Imagine zooming along on a scooter, wind whipping your hair, with stop offs at ancient caves, waterfalls, and unreal sunset spots. Are your travel buds salivating? Let me introduce you to Pai, a vibrant adventure hub located in Northern Thailand.

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‘You got stuck in the Pai hole too?’, my bus driver asks as we take the winding road down to Chiang Mai. My stomach churns on every bend and I try my best to focus on the passing jungle peaks.

‘Sorry?’, I ask.

‘The Pai hole’, he chuckles, exposing a toothy grin. ‘Happens to most people. They go to Pai, think they’ll stay a short time, and end up extending…or never leaving!’

 

It’s pretty nice living the Pai life

 

I laugh inwardly. I guess I’d very much become stuck in the ‘Pai hole’. My trip was only supposed to be three days, and yet I’d stretched it out to two weeks. And if I’m honest, after meeting a few laid-back travellers who’d made the move to Pai themselves, I’d even started to ask around for job possibilities in the local cafes and bars.

I can’t exactly pinpoint what it is about Pai. You just have to go there to get it. Pai is vibrant and truly a nature lover’s dream. So please, do yourself a favour, pop the adventure hub of Pai onto your travel bucket list, and jot down these seven epic things to do there.

Read more: I’ve Visited Thailand Over 10 Times – This is Why I Keep Going Back

1. Visit Tham Nam Lod Cave

Price: Guides are 150 Baht per group (1-3 people) | Bamboo rafts are 400 Baht for up to 3 people (return trip)
Location: 50km north of Pai

No trip to Pai would be complete without a visit to the exceptional Tham Nam Lod Cave. Either take a taxi from the centre of Pai, or, if you’re game, go by scooter. The drive is windy, so I recommend popping a travel sickness tablet prior to the journey. The Tham Nam Lod Cave is nothing short of exceptional.

 

An unmissable experience

 

The unique structure of the cave boasts a vast river tunnel with three higher dry caverns. As you’re guided by lantern, take in smooth rock formations and soaring columns, before being directed down to the dark inky river which runs through the centre.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there – you have the opportunity to hop on bamboo rafts and go by water to another entrance point of the cave. Look below and you’ll spot hundreds of black fish swimming below! For an extra special sight, I recommend visiting at twilight when you’ll get the experience of witnessing 300,000 birds flying into the cave.

2. Go Tubing Down the River

Price: Differing prices, however, expect to pay around 250 baht
Location: Pai River

Hiring a tube and floating down the Pai River is a must do. It’s the perfect way to get up close to Pai’s natural beauty and witness it from a different vantage point. As you float down the river, take in the stunning scenery, grazing water buffalo, and extensive birdlife.

 

Take it all in from the glorious Pai River

 

While tubing in Pai is generally a peaceful affair, there are parts of the river you can choose that makes for a more thrilling ride. These areas contain small rapids and shallow water, creating a sense of adventure as you navigate through them.

Hot tip! DO NOT do this in wet season as the rapids become dangerous.

3. Take in the Views from the Pai Canyon

Price: Free!
Location: 8km south of Pai

With its rugged landscape and breathtaking views, Pai Canyon makes an ideal spot for photography, hiking, and relaxation. Head here at sunset, when the orange valleys are aglow and the vastness of the landscape is highlighted.

 

Pai in the sky is pretty special

 

Just don’t look down as you walk along the orange shelves of dirt! The views from all vantage points are second to none. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, as to get to many of the viewpoints there’s some adventurous scrabbling involved.

4. Take a Dip in the Hot Springs

Price: 300 baht
Location: Various locations around Pai

Head to one of Pai’s many hot springs for a dip and a scenic nature walk. Each section of the hot springs has a different temperature, which is conveniently marked, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

 

Nature’s spa day!

 

I was shocked to see broken egg shells next to one of them, and, through reading a sign, found out that the water is so hot in that section that you can boil an egg.

Who needs to head to a day spa for a hot and cold plunge? At Pai’s many hot springs, you can move between pools and temperatures, soaking in the forest and getting your zen on after a day of adventure.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

5. Indulge in Local Delicacies at the Night Markets

Price: Varies
Location: Centre of Pai town

Foodies get excited because Pai isn’t short on good nosh. I particularly loved the walking street markets which take over the town centre each and every night. There’s a rustic haphazardness about this market: people serving food from the backs of their cars, bikes, tents, you name it.

 

Thumbs up for the night markets

 

I ate at the night markets every night. A particularly memorable Pad Thai I had was served by a man sitting over his fry pan in the back of his open car, tossing the stir fry in the air while gigantic flames licked the underbelly of the pan…even eating is an extreme sport in Pai.

6. Climb Up to Big Buddha

Price: Free but donations welcome
Location: 3km from Pai

In Thailand there’s no shortage of beautiful temples and monuments to visit. The Big Buddha in Pai is an adrenaline-seeker’s spiritual haven.

 

Truly otherworldly

 

To get there, Explorers must traverse winding roads on foot or by motorbike, bypassing unforgettable views, until you reach the base of the shrine.

Then comes the cardio kick on as you climb the many stairs to the top. Do it for sunrise or sunset, work up an appetite, and chase it with a meal in town afterwards.

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

See Event Details See More Events
Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

7. Watch Sunset From the Two Huts

Price: Buy anything from the restaurant (even just a drink) to get access to the view
Location: 5km from Pai

Two Huts is an awesome place to end your Pai trip (unless of course you’ve decided to move there). As the name suggests, this venue houses two stilted huts on top of a mountain range, which sit in the perfect position to catch sunset.

 

A glowy end to your Thailand trip

 

As the sun descends, lighting up the landscape in a tangerine glow, sip on a fresh smoothie or a coconut from the bar. This place has a magic quality about it and is bound to leave you feeling calm after a busy day of exploring.

I’m sure these activities in this unforgettable adventure hub will have you yearning to come back for that extra slice of Pai!

If you’re looking for more escapades to have in the land of smiles, then add ‘5 Lesser-Known Adventures in Thailand That Will Level Up Your Trip’ to your reading inventory.

Pai Thailand FAQs

How many days should I spend in Pai, Thailand?

I recommend scheduling in around half a week in Pai, but be warned, you might slip into a Pai hole like me and stay for weeks!

What is Pai, Thailand known for?

Pai is known for its classic Thai landscapes, including rice paddies, rolling hills, and waterfalls. It’s a popular place to go tubing and is known for its unique canyon.

What to wear in Pai?

When packing for a visit to Pai, make sure to take long-sleeve, light-coloured, loose clothing. Thailand is a conservative country, so it’s not appropriate to be in a swimsuit outside of a designated swimming area. It’s also hot! So loose clothes that cover you from the sun are handy.

While You’re in Thailand…

 

Feature image by Thomas de Fretes via Unsplash

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.