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Pai

First-time visitors to Pai (ปาย) might wonder if they've strayed into a northern version of a Thai island getaway, only without the beaches. Guesthouses appear to outnumber private residences in the ‘downtown’ area, a travel agency or restaurant is never more than a few steps away, and the nights buzz with the sound of music and partying.

But Pai's popularity has yet to diminish its nearly picture-perfect setting in a mountain valley that offers natural adventures aplenty. And the town's temples and fun afternoon market are a reminder that Pai has not forgotten its transnational status as a town with roots in Myanmar's Shan State, or that it is a crossroads for the ethnic minorities who live in the nearby hills. There’s heaps of quiet accommodation tucked away, lots of activities to keep visitors entertained and a relaxed vibe that tempts some people to stay forever.

Explore Pai

Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is located 8km from Pai along the road to Chiang Mai. A paved stairway here culminates in an elevated lookout over high rock cliffs and the Pai…
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Nam Tok Mo Paeng
The most popular waterfall in the vicinity of Pai, Nam Tok Mo Paeng has a couple of pools that are suitable for swimming. The waterfall is about 8km from…
W
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
This temple sits atop a hill and has terrific views overlooking the valley. To get here, walk 1km east from the main intersection in town to get to the…
T
Tha Pai Hot Springs
Across Mae Nam Pai and 7km southeast of town via a paved road is this well-kept local park. Through it flows a scenic stream, which mixes with the hot…
B
Ban Santichon Viewpoint
A viewpoint at the Chinese village of Ban Santichon that offers decent views over the surrounding area.
B
Ban Santichon
The cheesy photo ops in traditional Chinese clothing, piped-in music, tea tastings, pony rides, tacky recreation of the Great Wall of China and…
M
Memorial Bridge
To some it may be an antiquated bridge, but to the thousands of Thais who stop here it’s one of several crucial photo ops along the ‘762 curves’ from…
W
Wat Nam Hoo
Wat Nam Hoo is about 2km west of Pai and houses a sacred Buddha image said to have once emitted holy water from its head. The place is popular with…
N
Nam Tok Pembok
Higher up than the other waterfalls close to Pai, Nam Tok Pembok is at its best after the rainy season (October to early December). The waterfall is about…

Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is located 8km from Pai along the road to Chiang Mai. A paved stairway here culminates in an elevated lookout over high rock cliffs and the Pai…
N
Nam Tok Mo Paeng
The most popular waterfall in the vicinity of Pai, Nam Tok Mo Paeng has a couple of pools that are suitable for swimming. The waterfall is about 8km from…
W
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
This temple sits atop a hill and has terrific views overlooking the valley. To get here, walk 1km east from the main intersection in town to get to the…
T
Tha Pai Hot Springs
Across Mae Nam Pai and 7km southeast of town via a paved road is this well-kept local park. Through it flows a scenic stream, which mixes with the hot…
B
Ban Santichon Viewpoint
A viewpoint at the Chinese village of Ban Santichon that offers decent views over the surrounding area.
B
Ban Santichon
The cheesy photo ops in traditional Chinese clothing, piped-in music, tea tastings, pony rides, tacky recreation of the Great Wall of China and…
M
Memorial Bridge
To some it may be an antiquated bridge, but to the thousands of Thais who stop here it’s one of several crucial photo ops along the ‘762 curves’ from…
W
Wat Nam Hoo
Wat Nam Hoo is about 2km west of Pai and houses a sacred Buddha image said to have once emitted holy water from its head. The place is popular with…
N
Nam Tok Pembok
Higher up than the other waterfalls close to Pai, Nam Tok Pembok is at its best after the rainy season (October to early December). The waterfall is about…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Pai.

See
Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is located 8km from Pai along the road to Chiang Mai. A paved stairway here culminates in an elevated lookout over high rock cliffs and the Pai…
See
Nam Tok Mo Paeng
The most popular waterfall in the vicinity of Pai, Nam Tok Mo Paeng has a couple of pools that are suitable for swimming. The waterfall is about 8km from…
See
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
This temple sits atop a hill and has terrific views overlooking the valley. To get here, walk 1km east from the main intersection in town to get to the…
See
Tha Pai Hot Springs
Across Mae Nam Pai and 7km southeast of town via a paved road is this well-kept local park. Through it flows a scenic stream, which mixes with the hot…
See
Ban Santichon Viewpoint
A viewpoint at the Chinese village of Ban Santichon that offers decent views over the surrounding area.
See
Ban Santichon
The cheesy photo ops in traditional Chinese clothing, piped-in music, tea tastings, pony rides, tacky recreation of the Great Wall of China and…
See
Memorial Bridge
To some it may be an antiquated bridge, but to the thousands of Thais who stop here it’s one of several crucial photo ops along the ‘762 curves’ from…
See
Wat Nam Hoo
Wat Nam Hoo is about 2km west of Pai and houses a sacred Buddha image said to have once emitted holy water from its head. The place is popular with…
See
Nam Tok Pembok
Higher up than the other waterfalls close to Pai, Nam Tok Pembok is at its best after the rainy season (October to early December). The waterfall is about…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Pai

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