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The most rewarding things to do in Pai let you slow down and explore its forested trails, hillside temples, and laid-back culture without ever needing to rush. From soaking in natural hot springs to wandering through night markets packed with street food and handmade goods, Pai blends small-town charm with outdoor adventure. You can hike to waterfalls, raft down the river, or take in panoramic sunset views at Pai Canyon, all within easy reach of the town. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Pai keeps your days full and unhurried.
10 Best Things To Do In Pai
From quiet nature spots to lively local markets, these are the best things to do in Pai for a complete and memorable experience.
1. Watch The Sunset At Pai Canyon
Photo: Thomas de Fretes / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Pai Canyon gives you one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in town, especially if you make it here before sunset. The narrow ridges and deep gorges stretch out in every direction, forming a maze of red sandstone paths with no railings. If you start the short hike up in the late afternoon, you’ll beat the heat and get the golden hour light that makes the entire area glow. The terrain is dry and elevated, so bring water and avoid flip-flops. Watching the sky shift over the canyon is easily one of the most photogenic things to do in Pai, and it doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy this natural show.
Location: Route 1095
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: White Buddha, Love Strawberry Pai
2. Soak In The Tha Pai Hot Springs
Photo: DarkInSeiOnG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Spending a couple of hours in the Tha Pai Hot Springs is one of the most relaxing things to do in Pai, especially if you’re unwinding after a trek or a motorbike ride through the hills. The springs sit within a forest clearing where natural thermal water flows through a series of terraced pools, each one slightly cooler as it moves downstream. The upper pools are the hottest, often reaching 80°C, and are used to boil eggs, which are sold at the entrance. You’ll want to soak in the mid or lower pools, where the temperature is comfortably warm for bathing.
Location: Huai Nam Dang National Park
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Cost: ฿300 / ₹670
Nearby Attractions: Land Split, Pam Bok Waterfall
3. Sample Roselle Juice At The Land Split
Photo: Lum3n / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Years ago, sudden soil shifts created deep fissures through this Pai farm, making traditional farming impossible. Instead of abandoning the land, the owner adapted, adding walking paths around the split and continuing to grow what he could. Visitors can explore the fissure via a marked trail and relax in bamboo huts with homemade snacks like banana chips, roselle juice, tamarind jam, and hibiscus wine. There’s no entry fee, just a donation box near the shaded seating. The owner often chats with guests, sharing the farm’s story and community support. It’s one of the most personal and memorable things to do in Pai.
Location: On the road to Pam Bok Waterfall
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Pam Bok Waterfall, Tha Pai Hot Springs
4. Explore Local Bites At Pai Night Market
Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Every evening, Rungsiyanon Road transforms into a long stretch of open-air stalls, turning the centre of Pai into a walkable food and craft market. It’s one of the most amazing things to see in Pai, just show up after sundown and follow the smells. Local vendors start setting up before dark, offering grilled meat skewers, banana roti, mango sticky rice, sushi rolls, and even vegan-friendly options like tofu curry and rice paper wraps. As you walk further, you’ll find herbal balms, silver jewellery, cotton bags, soaps, and postcards, most handmade, many by people who live in Pai year-round.
Location: Rungsiyanon Road
Timings: 6 PM – 10 PM
Nearby Attractions: Pai Bus Station, Wat Klang
5. Climb To The White Buddha At Wat Phra That Mae Yen
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
Reaching the White Buddha at Wat Phra That Mae Yen is one of the most rewarding things to do, especially if you’re up for a short climb. From the base, you’ll need to take on a long, straight staircase, around 350 steps, that leads to the top of Mae Yen hill. At the summit, the seated Buddha overlooks the entire Pai valley, framed by low hills and rice fields stretching to the horizon. The statue itself is massive and bright white, catching the sun in the morning and glowing softly as the day ends.
