Pai walking tour & city guide
A laid-back mountain town reached by 762 curves.
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
Pai is a small town in a valley of northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son province, surrounded by rice fields and misty mountains. Once a quiet market village, it became a magnet for backpackers and creative travelers, and its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere makes it easy to stay longer than planned.
Getting there
The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is legendary for its 762 curves through the mountains. Many travelers ride it by motorbike or scooter, as the videos show, while others take a minivan. The journey takes about three hours and offers spectacular views, but it is not for the motion-sick.
The town
Every evening, Pai's main streets become a walking street night market with handicrafts, street food and live music. The town is full of cafés, guesthouses and small bars, and life moves at a slow pace.
On a hill just outside town, a large white Buddha at Wat Phra That Mae Yen overlooks the valley and is a popular sunset spot.
Around Pai
Pai Canyon, a series of narrow ridges and drops, is best visited at sunset. Other highlights include the Pai Memorial Bridge, built during World War II, natural hot springs, waterfalls, the Land Split, where a farmer offers snacks from his land, and viewpoints such as Yun Lai. Mornings in the cool season are misty and magical.
Top sights in Pai
- 1
Pai Canyon
Narrow ridges with sunset views.
- 2
Pai Walking Street
A nightly market of crafts and food.
- 3
White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen)
A hilltop Buddha overlooking the valley.
- 4
Pai Memorial Bridge
A World War II-era bridge.
- 5
Tha Pai Hot Springs
Natural hot spring pools in the forest.
- 6
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Sunrise views over misty mountains.
Food markets & where to eat in Pai
Pai Walking Street
Street food stalls every evening.
Riverside cafés
Relaxed cafés by the Pai River.
Vegetarian restaurants
Pai has many healthy and vegetarian options.
Hilltop cafés
Coffee with views of the rice fields.
Food to try in Pai
Khao soi
Northern Thai curry noodles.
Street food skewers
Grilled snacks from the night market.
Roti
Sweet fried pancakes from market stalls.
Local coffee
Grown in the northern hills.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Pai
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in PaiCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Pai.
- eSIM for ThailandStay online from the moment you land.
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