Wondering what to do in Pai, Thailand’s dreamy mountain escape? Don’t worry, I have got you covered with this full guide.
Whether you’re planning on chasing waterfalls, watching sunsets from cute hang out spots, or soaking in natural hot springs, Pai offers the perfect blend of chill vibes and adventure.
This once-sleepy village in Northern Thailand has come alive in recent years and become a must-visit destination for backpackers, nature lovers, and free spirits alike.
From cafe hopping and bamboo bridge walks to tubing down the river with a beer in hand, here are 11 unforgettable things to do in Pai that will make your trip one to remember.
Disclosure: This Very Best Place to Eat in Pai Guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I have recommended I will earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to keep Travels by Izzy going.
What To Do in Pai: 11 Unmissable Adventures!
Explore Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon was one of my very favourite places to go, whilst there are lots of great sunset spots to name, which I will do next, the canyon has to be my favourite place to watch as the day comes to an end and the skies turn from blue to gorgeous orange and pinks.
Located about 8km and 10 minutes out of Pai town, the canyon is truly unique and feels like something completely out of this world. Whether you decide to visit during the day, to catch the sunset or admire the stars I have no doubt its beauty will keep you going back again and again.
If you plan to visit during the day, there are a few trails you can follow, taking you on small walks up and down the canyon, or if you’d prefer to visit for sunset, then make sure to arrive in good time to find a nice spot to settle yourself down.
💡 A lot of people will arrive at the canyon and sit down immediately once they reach the top. If you want a spot a little quieter, then keep going along the canyon to find a more secluded spot. Just make sure to be careful as you climb along, as the edges are not protected!
Go Sunset Chasing
Sunset chasing is one of my favourite things to do in any country, and Pai is no exception. Here you can find hangout spots serving up fresh fruit shakes, your favourite Thai dishes and beautiful views over the lush farmland and mountain ranges.
Pai Canyon
As I mentioned above, the Pai Canyon is one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset, just head here on your scooter or speak to your hostel/hotel about arranging a taxi.
10 Rai
Located just a short 10-minute drive outside of Pai, you can find 10 Rai. This spot offers a wonderful laid-back and chilled vibe. Here you can find many different seating options, either seated up by the restaurant, down on the grass or on platforms giving you an uninterrupted view of the setting sun. The perfect place to people watch, so just sit back and enjoy your evening!
Two Huts Pai
Named Two Huts, as there are two huts, one to order food from and another to order drinks from. Here you can find live music, fire pits and a range of benches and seats offering up the perfect sunset views. Here you can order a range of drinks and freshly made Thai food to enjoy your evening.
Waterslide at Morpaeng Waterfall
This beautiful spot is mostly known for its deep pool to swim in, with many of the accommodations in Pai not having a pool and the ocean nowhere in sight, it’s the perfect spot to head to if you want to cool off and escape some of the hot Pai sunshine.
Located a 20-minute drive from the main town, this refreshing oasis also gives you the chance to waterslide as nature intended, from the top of the falls down into the pool below! Although I will warn you that this can be a little bit of a bumpy ride and can often give you a bruise or 2!
Spend the Day Cafe Hopping
Cafe hopping is such a tasty experience in Pai, there are so many amazing cafe’s serving up freshly brewed coffee, ceremonial grade matchas, fluffy pancakes and perfectly poached eggs.
You can either stick to some of the cute little cafes located in Pai’s centre or hop on your scooter and drive out to some of the secluded spots offering jaw-dropping views over the rolling mountains and farmland.
But whatever you choose make sure to check out my previous post ‘The Very Best Places to Eat in Pai‘ if you are looking for somewhere to devour something heavenly!
Wander The Famous Walking Street
If you have spent any amount of time in Thailand before heading to Pai, I am sure you will have come across a walking street market like those found in Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, but Pai does it differently and this sleepy town truly comes alive as the sun goes down.
Unlike the others, Pai’s walking street takes place every night along Chai Songkhram Road and spans half a kilometre! Here you can find linen and cotton essentials, cute and quirkly Pai kind of vibe clothes, handmade jewellery and souvenirs, then a wide, wide variety of street food ranging from traidtional Thai dishes, freshly made infront of you Buddha bowls, sweet treats including so many vegan options, fresh fruit and of course fresh young coconuts.
This is an absolute must whilst in Pai, because have you really visited Pai if you haven’t wandered the famous walking street and tried and tested everything in sight?
Take a Yoga Class or try a Workshop
The whole of Pai just oozes a laid-back hippie vibe and the wide variety of yoga studios and workshop options here back that up.
Whether you are looking for an upbeat class to get sweaty in, somewhere to relax or something more unique and quirky, Pai has got it for you! Offering up everything from Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and all your standard yoga classes to some more unique offerings such as floating sound healing, pottery classes, kundalini activation, ancestry healing and so much more!
To find some of the many options, you can check out studios such as Pai Yoga Shala, Bodhi Tree Yoga, Mystic Village Pai or Jany M Pai on Instagram. There are also plenty of ads for workshops and 1:1 healing offerings posted in many cafes and restaurants in Pai.
Go Tipsy Tubing
I will say, I have never actually been tipsy tubing despite spending many weeks in Pai, but if you like the sound of floating down the Pai river with a beer in hand, surrounded by sometimes hundreds of other backpackers, then I suggest you give it a go!
Easily booked from one of the many tour agencies located along the main road there are many trips happening each week and include bobbing down the river and stopping at various points to listen to music, have a few drinks and create memories with many other travellers.
Walk the Bamboo Bridge
Located 10km and 20 minutes outside of Pai town, you can find the Bamboo Bridge. This bridge walkway takes you along a fish pond and beautiful wildflower fields and offers up the rolling mountains as the perfect backdrop.
Here you can find some small cafes and a restaurant and many photo opportunities along the way!
Soak in the Hot Springs
For just 300 THB (£7), you can soak in the natural hot springs of Pai, I recommend visiting early in the morning and, if possible, avoiding the weekend to try and ensure your soak in the springs is a relaxing and chilled experience.
With the temperature at the main source points getting as high as 80 degrees, you can truly relax in these hot pools. This is a must for nature lovers, take your time to immerse yourself in the surrounding forest and enjoy the slow moment in nature.
Get a Tattoo
What better way to remember your time in Thailand and Pai than to get a tattoo?
I first visited Pai in 2023 and went to Gokui tattoo to get a small fairy tattoo on my arm, I then revisited in 2025 to get another addition to my sleeve from him, specially! Whether you are looking for something small or an addition to existing work then I cannot recommend Gokui enough.
Located on the main street, you can either pop in to have a chat with him about your tattoo ideas or find him on Instagram @gokui.
Admire the View from The Big White Buddha Temple
Take the many steps up to the top of Wat Phra That Mae Yen, commonly known as the Big White Buddha Temple, and you can see it high up in the hills from the main town.
Once up the top, it is a great place to watch the sunset or take a seat and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Pai town, located far below.
As with all temples in Thailand, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered for your visit. If visiting during the day, make sure to take some water for a rather sweaty walk up to the top.
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