What to See and Do Around Pai on a Rented Scooter + Day Trip to Tham Lod Caves. Explore Thailand’s Best Backpackers Destination with Us
11 Reasons Why We Love Pai and Think it is Thailand’s Paradise for Backpackers
Pai has become our favorite place in Thailand for a reason. It is a small, charming hippie town, up in the mountains, where you can easily spend a week or two exploring surrounding nature.
Here are a few more reasons why we loved Pai so much, and think it is Thailand’s backpacker’s paradise.
Reasons why you should visit Pai
- It is a beautiful place to be. Pai is surrounded by gorgeous nature – mountains, waterfalls, caves, canyons, and even hot springs. There is a lovely river going through the town as well.
- It has a very convenient location from Chiang Mai. You can easily plan and visit both places.
- Pai is a cheap and affordable place to visit. Accommodation costs only a few dollars, a portion of a meal is less than a dollar. Most of the nearby attractions are free or low cost.
- There are a lot of things to see and do around – explore the old buildings and temples, go inside Tham Nam Lod Caves on a bamboo canoe, hike Pai Canyon, swim in the waterfalls, or soak in the nearby hot springs, you name it!
- It is not a crowded town if you don’t count the tourists. The permanent population is around 4 000 people.
- There is almost no traffic on the streets and it is mostly from scooters. This also means Pai has cleaner air.
- Did I mention the elephants? There are a few places around Pai where you can see and interact with these lovely animals.
- The food in Pai is delicious. There are plenty of small places where you can taste local Thai cuisine.
- Pai has nice weather almost a year around. Similarly to other places in Thailand, there are two seasons – dry and wet. I recommend you to visit Pai between November and March when it is the dry season.
- Local people are very positive and accommodating. You will feel welcomed there.
- It is a great place for Digital Nomads and Westerners – English is a widely speaking language, good WiFi connection, cheap hostels, late parties, and scooters to rent.
Did we convince you to check it?
Table of Contents
Where is Pai and How to Get There from Chiang Mai
The town is located in Northern Thailand, around 80 miles northwest from Chiang Mai. You can easily get there by public transport.
It is an option also to rent a scooter in Chiang Mai and ride to Pai, but I don’t recommend this, as the road is very steep, and you may easily fall when making a turn.
How to get there with a small van
Ivan and I bought tickets to Pai directly from the Arcade Bus Station at Chiang Mai. It cost us around $10 per person for a one-way journey with a small air-conditioned van. We used Prempracha Transport company.
You can also buy tickets to Pai online from the best website for booking transportation in Asia – 12GoAsia.com. We use it many times and found really good ticket deals.
The 3-hour trip was an exciting adventure by itself. There are 762 curves between Chiang Mai and Pai, so be prepared with a bag if you have a sensitive stomach.
Where to Sleep in Pai
Accommodation in Pai is variable from cheap hostels to more luxurious hotels and private cabins.
Because we were traveling on a budget in Asia, I chose to book a cheap private room at “Day Off Guesthouse.”
You can check our article for which websites we use when booking cheap accommodation online.
However, this place was right next to a bar, which was a problem for us at night. In general, we are OK with loud parties, but at that time, we just needed some rest.
After one night staying there, Ivan and I decided to move to other accommodation which was more quiet and peaceful.
Our second place was a lovely private cabin at Rainbow House Pai, less than a mile from the center. It was a very nice and clean place, so definitely check it as an option if you plan to stay in Pai.
Where to Eat - Street Food & Local Restaurants
Street Food Vendors
As with all Southeast Asia countries, street food is the BEST food. It is freshly made, delicious, and cheap. While we were in Pai, we ate a couple of times on the Main Walking Street, plus visited the Night food market and a few local restaurants.
Evening time is a great time to go out and try the local BBQ – the famous chicken satay. You can find everywhere homemade Pad Thai and Curry meat with rice as well. Wherever you travel in Thailand, don’t miss to taste also Tom Yum Noodles Soup and Khao Soi.
Night Food Market
Similarly to our visit to Singapore, we tried the meals at one of the local food markets. It is called Pai Night Market and it isn’t very far from the main tourist street.
The market opens every night at 6 PM local time and closes at 10 PM. If you want to engage with locals and try delicious food, you should visit this place. The address from Google is Pai Night Market, Rural Rd Mae Hong Son 4024, Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand.
