Thailand · City Guide
Pai
Pai is a small and beautiful mountain town in Mae Hong Son Province near the Myanmar border, a destination of extraordinary natural scenery, hot springs, waterfalls, bamboo bridges, rice paddy landscapes and a bohemian traveller culture that has made it one of northern Thailand's most beloved escapes. From Pai Canyon and the Tha Pai Hot Springs to the bamboo bridge walks and the excellent street food night market, Pai offers a completely different and deeply enjoyable Thailand.
Explore Pai →Elect's take
"Pai has a magical quality that I find very difficult to describe adequately. The combination of the mountain scenery, the hot springs, the rice paddy landscapes and the relaxed creative atmosphere creates one of those destinations that people arrive at for a few days and find themselves staying for weeks."
The road from Chiang Mai to Pai via the 762 bends of the Mae Ping River valley is one of the most beautiful drives in northern Thailand, providing extraordinary mountain scenery throughout the three hour journey. Pai Canyon provides dramatic red rock formations with beautiful sunset viewing. The Tha Pai Hot Springs provide relaxing outdoor bathing in a natural jungle setting. The bamboo bridge across the rice paddies provides a beautiful and photogenic walking experience. The night market in the town is excellent with outstanding food from multiple regional Thai traditions. The surrounding hill tribe communities provide cultural trekking opportunities.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Pai Canyon
Dramatic red rock formations providing outstanding sunset viewing above the valley.
Tha Pai Hot Springs
Natural hot springs in a beautiful jungle setting perfect for relaxing outdoor bathing.
Rice Paddy Landscapes
Beautiful bamboo bridge walks through extraordinary green rice paddy scenery.
Mountain Scenery
Extraordinary mountain landscapes on one of northern Thailand's most beautiful roads.
Pai Night Market
An excellent market with outstanding food from multiple regional Thai traditions.
Hill Tribe Trekking
Cultural trekking opportunities to the hill tribe communities in the surrounding mountains.