea shops, lantern-lit lanes and a human-powered Ferris wheel.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; November to February
- Tickets
- We could not verify a current entry fee. Wikivoyage reports there are tea shops and a human-powered Ferris wheel; ask locally about fees and hours.
Temples in Pai
- 08
Wat Phra That Mae Yen (Big Buddha)
A hilltop temple above Pai topped by a large white Buddha statue, reached by a stairway and known for wide views over the town and valley.
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; November to February is clearer
- Tickets
- We could not confirm a current fee or opening hours from the sources we opened, so ask locally. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes where signs ask.
