Pai Canyon, aka Kong Lan, is a natural rocky landscape which is located 8 kilometres from the township of Pai in northern-Thailand. Pai Canyon is popular with photographers as well as being a challenging climbing spot...
Chiang Mai Area – Pai
Pai is one of northern Thailand’s best-known mountain towns, combining dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls, hot springs, countryside attractions and a relaxed evening market scene. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes Pai Canyon, Sai Ngam Hot Spring, Pai Hot Springs, Pai Walking Street, Pai Memorial Bridge, Yun Lai Viewpoint, Mo Paeng Waterfall, Pam Bok Waterfall, Pai River and other attractions across the surrounding valley.
The town is compact, but many of the main attractions sit outside the centre, so visitors often explore by scooter, private car or tour. Pai’s strongest appeal is the contrast between daytime nature experiences and its lively but relaxed town centre after dark.
Explore Pai
- Pai Canyon – Walk narrow ridgelines and enjoy wide views across the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially around sunset.
- Hot springs – Relax at Sai Ngam Hot Spring or Pai Hot Springs for one of the area’s signature natural experiences.
- Waterfalls – Visit Mo Paeng Waterfall, Pam Bok Waterfall and Mae Yen Waterfall for swimming, scenery and short outdoor adventures.
- Viewpoints and countryside – Head to Yun Lai Viewpoint, Pai Chinese Village and rural attractions for sunrise views, rice fields and mountain scenery.
- Pai Walking Street – Spend the evening browsing street food, drinks, crafts and small shops through the centre of town.
Browse the listings below to discover Pai waterfalls, hot springs, viewpoints, markets and things to do across this popular northern Thailand mountain destination.
Pai Canyon
Thung Yao, Pai
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Mae Na Toeng, PaiThe Sai Ngam Hot Spring (also known as the Secret Hot Springs) is located 15 kilometres north of Pai and can be reached by scooter. With entry only costing 20 THB, this is certainly a great place to come and relax...
Pai Walking Street
Wiang Tai, PaiPai Walking Street is the centre of Pai’s evening activity, bringing food stalls, handicrafts, clothing, drinks and live music to the streets of this small mountain town. The market operates in central Pai in Mae...
Pai Hot Springs
Mae Hi, PaiThere are two Pai Hot Springs that you can visit on your trip; the first being Sai Ngam Hot Springs and the second known generically as Pai Hot Springs. The Pai Hots Springs is the most popular and attracts the most...
Pai Memorial Bridge
Mae Na Toeng, PaiThe Pai Memorial Bridge (also known as Saphan Prawatsart) is an important historic World War II artifact which is located in the small northern Thailand town of Pai. The memorial bridge was constructed in 1942 during...
Pai Village Farm
Mae Hi, PaiPai Village Farm is a business associated with the Pai Village Boutique Resort which is an accommodation provider which offers a range of beautiful guest rooms as well as a range of activities. The Pai Village Farm is...
Coffee in Love
Thung Yao, PaiCoffee in Love is a cafe located in Pai, just 2.5 kilometres south on the main road. There is a large sign located on your left which you cannot miss. Famous as the location of a Thai Film set here in 2009 (Pai in Love)...
Love Strawberry Pai
Thung Yao, PaiLove Strawberry Pai is one of the most iconic attractions in this mystical, magical destination. It is perhaps best known for its sweeping mountain views and the backdrop with a sign, perfect for taking photos. However...
Pai Chinese Village
Wiang Tai, PaiPai Chinese Village, also known as Santichon Village, is the cultural melting point for Thai culture and the Chinese way of life. Located just 4kms west from the township of Pai, the Chinese Village has heaps of fun...
Land Split Pai
Thung Yao, PaiLand Split Pai is a fascinating attraction nestled in the northern city of Pai, located 3 hours north of Chiang Mai. Land Split Pai is a naturally occurring crack in the ground that opened up mysteriously in 2008 and...
Pai River
Wiang Tai, PaiThe Pai River traces its source to Daen Lao mountain ranges in Pai and flows through the town and across the border into Myanmar. Popular for white water rafting, the Pai River is central to the survival of the Pai...
Lod Cave
Tham Lot, Pang MaphaLod Cave, also known as Tham Lod, is a set of limestone caves and rivers located in the northern-Thai city of Pai. Guided tours are available through the caves for a small price where you will be guided through dark...
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Wiang Tai, PaiThe Yun Lai Viewpoint is an incredibly picturesque spot near the heart of Pai. Located just three hours away from Chiang Mai, the viewpoint is best explored when you combine it with Pai’s many other scenic...
Mo Paeng Waterfall
Mae Na Toeng, PaiMo Paeng Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction just 10 kilometres from Pai and is popular with both tourists and locals. Best known as a slippery waterfall, one of the most popular activities to enjoy at Mo Paeng...
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen
Mae Hi, PaiThe Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is an iconic temple located in Pai, Northern Thailand. The temple features a massive white Buddha statue which sits on top of a hill; seeming that he keeps a close watch on the valley, as...
Mae Yen Waterfall
Mae Yen Luang, PaiThere are many waterfalls in and around Pai accessible by motorbike, but Mae Yen Waterfall is the only one that requires a trek through a jungle. Mae Yen Waterfall is located around 7 km from Pai and takes around 3...
Wat Nam Hu
Wiang Tai, PaiWat Nam Hoo is a key temple in Pai, and it attracts both devout locals and tourists. Home to the sacred Buddha image, this is a must-visit temple.
Pai Piranha Fishing Park
Mae Na Toeng, PaiThe Pai Piranha Fishing Park & Guesthouse is located just 10 minutes north of the city centre of Pai, in northern-Thailand. The park consists of a large fishing pond and onsite guest house and restaurant which...
Pam Bok Waterfall
Thung Yao, PaiPam Bok Waterfall is located only a short distance from Pai and is one of the most popular attractions to enjoy whilst you are in Pai. The falls are easily accessible by scooter and is located near to the Pai Land...
The Famous Pai Circus Hostel is a unique activity and accommodation option that is popular among backpackers. It includes a spacious hostel with complete amenities, and it’s conveniently situated near the Pai town...
The Pai Treehouse Resort provides exceptional accommodation and amenities for the ultimate experience within Mae Hong Son in Pai. The property is surrounded by magnificent mountains and quaint riverbanks; ideal for...
What are the best attractions in Pai?
Popular attractions include Pai Canyon, Sai Ngam Hot Spring, Pai Walking Street, Pai Hot Springs, Yun Lai Viewpoint, Mo Paeng Waterfall and Pam Bok Waterfall.
What is Pai best known for?
Pai is best known for its relaxed mountain-town atmosphere, Pai Canyon, hot springs, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and lively evening Walking Street.
Is Pai worth visiting from Chiang Mai?
Yes. Pai offers a very different experience from Chiang Mai, with a smaller town centre, stronger mountain scenery and easy access to waterfalls, hot springs and countryside attractions. The winding road from Chiang Mai means an overnight stay is generally more rewarding than a rushed day trip.
What can you do for free in Pai?
Popular free options include Pai Memorial Bridge, Pai River, Chedi Phra That Mae Yen and Pai Walking Street, while some viewpoints and natural attractions may also have little or no entry charge.