Local Restaurants
On the other hand, we also ate a few times from the same local restaurant. Don’t remember the name but it is located across the street from the Police station, right on the corner. This place is offering delicious local meals, in big portions, for 30-35 Bah each, which is around $1.
Overall, you can find many options where to eat deliciously in Pai, so don’t be afraid to explore and try new dishes from various vendors.
You will be surprised how good is their street food, made-to-order in front of your eyes. We can’t describe with words how much we loved the local food in Pai.
Where and How to Rent a Scooter in Pai
Where to find a scooter for rent?
There are a few places you can rent a scooter in Pai, mainly on the walking street. We used Vespai Rental to get a motorbike, and we recommend you using their services. We received great customer service and a scooter without any problems. It cost us around $6 or 200 BHT to rent a scooter for 24 hours.
What documents are necessary to rent a scooter?
You need to have a valid driver’s license and a passport. They require you to leave your passport as a guarantee for the scooter. Another option is to leave cash. The prices are for 24 hours or ½ day rent.
Be careful with the roads, as some places are tricky, and a moment of distraction can cost you a fall.
Some tips from us, regarding renting and operating a scooter in Thailand
- Always bring a helmet while riding a scooter. It can save your life.
- Check if your scooter’s lights and brakes work well. For example, you may try the scooter in front of the shop, just to make sure it is 100 % safe to be operated.
- Take some photos of the scooter at the time of rent. There may be scratches from previous use, so make sure to picture them. That way, you will have proof they were already there when you rented it.
- Make sure to fill the gas tank with fuel. You don’t want to get into a situation where you should walk a few kilometers to find a gas station.
- Drive your scooter on the left side of the road in Thailand.
- Do NOT exceed the speed limits and drive responsibly. Pai is a party place, but you should not drink and drive.
- Stay away from violating the laws, because you may find yourself in jail, or with a huge fine.
- Download a phone app called MapsMe, to use it for navigation only through your GPS, no internet is required. For instance, when you have access to WiFi, download their map for Northern Thailand, and use it later. Their maps have all of the listed attractions.
What to See and Do in Pai and Around | A Handful Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Traveling with a Van from Chiang Mai, Check-in at the Hostel and an Evening Walk in Pai
The first day we took a van from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station and traveled around 3 hours to Pai. The van is going directly to Pai’s bus station which is in the center of the town and easily accessible. It is a small town and everything is very close.
After check-in at our guest house, we got some rest from the journey with the van and later went out to find food.
We decided to check the vendors at Pai Walking street. You can find everything you need there – delicious food, refreshing ice tea, handmade souvenirs, and presents. I loved the handcrafted jewelry and bags.
Ivan and I spent a great time walking around and exploring Pai’s streets at night.
Day 2 Explore The White Buddha Statue, Pai Memorial Bridge, Pai Canyon, Elephants and Waterfalls
The next morning, we woke up early, got breakfast, and went out to explore Pai and around on a rented scooter. Ivan and I researched some of the attractions nearby and couldn’t be more excited about this day.
The White Buddha Chedi Phra That Mae Yen
Firstly, we visited The White Buddha Chedi Phra That Mae Yen. This place is within walking distance from Pai, about 2 km, and worth visiting it. It is free of charge.
The White Buddha is situated on the top of a hill and offers some amazing views over the surrounding landscape.
There are 353 steps to reach the top. Many people go there to watch the sunset or use this place as a meditation spot in the mornings.
Similar to the temples in Ayutthaya, The White Buddha Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is a place of worship and you should dress appropriately. This means you should cover up your shoulders and legs.
There will be a sign asking you to take off your shoes when you reach the top of the stairs. Tip: Bring a pair of socks in your bag, to wear it on the hot tiles if you are with sandals.
The Mae Yen temple nearby consists of two buildings and a few small golden chedis. Additionally, there is another Buddha statue.
Unfortunately, when we visited it, there was a recent fire and the building was partially destroyed.
There is also a coffee shop and a free bathroom down below, where you may buy some water or other cool drinks, before climbing the stairs.
Thank you for reading about Thailand’s best places. Why don’t you also check our article about Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand?
See Elephants at Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp
We were riding our rented scooter when, out of nowhere, we saw a few elephants next to the road. Without knowing, we had reached Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp.
Ivan and I were fascinated by the elephants over there and decided to spend some time with them. We bought a bunch of bananas and fed them. After that, we hugged them. <3
It was very nice to see these huge animals closer and to interact a bit. The guides assured us that they take good care of them. We hope it is the truth.
