Top Things to do in Pai
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10 Things to do in Pai That You Shouldn't Miss
The community of Pai is located four hours north of Chiang Mai and is absolutely worth a visit. The town is incredibly laid back and tourists can visit nearby waterfalls as well as a popular market on Wednesdays.
Restaurants in Pai
1. Conserve Natural Forests
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 266 reviews
Conserve Natural Forests (CNF) is a NonProfit charity foundation focused on forest restoration and wildlife conservation located outside of Pai, Northern Thailand. CNF has dedicated itself to restoring and enriching natural ecosystems through reforestation efforts as well as reproducing, rehabilitating and reintroducing endangered indigenous species populations to their native environment. A tour of our site maintains a balance between intimate time spent with endangered species on-site, the elephant(s) we are rehabilitating for release back into the wild, and education on the evolution of ecosystems and forest habitats in Thailand. Individuals who visit our site will leave with an intricate understanding of how elephants contribute to maintaining a healthy, bio-diverse ecosystem and how important it is to restore them to their natural environment to have successful reforestation efforts. Our organization maintains a focus on honesty and integrity in conjunction with our mission.
Reviewed By Barw50
This was such a beautiful experience. Their main focus is planting trees to save our forests and environment. Jason was incredibly knowledgeable about the project and was able to answer any questions about reforestation and taking care of the pregnant elephant, Cami. The land is breathtaking, we crossed a river to watch the elephant eat tons and tons of trees in her natural habitat. My favorite part was planting a tree. It feels like a family, we were able to relax with some delicious passionfruit mojitos and home-cooked Northern Thai food :) I would definitely go back and recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine experience.
2. Pai Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,214 reviews
Reviewed By VallyVerb
Amazing scenery and superb views. Be careful because there are some steep trails and the trails can be slippery after rain.
3. Mae Yen Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By tarao603 - Cork, Ireland
Nice gentle hike most of the way, one steep incline for ~10 minutes near the top, took about 2 and a half hours to get to the top, easy path to follow up along the river with many crossings of ankle deep water. Fun climb up along the side of the waterfall. Bear in mind there's no where to buy food/drink so best to carry your own. It rained on our way to the bottom and things did get a little slippery, all the more fun for us since it wasn't steep at that point. Not a difficult hike, would definitely recommend!
4. The Land Split
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
Reviewed By JacUlmarra - Grafton, Australia
For the price of a donation you can enter this local farm and walk through the massive split caused by an earthquake. It's very interesting to see, and fun to walk through. We saw some pretty interesting lizards along the way. After the walk the owners kindly invite you to sit and enjoy some of their homegrown products, such as roselle juice and jam, banana and papaya, tamarind, delicious banana chips and tiger peanuts, all of which you can also buy from them. It was a very nice experience
5. Boon Ko Ku So Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By Viyada_Jattupong
Is a place to come with family. There is a beautiful bamboo bridge. There are beautiful fields. There are rich nature. There are small shops.
6. Wat Phra That Mae Yen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By angelmusicmaven - New York City, United States
We were there just at sunset and saw the monks. Very pretty. You can take the songtheuw truck up from town at 30 pp or, drive up. This drive is excellent practice if you want to scooter up to Pai!
7. Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By 861dawnh
This was the first stop on a full day tour around Pai countryside. There were only 4 of us doing the full day and the hot spring was the only stop for the morning. The tour price included the 220 baht entry fee for us which our guide paid. On entry into the spring there are changing areas, lockers and toilets over the quaint bridge. There are places dotted around where you can chill alone or with friends or loved ones. I had a stroll around getting some great photos and just soaking up the calm vibe the area gave before getting in. Over the bridge there is a sunning area to lay or sit and dry off after your soak and take in the beautiful landscape surrounding the spring. The spring is split into 2 levels. The main spring you can swim or float in. The temperature is gorgeous. When your body gets used to the heat move around a little and you’ll soon find another hot spot that makes you sigh with happiness. The second spring is shallow with water cascading at the top that feels nice on your neck as you lay back. Yes water shoes would be ideal as there are stones entering both springs. Mine were drying at the hostel from my trip the day before so I had to bare foot the entrance but it’s not too uncomfortable. There were about 30 of us in the spring this morning from many countries but it didn’t feel busy or overcrowded, just nice. We had 2 hours in the spring then lunch was provided with our full day pai tour, with a choice from the menu. Due to my time restraints in Pai I couldn’t hire a bike as I had wanted to. If you have or do hire a bike, you could easily spend day in this park. Morning in the spring, have lunch, have a walk, trek around then finish off with another hour or so in the spring. I like that the spring itself was in the shade making the temperature of the water just right ... perfecto
8. Pai Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 880 reviews
Reviewed By jacklS470UH - Sydney, Australia
Wow. This was a great experience. A natural wonder and phenomenon. The heat of the water is amazing. Hydrate and get in there! Lots of health benefits. I enjoyed a bath for about half an hour. Not crowded at all (and I was there in peak season). A delight to listen to nature whilst learning about the marvels of how the springs came to be. True- 300 Bart entry fee is a little on the expensive side when compared to the rest of Thailand. But let’s be honest- for less than 10 USD (the price of a beer back home)- don’t let your stubborn traveller mind get the better of you. I came out feeling very relaxed - and I’m sure you will too!
9. Pam Bok Waterfall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 475 reviews
Reviewed By peekaboo19
Following on from the Land Split, outside Pai centre on a scooter, we decided to check out another waterfall. Apart from some dodgy roads on the way down to the waterfall we felt it was definitely worth the 40 bath entrance fee. Although not spectacular in power, the sheer face cliffs and it's almost hidden character gives this waterfall something different. You can bathe close to it and there are a few good photo locations. Not very touristy when we were there so would recommend, peaceful little spot.
10. Thom's Pai Elephant Camp
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 401 reviews
Thom's was the first elephant camp in Thailand where visitors could trek, play with them and swim together in the river. Thom grew up with her elephants, played with them as a child, and knows how much fun it is to spend the time with these wonderful animals. Thom's father was also an experienced trainer of young elephants and passed on his knowledge to Thom. Thom's Elephant Camp also offers specialist Mahout Training Courses. It starts with the introduction into elephant care, the verbal and body language to communicate with the elephants, followed by hand on practises. How to ride, play, feed, bath and take care of the elephants. Thom's Elephant Camp also offers beautiful bungalows and accomodation, mineral hot tub and spa retreat, Organic Farming and Mahout Course, sight seeing tours and of course wonderful elephant mountain and river treks.
Reviewed By Maehongson2
We visited Thoms elephant camp in February 2020 and paid to spend three hours with two of her three elephants. We walked with them into an open field up behind her house, where we watched them feed in a cut cornfield. Later we walked them down to the river and went into the river with them while they bathed. Thom inherited two of the elephants from her grandfather. The third is a 50 year old rescue who is blind in her right eve and couldn’t work on a rubber plantation any more and was going to be put down. All three elephants were born in captivity. Thoms house is on the side of the road on the way to Pai and during the day when they are working they are in pens there. They are not chained. We never saw the mahouts use a hook, all of their commands were verbal. Working keeps these intelligent animals active and engaged. For those visitors who are concerned with the elephants being penned, consider other domesticated animals many cats are never let outside. We don’t let horses or dogs roam free, and we certainly couldn’t let elephants go free. Not all elephants get along, they prefer living only with family groups, so elephant sanctuaries don’t really work for this species. Paying to walk with the elephants helps Thom to pay for their food and veterinary care, and for the care of their mahout. In my opinion the elephants were well fed and cared for. We had a great time with Thoms elephants and enjoyed a soak in her hot tubs at the end of our swim.
