Overview

On a winding road with 762 bends, a gateway to Myanmar, 146 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai, with a population of less than 6,000, lies the little town of Pai, Thailand's hippy capital, which is part of Mae Hong Son Province. It is well-known as a Thai island in the mountains. It has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking an alternative lifestyle. It is a must-see for everyone traveling to Thailand.
It is bordered by some of Thailand's tallest mountains when it comes to scenery. Pai sits at an elevation of 1,805 feet above sea level, making it more relaxed than the plains to the east during the hottest months of the year.
As a charming and tiny valley town with cultural prominence and natural splendor that has drawn visitors worldwide, this gem destination has achieved stardom. It is now well-established on the international tourist map.

Tourists worldwide are drawn to this Garden of Eden because of its stunning location, awe-inspiring mountains, natural splendor, relaxed ambiance, a wide range of health-promoting activities, and unrivaled kindness of the residents. It's a must-stop on every Thailand itinerary.
It's no secret that travelers love Pai. A valley bordered by mountains, jungle, and rice terraces separates the town from the rest of Thailand's towns and cities. Everyone in the city is pleasant and relaxed.
It also boasts a rich cultural history and a dizzying array of activities available day and night. With its laid-back vibe and vibrant live music scene, Pai has become a favorite destination for travelers.
There are various lodging options, ranging from basic bungalows to five-star resorts and numerous cafes, restaurants, spas, and viewing sites within easy riding distance.
The town tucked up in the mountains has long been popular with travelers seeking a holistic haven. Since it gained international attention, Pai has gone from being a well-kept secret to yet another over-hyped tourist destination in Thailand.

Things to Do & See in Pai

Go Hiking and Scrambling in Pai Canyon

One of Thailand's most famous natural attractions, Pai Canyon, is located just outside of the famed tourist town of Pai.
It is a vast area that offers breathtaking vistas and pleasant hiking trails. Don't bother with a map or survival kit if you want to hike in Pai Canyon. There will be only one trail, although there are a few vantage places along the way. In Pai Canyon, the optimum time to go hiking and scrambling would be in the morning.
When the sun sets over Pai Canyon, it's a magical place to be. Large crowds of people trek along these trails in search of the best vantage point to see the sunset. No matter what time of year it is, the evenings are stunning from the tiny pathways.
If you take your time, you may quickly explore the canyon. Visit this location to catch a glimpse of valleys and mountains in the distance.

Check out Yun Lai Viewpoint's Spectacular Beauty

The Yun Lai is within a 15-minute drive from downtown Pai, just above Chinese Village, and it offers stunning Pai and the surrounding mountains views. It's a well-liked tourist destination, and the vistas are breathtaking. You'll need a motorbike or a car to travel around Pai.
You'll find a cafe at the overlook where you can relax with a coffee and take in the scenery. If you're a fan of flowers and tea, you'll find both at the viewpoint.

Visit Chinese Village

On the west of Pai, the Chinese Village is a cultural crossroads where Thai and Chinese traditions collide. People who want to learn more about Yunnanese Hill Tribes' practices should visit this vibrant village. Locals claim that the culture used to blend Yunnanese and Thai influences.
This Chinese Village, also called Santichon Village, provides many activities for visitors, including tea tastings, wood Ferris wheels driven solely by human powers, and horseback rides. A bows and arrow shooting range are available for those who want to test their skills.
The food is fantastic, and you may sample various traditional Chinese dishes. An attractive park, mud hut cottages, an outdoor deck restaurant, and newish-looking souvenir shops offering Chinese goods, herbs, pickled seeds, and tea make up the village's central hub. You can roam around it and snap photographs of this unique cultural town.
There are several traditional mud and straw huts to choose from if you stay in the Chinese Village. Both the scenery and the lodging are breathtaking.

Enjoy Mo Paeng Waterfall, One of the most famous waterfalls

In terms of sheer beauty, Mo Paeng Waterfall, also known as Namtok Mo Paeng, located north of Yun Lai Viewpoint, is one of the most exhilarating waterfalls in the city of Pai. It is a great place to go on a day trip to relax and break from the heat. It is a must-see for nature lovers.
There are three stages to the Mor Paeng Waterfall, which cascade down the rocks until it reaches a tiny depression at the bottom. For bathing and swimming, this slump is excellent. The great season to visit is early in the morning when you'll be the only person sitting by the waterfall and listening to the water flow and the sounds of the jungle.
Visiting the waterfall during the rainy season will allow you to experience it at its fullest potential. Because of the waterfall's ability to slide the smooth rocks like a slip n' slide, It is well-known in the area. In addition, the surrounding area is filled with trees of all sizes, making the space feel quieter.

Shopping at Pai Walking Street

In the evenings, Pai's main street transforms into a night market known as Pai Walking Street or Pai Night Market, where people sell various goods to tourists. These goods include handcrafted items, souvenirs, apparel, postcards, jewelry, purses, and footwear. There is also a wide variety of drinks, bakery goods, and delicious sweets.
Bars and restaurants line both sides of the Pai Night Market, making it easy to grab a portion of food or a drink after a long shopping day. The spicy Khanom Chin and sesame-seasoned Black Sticky Rice for dessert can be found in Pai's Night Market. Several bars also feature live music regularly.