Pai: Discover the Best Secret Destination in Thailand for Backpackers

This post provides a complete travel guide to Pai, Thailand. It will include what to do, where to stay, and how to reach the small town of Pai.

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In the very north of Thailand, about three hours from Chiang Mai, you’ll find the backpackers’ heaven on earth: Pai.

Talk to any backpacker who has visited Pai; they will gush about their time in the small yet bustling hippie town, and for good reason.

The chilled-out nature of Pai, along with the endless activities to do, exciting nightlife, and friendly locals makes it difficult to leave. This feeling is so prominent that backpackers often refer to being in a ‘Pai hole‘, and I guarantee you’ll experience this too.

Unfortunately, many travellers miss out on visiting Pai completely, since it’s a little out of the way of the usual backpacking route. However, I promise that it is totally worth the extra trip to make it there.

I’d also recommend giving yourself AT LEAST a few days to experience Pai. However, be prepared to find yourself in the Pai hole, you’ll want to spend a lot longer than you originally planned!

If you’d like help planning your trip to Thailand, check out my post: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand! (For Backpackers)

I stayed at this hostel and I have to say it was one of my favourites I’ve ever been to!

Pai Circus is very sociable, hosts fire shows, and has a bar and an ‘infinity pool’ making it a great place to chill out and make friends.

I shared a private hut with my friend which made the stay even more affordable and it was so much fun feeling as though we had our own little home in Pai- I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Nolo Hub makes it known that this hostel is for party enthusiasts ONLY. It is an ideal hostel for someone who is extremely social and up for making lots of friends (on lots of wild nights out).

If you’re after quieter evenings and large spacious rooms, Pai In The Sky is the hostel for you!

The location is great, being right next to Pai’s walking street and the local bus stop.

It’s important to note that there is strictly no alcohol allowed on the premises since they are located close to a temple, however, there are loads of bars that can be found nearby!

Pai Country Hut offers beautiful bamboo cottages at amazingly affordable prices.

Each hut has its own balcony and the shower facilities here are excellent.

The location is also great, being only a few minutes walk from Pai’s main walking street.

Great value, perfect location, and excellent facilities…what more could you want?!

If you’re up for an adventure and to be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking a natural wonder, then the Pai Canyon is a must!

Trekking (and climbing) around this beautiful rocky landscape is so much fun. Be prepared however, you’ll need shoes with a good grip since the edges of the canyon are extremely steep- as you can imagine!

Visit an hour before sunset so you can have time to explore the winding canyon walls. Then, chill out and watch the sun drop behind the surrounding mountains.

During the sunset, you’ll become enveloped in a mystical orange hue, making this a rare and unmissable experience that you’ll continue to dream about once you’re back home!

Pai is home to many stunning waterfalls that are the perfect place to cool down during the hotter days of the year.

Popular waterfalls in the area include Pam Bok (the tourist favourite), Mo Paeng (great for swimming and bathing), and Hua Chang (for adventure seekers).

It’s important to note that if you choose to visit Pam Bok waterfall, you’ll need to purchase a relatively expensive entry ticket of 200 baht. However, with this ticket, you can also access Sai Ngam Hot Springs and Tham Lod Cave for free (excuse the girl math) as long as you visit on the same day. So plan wisely to save your baht!

One of the most popular attractions for travellers, the Bamboo Bridge is a must for anyone visiting Pai.

Expect a beautiful long and winding bamboo pathway among vast ricefields, with benches and swings to stop and relax at along the way!

The attraction boasts an awesome two-floor cafe, where you can get refreshing drinks to cool off from the heat of the day and gaze out over the stunning scenery.

You can also follow the path to a Buddhist temple, or buy fish food for the coy fish, watching them leap out of the water to grab some food.

Hot springs are basically affordable natural spas!

Pai was the first place I’d ever visited a hot spring and it was amazing to chill in the jungle-like setting and relax under the small natural waterfalls.

The experience is also good for your physical health. The mineral-rich waters can help ease muscular aches and heal eczema, while the heat boosts blood circulation around your body!

There are a few hot springs in Pai, I’d recommend either Ta Pai Hot Springs or Sai Ngam Hot Springs Pai for an immersive experience in the green jungles of Pai.

As noted, Pai is incredibly free-spirited and packed with creative outlets, whether that be art, music, or cuisine.

