Explore Pai With Your Zippy Motorbike
Pai is one of our top three scenic route destinations for you to explore. It is a picture-perfect small town located in Northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province, about 135km from the city of Chiang Mai and near the Myanmar border. This town has become a popular place for travelers due to its charm and numerous attractions. Small weekend getaways often turn into week-long trips as the lush and beautiful surroundings are contagious and mesmerizing. Tucked away in a valley, surrounded by walls of continuous mountains, Pai often seems to survive in its own time zone. For those looking to explore the outdoors, look no further than Pai, as nature is the cities best friend.
After renting a scooter from Zippy Motorbikes, you will need to travel about 135km or around 2-3 hours to reach this destination. Out of the three route inspirations which we recommended, Pai is the second shortest route to travel from Chiang Mai. The small city of Pai is one of those places you don’t often expect much out of, but more often than not, it holds a special spot in the traveler’s heart. In this article, we will list some of our recommended things to do in your visit to Pai, Thailand.
Explore Pai With Your Zippy Motorbike
Climb to the top of one of the hills overlooking Pai to discover a blindingly white Buddha statue that offers a breathtaking view. The climb to the top takes about an hour and can work up a sweat to reach the top, but the panoramic views from above make it all worthwhile. A visit to this Buddha is free and easy to locate as it can be seen from the town itself. To prepare for this visit, it’s advised to bring some water and dress for the appropriate weather.
Pai Night Markets
During the evening, Pai offers markets along the street where you can find anything from clothing, souvenirs, and food. Some of the best cheap street food options in Thailand can be found here and many visitors are often tempted into shopping. Even if you don’t want to buy something, these markets are always fun to explore and is one of the many free commodities in Pai.
Pai Canyon
The Pai Canyon is one of the best hiking spots in this area, it offers a beautiful scenic canyon range with numerous hiking trails and lookouts. The canyon is a few minutes drive from the town and is an easy way to become one with nature. We highly recommend visiting when the sun is setting, as it adds to the stellar views. The Pai Canyon is free for entry and is greatly advised to bring some proper walking shoes and drinking water.
Tham Lod Cave
One of the more popular things visitors of Pai do is to take a tour through the Tham Lod Cave. This huge cave is one of the most impressive throughout Thailand, making it something you don’t want to miss on your visit. The cave is home to different stalagmite, stalactite, and limestone formations hanging from the ceiling. The Lang River also flows directly through the cave, making some of the cave only accessible via a guided boat, making a guide mandatory for entry. The cave is roughly a 45-minute drive from Pai, and costs range depending on group size. Expect to pay roughly 600 Baht for the full-day tour.
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
Out of the many hot springs found around Pai, the Sai Ngam Hot Springs are the top pick for both locals and tourists. These springs are located in the jungle, giving them a relaxing and peaceful place to unwind. The wonderful natural surroundings and low cost of 20 Baht make it a perfect place to visit. The Sai Ngam Hot Springs can be found roughly 30 minutes from Pai and is along the same route as the Tham Lom Cave making it a great activity to pair with.
Yun Lai Viewpoint
The Yun Lai Viewpoint is a beautiful overlook offering panoramic views of Pai. We highly recommend going for the breathtaking sunrise but is only accessible from a bumpy road and is about 5km from the city. It costs 20 Baht to enter this viewpoint.
Pai Canyon
One of the most beautiful waterfalls located near Pai, is a great place to come take a swim in the morning. We recommend going during the wet season as water levels will be at its peak. This waterfall is accessible from a scenic mountainous road and is about a 17-minute drive from the city. It costs 40 Baht to enter, and we recommend bringing a towel and a bathing suit on your visit.