A Short Video How I Feed an Elephant
Follow us in Tik Tok for more videos from our travels, click @explorelearninspire
Walk Pai Memorial Bridge or Pai Historical Bridge
Our next stop was Pai Memorial Bridge. It is a famous tourist attraction with an interesting history behind it. You can see beautiful views of the Pai river and the surrounding countryside from there.
Pai Historical bridge is located at kilometer marker 88 on Highway 1095, Mae Malai-Pai Road.
The Japanese Army built it in 1942, to transport weapons and provisions to Myanmar (Burma) during World War II. It was originally made of iron.
In 1946, World War II ended. Japanese soldiers left and burnt down the bridge. This caused the villagers major inconvenience in their ways of transportation over the next years.
The local people got together and rebuilt the bridge again.
However, in 1973 the bridge was destroyed by the severe flooding hitting the Pai district.
Local administration asked Thai authorities for help and rebuilt the bridge, now using steel, to retain memories of the past.
The renovated bridge, what exists today as a tourist attraction, was finally commissioned in 1976.
There is no entrance fee to walk on the bridge. Be careful with the wood pieces, though.
Enjoy Metal Figures Art & Stop for Lunch
There are a few small restaurants and cute little coffee shops on both sides of Pai Memorial Bridge, where you can stop for a break and food.
At one of them, called Roadside Thai Restaurant, we saw these beautiful figures, made of metal and steel recycled parts.
They are amazing, aren’t they? Have you seen other art projects from recycled materials like this one? Share with us in the comments below.
We got lunch at the nearby Vintage Garden Pai. They offered delicious local food and excellent customer service.
Go for a Hike at Pai Canyon (Kong Lan)
Pai Canyon or Kong Lan is located very close to Pai Historical Bridge and it was our next stop in that hot afternoon. It is located off Highway 1095, about 8 km south of Pai.
We did a small hike in the canyon, which was very easy and pleasant. You should have comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes, as there are some slippery parts on the trail.
Pai Canyon is also the perfect place to watch the sunset.
There is no fee to enter the canyon. You can find vendors at the entrance who are selling bottled water, snacks, and souvenirs. It is a magical place to be and shouldn’t miss it if you are visiting Pai.
Find Pam Bok Waterfall
Because I love waterfalls, we decided to find Pam Bok Waterfall. It is located not too far from Pai, around 20 minutes riding. Once you get there, you will see a parking lot where you can leave your scooter.
As of 2019, there is 40 Baht entrance fee that you should pay to see the waterfall.
From the car park, we walked around 10 minutes on a scenic jungle trail, until reaching the cliffs with the waterfall.
There wasn’t much water when we went in January. However, Pam Bok Waterfall is a beautiful place and still worth the visit.
Watch Sunset at Mae She Thai Patthana Chit Chaloem Phra Kiait
On our way back to Pai, we accidentally found Mae She Thai Patthana Chit Chaloem Phra Kiait. It is a beautiful place of worship with many Buddha statues.
The sky that night was in purple tones. We were able to take some unbelievable photos.
Back in Pai - Go Out for Dinner & Cocktails at Sunset Bar
After all day of exploring around Pai, we finally got back to our hotel. We quickly refreshed ourselves and went out for dinner, plus some well-deserved drinks.
Ivan and I found this cool place called Sunset Bar, where the atmosphere is very chill out, and the cocktails are delicious! Good vibes and excellent customer service are what we needed that night.
The address of Sunset Bar is Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand.
Day 3 Rent a Scooter and Explore Tham Nam Lod Caves
We saved the best part for the last day of our stay in Pai. I am not sure if you know how much I love caves! Their place in my heart is right after the waterfalls. 🙂
However, that morning, we rented a scooter from Pai and traveled on a day trip to the famous Tham Nam Lod Caves.
Where are Tham Nam Lod Caves Located?
Tham Nam Lod Caves are about 30 miles north of Pai. It will take you an hour to get there, due to the many curves and windy conditions on the road. It is a beautiful ride, though, and you are passing through a gorgeous forest.
On our way, we stopped at
Tour with a Local Guide Inside The Tham Lod Caves
There is no entrance fee for the caves itself, but you need to pay for a local guide if you want to see them.
Tham Lod Caves Park
We paid 150 Baht per person for the first two caves (Big Column Cave and Doll Cave) and shared the 300-Baht cost with another tourist from the United States to get a two-way bamboo raft for Coffin Cave.
a lady who was very informative, and also spoke English quite well.