The bars here add to this laid-back environment, each being unique in theme and decorated with all sorts of bold and wonderful designs.

Bars often host live musicians, making them the perfect place for a relatively chilled-out evening while enjoying a few (or many) drinks.

Some of my favourite bars that you should check out include:

• Sunset Bar
• Spirit Bar
• Boom Bar
• Jazz House

A couple of nights a week, the infamous Jungle Rave takes place in remote locations in the mountains of Pai.

At the rave expect various DJs and psychedelic-themed decorations and lighting, making it an extremely exciting experience and being for great photos!

Since the raves are usually located quite far out, you’ll need a taxi to get there. However, if you find a large group the journey will be a lot less expensive if you all chip in!

A short but steep (353 steps) walk will take you to the impressive giant White Buddha.

Since this is a temple, it’s crucial that you wear appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders covered) and you will need to take off your shoes when you get to the top.

You can quietly meditate, pray, or simply take in the sacred feel of this extraordinary temple.

The view is also breathtaking. Since you look out west over the landscape, it’s another great place to watch the sunset over the mountain ranges of Pai.

Who doesn’t love coffee with a view?

Well, you won’t be disappointed at Two Huts!

This cafe provides amazing tea and coffee options, with comfortable seating (and hammocks) from where you can look out over the landscape and mountains.

Two Huts is also perfect to visit during sunset as a relaxing evening activity to wind down after the day’s adventures!

Why not take part in a giant pub crawl, where instead of walking from bar to bar, you float down a river in a giant inflatable rubber ring?!

Pai is renowned for Tipsy Tubing, and although there were rumours of the local authorities trying to ban this activity, it seems so far like it is still going ahead.

However, it is important that this extremely fun activity is to be met with caution. You should only take plastic bottled drinks as the river flows through some rocky and choppy waters, making it easy for glass bottles to smash and possibly injure you!

You can book this tour through many different hostels, or find companies along the walking street. Expect to pay between 200-300 baht.

Explore one of the most unique and history-rich caves in Thailand!

Featuring monumental stalactites and stalagmites formations, this 3 sectioned cave, is one to remember!

The trip into the cave in itself is an adventure; you’ll need a guide with a gas lamp to take you on a bamboo raft along the Nam Lang River, that passes through Tham Lod Cave.

To no surprise, it is pretty dark in the caves so you’ll need to watch your step and stay close to the guide as you squeeze through to each section of the cave.

You will learn about the significance of this cave for the Lawa Tribes, and may even see some bats hanging around on the ceiling!

Located on the walking street, Pai’s night market is open every night between 6 pm and 10 pm.

Here you’ll find food stands serving authentic Thai meals as well as various other international cuisines. Feast upon Pad Thai, sushi, mango sticky rice, fresh spring rolls, and even banana and Nutella rotis that are cooked right in front of you.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even try some of the edible bugs that a couple of stands have to offer!

The Night Market is also a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs. This includes handmade crafts, hippie-style clothing, and unique pottery made by the locals.

It’s best to head to Pai starting from Chiang Mai.

Unlike Chiang Mai, Pai does not have an airport so you’ll likely either take the local minibus, book a car, or take yourself there with a rented scooter!

This journey from Chiang Mai to Pai only takes around 3 hours, making it a relatively shorter journey compared to the rest of your travels across Thailand.

If you’re not in Chiang Mai and want to get there or to Pai ASAP due to time constraints, I’d recommend booking a flight to Chiang Mai Airport. You can easily find prices below.

When you arrive in Chiang Mai, head to the local bus station (Chiang Mai Arcade) and book a ticket to Pai. This will cost around 200 baht. You can also book online with 12Go here.

I’d also advise you to eat only a light breakfast before the journey as the road is notoriously winding. It can make those who don’t usually experience travel sickness feel slightly queasy!

🔑 Preparation is key: Find out what to expect when visiting Thailand during its winter months here!

The best way to get around Pai is by scooter!

If you haven’t ridden a scooter before, Pai is a great place to learn! The roads in Pai are a lot less busy than Thailand’s other popular destinations, making the learning process less overwhelming.

The flip side to Pai’s roads is that they can be quite hilly and if you’re not driving cautiously, accidents can happen.

However, in all honesty, the only accidents I witnessed or heard of were due to irresponsible driving. So, as long as you drive carefully, wear a helmet, and are SOBER, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about!