By air
Chiang Mai (CNX), then ~3 h by road over the famous 762 curves
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Pai, Thailand
A slow mountain valley of hot springs and viewpoints
Getting there
Best time to visit
November to February — cool, clear mornings
Don't miss
Pai Canyon
The Memorial Bridge
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
Yun Lai viewpoint
Things to do
Sunset at Pai Canyon
Soaking at the Tha Pai hot springs
Scooter loops to viewpoints
The nightly Walking Street
Where to eat
What to pack
Warm layers for chilly nights, sturdy sandals, a rain jacket
A quieter corner
Pam Bok Waterfall, a short ride out of town
Questions travellers ask
How long does it take to reach Pai?
Fly into Chiang Mai (CNX), then it's about 3 hours by road over the famous 762 curves.
Which months are best for Pai?
November to February, for cool, clear mornings. Pack warm layers for chilly nights, sturdy sandals and a rain jacket.
What are the highlights of Pai?
Watch the sunset at Pai Canyon, soak in the Tha Pai hot springs, ride scooter loops to the viewpoints, and wander the nightly Walking Street.
What's good to eat in Pai?
Graze the Walking Street food stalls, and try Shan and Yunnanese dishes in Santichon village.
About Pai
- Hills
- Riverside
Where it is
Pai is a small town in a broad valley on the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province, in the mountains of north-western Thailand, reached from Chiang Mai by a winding road over the hills.
History
Pai grew up as a small farming town of Shan (Tai Yai) and northern Thai villagers. In 1943 the Japanese army began building transport routes between Thailand and Burma through the region, but the bridge over the Pai River now called the World War II Memorial Bridge was in fact built after the war. Today the town lives mainly from tourism and is a favourite of backpackers.
People
Pai's valley is shared by Shan (Tai Yai) and northern Thai villagers, with Lisu, Lahu and Karen communities in the hills and Yunnanese Chinese at Santichon village. Northern Thai, Shan and Central Thai are spoken, and rice fields still cover much of the valley floor.
Known for
- Pai Canyon at sunset
- The Tha Pai hot springs
- The nightly Walking Street
- Waterfalls such as Pam Bok and Mo Paeng
- The Tha Pai Memorial Bridge
Did you know?
The mountain road from Chiang Mai to Pai, Route 1095, is famous among travellers for its hundreds of bends.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.