The small town of Pai has become overrun by backpackers in recent years due to its natural beauty, party scene and proximity to Chiang Mai. Being only a 4 hour drive away and with plenty of daily mini buses running the route, it is extremely easy and cheap to get to Pai from Chiang Mai. Once here you will find backpackers wherever you look. However, this shouldn’t put you off visiting as there are still a number of sights to see that can be enjoyed without the huge crowds of tourists. Pai has become a place notorious for those looking to party but also for those looking to relax away from the city, resulting in the main sights and town centre being pretty quiet in the mornings whilst people recover from the night before or relax at their accommodation, making it the perfect time to do your exploring. 

With most of the activities being outside of the town and the roads being fairly quiet, many people decide to rent scooters here to get about. This is a great way to travel around if you are confident on a scooter but can put others off visiting if not. However, needless to worry, most of the notable places of interest can be reached for an affordable price through one of the many travel agencies that line walking street, the main road though the centre of Pai.

If you find yourself in this northern Thai town then here are 6 activities you should add to your itinerary. 

Big Buddha 

The Big Buddha is one of the attractions that can be reached on foot from the centre of Pai. A 25 minute walk will lead you to the base of this giant statue. Take the 350+ steps to the top to enjoy the beautiful views over the mountainous landscape and marvel at the scale of the Buddha.

Pai Canyon 

Probably the most popular activity to do whilst in Pai is visit the canyon. The most beautiful time to visit is at sunset but this is also when the most number of people are here. If you visit, be careful as you traverse the narrow ridges to get towards the centre of the canyon due to the large drop offs on each side. 

Pambok Waterfall 

For a fee of 200 baht you get access to this hidden waterfall that surprisingly had no crowd when we visited. A short 5 minute walk from the car park leads to this incredible waterfall where you can swim and cool off from the heat in a peaceful and natural environment. 

Nam Lod Cave 

Located about an hour drive from Pai, this extensive cave formation of over 1.5km offers an opportunity for travellers to experience a bamboo raft through the three chambers at a low cost. Prices are based on how many caves you wish to visit but range from 300-600 baht (£6.53-£13.06) per 3 person raft with all proceeds going towards the guides and local village.

We visited during wet season (July – October) and 2/3 of the caves were flooded too much for us to enter so keep that in mind when planning your trip. 

Two Huts Cafe 

If you are looking for a picturesque place for a drink or meal or even somewhere to watch sunset then this cafe is worth the 10 minute drive south of Pai. With swinging chairs and an unobstructed view over the distant hills, this was my favourite place that we ate at during our time in Pai.  

Walking Street

It is impossible to visit Pai without going to walking street. This is where the majority of the travel agencies, rental shops, bars and restaurants are and where your transport from Chiang Mai will likely drop you off. During the day the street is relatively quiet but come sunset, stalls line the road on either side, turning the street into a night market. Spend at least one evening here to get a feel for the true Pai experience when the street and bars start to get busier. 

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Many people come to Pai and end up extending their stay here because they fall in love with the energy of the town. Even if you aren’t into the party scene, you can definitely take things at your own pace and relax with the stunning mountain views from your accommodation. Hopefully you can see that there is plenty to do in this small town and it is worthy of any Thailand itinerary.

For those looking for an escape from Chiang Mai to a more quaint town, then Pai is a must visit.