Pai

Once just a quiet village in northern Thailand, Pai is now a booming town that is part of the Mae Hong Son Loop stretching between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Noted for its picturesque valley and relaxed atmosphere, Pai is a favored destination among backpackers and tourists wishing to explore the region.

Due to Pai’s increasing influx of tourists, the city has increased in tourism facilities with numerous guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir shops, bars and live music venues. Pai’s Wednesday Market is a popular attraction, which draws crowds from other villages around the Pail Valley.

With Pai’s location in the foothills of the mountains, many tourists use the city as a base for exploring natural attractions, trekking tours and visits to the hill tribes of Lisu, Karen, Lahu and Hmong. Also just outside the city are spas, elephant camps, hot springs and beautiful waterfalls. Additionally, the Pai River offers tubing and whitewater adventures. Other area must-see sites include the Pai Canyon, the WWII Memorial Bridge and a Chinese village where tourists can buy teas and view a Ferris wheel powered by humans.

Pai may be a small town easily explored by foot, but it packs many restaurants, tea and coffee shops, bars and clubs catering to the tastes of it its foreign tourists. Motorbike taxis and bicycles are available for sightseeing outside the city.

Nearby

• Shwedagon Pagoda - 232.1 miles/373.5 km
• Taung Kalat - 235.3 miles/378.7 km
• Luang Prabang - 243.3 miles/391.6 km
• Wat Xieng Thong - 244.1 miles/392.8 km
• Pak Ou Caves - 250.1 miles/402.5 km