Location: Mae Yen Hill
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Pai Canyon, Fluid Pool
6. Walk The Bamboo Bridge Over Rice Fields
Photo: Eerin25 / Wikimedia Commons
The Bamboo Bridge in Mae Hi was originally built by locals to connect the village to a temple across seasonal floodplains. It now stretches across active rice fields, and walking on it gives you a direct look into Pai’s agricultural side. The bridge is made entirely of split bamboo laid across a series of wooden supports, elevated just enough to keep your feet above the wet ground. You’ll pass through quiet farmland where planting, harvesting, or ploughing often happens just a few metres away. Along the route, you’ll see simple rest stops, woven flags, and an active monastery at the far end where monks still walk the bridge every morning.
Location: Mae Hi
Nearby Attractions: Rice fields, Wat Sri Don Chai
7. Swim At Mor Paeng Waterfall
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you’re exploring what to do in Pai and want an easy nature escape, Mor Paeng Waterfall is a great pick. Located near a small village, it’s one of the most accessible natural spots—just a short walk from the parking area through a light forest trail. The waterfall flows over smooth rock slabs, forming shallow pools and a natural rock slide that’s popular in warmer months. Local families often picnic here, and kids enjoy jumping from the lower rocks. It’s a peaceful weekday spot where you can cool off and enjoy Pai’s outdoors without needing a guide.
Location: Ban Dung village
Timings: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Chinese Village, Sai Ngam Hot Springs
8. Hike To Pam Bok Waterfall
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pam Bok Waterfall is enclosed by steep, narrow cliffs that keep it shaded for most of the day, which makes it noticeably cooler than other open spots around Pai. You reach it after a short walk through a forest trail that runs along a small stream. The waterfall itself is modest in height, but the surrounding rock walls give it an enclosed, quiet atmosphere. The water drops into a small plunge pool where you can swim, though the flow varies with the season. If you’re visiting Pai to explore outdoor spots that are close to town but not overrun, making the short hike to Pam Bok is one of the more worthwhile.
Location: Pam Bok area
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Land Split, Tha Pai Hot Springs
9. Go Bamboo Rafting On The Pai River
Photo: fei wang / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Bamboo rafting on the Pai River offers a calm, scenic ride through nature with no experience needed. Made from tightly bound bamboo poles, the rafts are steered by local raftmen using long wooden poles to guide them through gentle currents. Most trips begin in Pai town and follow routes past farmland, light forest, and small villages. You sit directly on the bamboo, so a towel or change of clothes is smart if water levels are high. Rides last 45 minutes to two hours, making this one of the most laid-back and peaceful ways to enjoy Pai’s landscape.
Location: Pai River (within town)
Cost: ฿300–500 / ₹670–1,100
Nearby Attractions: Farmlands, hot springs
10. Relax In The Sai Ngam Hot Springs
Photo: Yimsurawut / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sai Ngam Hot Springs sits in a shaded forest area north of Pai and is fed by natural geothermal water flowing through limestone pools. Unlike the more commercialised hot springs near town, Sai Ngam has a quiet, undeveloped feel, with shallow pools surrounded by dense trees. The top pool tends to stay hotter, while the lower ones are slightly cooler and can fit more people at a time. Water clarity is high, with a pale green tint from natural minerals, and the pool floor is fine gravel rather than mud. If you’re visiting during a cooler season or early morning, the steam rising through the trees adds to the atmosphere.
Location: On Mae Hong Son Road
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Cost: ฿200 / ₹450
Nearby Attractions: Mor Paeng Waterfall, Ban Santichon
The most rewarding experiences in Pai are simple and authentic: stroll through peaceful farmland, relax by the river, and savor freshly cooked meals from street stalls. Whether you’re drawn by the natural hot springs, delicious local cuisine, or the chance to unwind, Pai offers a serene escape. Embrace the laid-back vibe and slow down to enjoy the moment. Plan your perfect Pai getaway effortlessly with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Ben Lim / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
