Postcard Perfect: 6 Exciting things to do in beautiful Pai, Thailand

Postcard Worthy: 6 Reasons why Pai, Thailand should be your next destination

Sarah Khan

07 Dec 2017

updated the 8 December 2017 à 13:16

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Our guide to Pai, Thailand
Browse the gallery for the best ways to enjoy the small countryside town of Pai, Northern Thailand!
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1. Lush sunflower fields
Northern Thailand has some breathtaking scenery during the winter season from November to December. The entire countryside is filled with the blooming sunflowers painting the landscape yellow. Sunflowers are grown in some northern districts, with the Mae Hong Son province chiefly known for the cultivation of this golden flower. Known as Bua tong (or Golden Lotus) in Thai, they are in fact Mexican Sunflowers.
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2. Stunning Waterfalls and Caves
There an array of waterfalls in Pai, although the Mo Paeng Falls and Pombok are a hot favourite among tourists. The more secluded Pombok allows for a more shaded dip, with plenty of rocky ledges that you can jump off. For more adventurous, nature-filled fun, the Lod (Spirit) Caves located in a town just 35kilometres is also worth a visit.
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3. A hipster cafe scene
Much like Bali, Something that Pai does not lack is an amazing selection of cafes with great ambience, aesthetic decor and of course, scrumptious food. It's hard to pick a favourite, but we recommend the Lemon Thyme Cafe, a little green house cafe with all-time classics like eggs benedict; Art in Chai Cafe; and Carrot on the Moon.

Photo: Lemon Thyme Cafe (Facebook)
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4. Pai Canyon
The Pai Canyon spans across a large area, and offers pretty stunning and rewarding views that you get to enjoy along and after the hike. We recommend timing your hike so that you reach the peak at sunset. Up the ante with a beer and marvel as the sky changes in hue from day to dusk.
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5. Beautiful Hot Springs
For a truly blissful hot spring experience, we suggest bypassing the overpriced Pai Hot Springs for a 'secret' one that is a lot cheaper and quieter: the Sai Ngam hot springs. At just 20baht per entry, finding it is an adventure all in itself. Be warned: this trip is not for the faint-hearted. The roads are incredibly windy, so make sure you've got an adept driver or are confident on a scooter.
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6. Pai’s Walking Street
No trip to Thailand is complete without a taste of its street market scene. Every night, Pai’s main street is lined with vendors selling everything from your quintessential “backpacking-in-Thailand” hippie trinkets, food, jewellery and more. If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice here: there’s everything from sushi, barbecued meat to even Indian food and fruit smoothies.

For a taste of Thailand different to the likes of Phuket or Bangkok, Pai is definitely one to watch.

Little is known about Pai, a small countryside town in Northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province, just a few hours outside of Chiang Mai. Nestled on an exceptionally picturesque valley along the Pai River, this hippie, dreamy town has become a magnet for hippies, nature lovers, backpacker and tourists.

With its distinctive laidback vibes, rolling landscapes of lush nature and scenery and a great cafe and nightlife scene, it’s no surprise that Pai is a favourite among tourists. The best way to get around the relaxed town is on a bike, which lets you enjoy the landscapes is so naturally stunning and quite unlike elsewhere in Thailand. For a snippet of the best things to do in Pai, Thailand, browse the gallery above!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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