Once we reached it, the guide lit up the lantern, and we entered into the first one – Big Column Cave. Inside the caverns is very dark, so having someone to light the trail is very helpful.
Explore All Three Caves - One of Them on a Bamboo Raft
The first two caves are easy to walk. However, the stairs were a bit slippery and we needed to pay attention to where we step.
On the other hand, to go inside the third cave, you need to use a bamboo raft. That is why we paid the extra fee for it in the beginning.
Big Column Cave
The first cave has a 21-meters high column in the middle of the hall. Stalagmite and stalactite converged and formed this natural phenomenon.
Doll Cave
The guide lighted up our way and pointed to different cave formations that look like animals – a crocodile, an elephant, and a snake. We could notice some beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, lit up only through the lantern light.
Explore Coffin Cave on a Bamboo Raft
After 40 minutes of exploring the first two caves, we finally reached the third one, called Coffin cave.
Its name comes from the boats that scientists found inside. These vessels looked like coffins and belonged to ancient people.
However, it was time to ride on a bamboo raft, and we were super excited to try it. Ivan and I sat comfortably in the canoe and went on an amazing adventure!
Would you try it if you had the opportunity? Let us know in the comments below.
The view from inside is stunning.
There is fish swimming around the raft, and you can feed it, as you go along the Lang River. Some tourists buy special food at the entrance and enjoy their time while exploring the third cave.
I am not sure what fish was there, but it was huge! You may notice the dark spots in the water, on the previous photo with the bamboo raft and the guide. Scroll back up. Can you see the fish?
Our tour finished on the other side of the cave. It was an awesome journey to travel and one to remember!
We took some more photos at the final point, said goodbye to the wonderful guide, and left back to Pai.
Go Back + What Else To See & Do Around Pai
In the late afternoon, we traveled the same road to Pai. The journey to Tham Lod Caves and back is worth it by itself. You pass through beautiful mountains views like
There are a few more fun activities you can enjoy around Pai.
For example, you may relax and soak in Pai Hot Springs. We tried to visit it, but it was closed when we went.
Or, you can explore the nearby backcountry, and visit the rice fields. This is what we did, and we loved it!
Another famous tourist attraction is the Pai Bamboo Bridge. You should pay 30 Baht for an admission fee. We decided to pass it and instead, took a photo of the bamboo bridge at our accommodation.
Day 4 Check out & Final Thoughts
On the next day, Ivan and I checked-out from our lovely place, said goodbye to Pai, and traveled back to Chiang Mai.
We used the same transport company, and bought the tickets from the bus station in Pai, the night before.
Neither of us wanted to leave so soon, but we were running to catch a flight from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, and from there, flying to New Zealand.
Otherwise, we would stay in Pai at least one more week. It is a backpacker’s paradise and our favorite town in Thailand.
We would love to return someday and explore even more of Pai.
Happy travels,
Explore | Learn | Inspire
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So many amazing things to do! Thank you for sharing them all!
I am glad you like our post! Thank you!
Wow, so many amazing things to do. I would love the cave tour. It looks like the cave is still in very good condition. I also liked the TicTok where you feed the elephant. That elephant has you wrapped around his trunk.
Thank you very much, Karen! Tham Lod Caves are indeed very interesting and unique and you’ll love the cave tour. Feeding this elephant was an amazing experience as well!
It must be so cool to see elephants up close!
Hey, Rebecca, yes, it’s pretty cool to interact with them closely. You should visit Thailand and see the elephants! They’re amazing animals!
Wow! I can’t believe you did sooo much in just 3 days!!! I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand since my 20s but I still haven’t made it out there! *SAD*
Hey, Patti, it’s never too late to visit Thailand! It’s an amazing country and has so much to offer! Don’t be sad, instead, plan it for the next year 🙂
Oh I love Pai, had a great few days there although I didn’t manage to do nearly asm much as you. Guess I spent too much time trying every single dish at the night market and indulging in some of the best massages
Hey, Zi, we totally understand! Pai offers one of the most delicious food in Thailand and you can easily “get lost” in their places! We didn’t try the massages though, have something left for the next time when we visit Pai.
Невероятна дестинация, коятоси заслужава да се посети.
Great post! I had no idea about Pai but will put it on my Thailand list!
Thank you very much, Lorenza! Yes, definitely put Pai to your Thailand’s Bucketlist.
Наистина е такава! Благодаря за коментара!