The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary in Pai
Pai is a chill mountain town in northern Thailand, near the Myanmar border. Once a quiet spot with a few travelers lounging by the river, Pai has transformed into a bustling backpacker haven and a must-see for many tourists. Despite these changes, Pai still retains its unique charm and relaxed vibe. Use our Pai 1 Day Itinerary to make the most of your day, drawing on multiple visits and favorite recommendations.
For a more flexible approach, check out my suggested one-day itinerary for Pai:
Getting Around Pai
To truly experience Pai in a day, renting a scooter or motorbike is the best option. At around $5 a day, it’s an affordable way to explore Pai. For a memorable day trip to Pai, if riding isn’t preferred, booking a half-day or full-day tour through local operators or accommodations is a great alternative. Alternatively, sticking close to town and enjoying a scenic hike is also an option.
Breakfast in Pai
Start the day with a hearty breakfast. The Red Bike Kitchen and Espresso Bar on Pai Walking Street is a favorite. Their shakshuka with cheese and decent coffee are a great way to kick off the day. For budget-friendly options, the street food on Pai Walking Street comes alive at night, offering plenty of choices.
Option 1: Pai Half Day Tour
Get an early start, eat some breakfast, and get ready for your 10 am pickup, you will be back between 6 and 7pm.
- Pickup at your hotel or guesthouse
- White Buddha on the Hill: A large, serene statue perfect for meditation and photos.
- Yun-lai Viewpoint: Enjoy stunning city views and pick up souvenirs.
- Chinese Village (Santichon Village): Experience a blend of Chinese and Thai culture with traditional architecture and tea culture.
- I Love You Pai: A cozy café known for its delicious avocado smoothie bowls.
- Land Split: Witness this geological phenomenon and sample fresh jams and fruit.
- Pem Bok Waterfall: A more secluded spot with a hidden waterfall to explore.
- Bamboo Bridge “Kho Ko So”: Marvel at this impressive bridge and enjoy a peaceful environment. Ideal for digital nomads to work with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Pai Canyon (Sunset): Watch the sunset at this picturesque location, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Thailand.”
Bring your GoPro or drone, if you have it, as there are many beautiful spots you can film. There are no restrictions so far for using the drone in these areas, except for maybe the waterfall, but double-check local restrictions as this can change.
After completing your tour, follow your pai itinerary by resting or grabbing a massage. Then, head to the night market to enjoy a selection of food and desserts. If you still have energy, there are a few popular bars that you can visit.
Tips: Coming Soon
Option 2. Pai Full Day Tour
Overview of each location
White Buddha on the hill
A large, white statue of the seated Buddha, surrounded by a peaceful garden and pond. Visitors can take photos of the statue and offer food and flowers to the Buddha as a sign of respect. The White Buddha is also a popular spot for meditation and spiritual practices.
Yun-lai Viewpoint
A nice city viewpoint, buy souvenirs, take photos, or ride the man-powered carousel. The image above is for context.
Chinese village (Santichon Village)
This village is known for its unique blend of Chinese and Thai culture, as well as its stunning natural surroundings. Visitors to Santichon Village can experience traditional Chinese architecture and customs, such as the art of paper cutting and Chinese tea culture. The village is also home to several small farms and markets, where visitors can purchase locally grown produce and other products.
I love you Pai
The cafe boasts a cozy atmosphere and serves a variety of delicious food and drinks, including their famous avocado smoothie bowls. The staff at I Love You Pai are friendly and welcoming, making it a great spot to relax and unwind during a trip to Pai.
Land Split
On the way to Pam Bok Waterfall, this tourist spot was caused by earthquakes and some soil erosion. Enjoy an orchard, as you walk to the split, and enjoy the fresh jams, fruit, and wine they sell.
Pem Bok Waterfall
Less touristy than some of the other waterfalls, and has some shade. Come check out the lesser-known waterfall behind this main one, by following a path up the mountain.
Bamboo Bridge ” Kho Ko So”
Be impressed by the strength and length of this bamboo bridge. There are a few cafes and places to grab a snack. A great spot for a digital nomad to do some work, bring a wifi hotspot, as I am not sure about the wifi strength of the cafes. Come during the wet season, to enjoy green rice fields. Follow the bridge down, to discover a Buddhist monastery.
Pai Canyon (SunSet)
Called the Grand Canyon of Thailand, it’s not as grand as its comparison, but it’s still a beautiful spot to go watch the sunset. Just a short drive from the main town, there are plenty of food stalls, to enjoy sunset and a quick dinner here. The initial hike isn’t too bad, but bring a small towel to sit on, as this place fills up in the evening. Come early to secure a spot, or just for a hike.
Secret crystal Hot spring (Sai Ngam Hot Spring)
A lesser-known spring that has different levels of cascading pools. Come here to soak for a few hours. There are changing rooms, toilets, and food available here.
Lod cave
Tham Lod Cave is a popular attraction in Pai Thailand, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore the cave by boat, and there are also several smaller caves within the complex. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, fish, and birds.
Kiew Lom Viewpoint
Lookout point with 360-degree views over mountains & valleys, plus stalls for snacks & souvenirs.
Option 3. Rent a motorcyle and self tour.
Getting around Pai
The initial point to note about Pai is that if you are adept at riding a scooter or motorbike, it is highly recommended to rent one for the day. This is the most effective way to explore and witness the attractions in and around Pai.
Renting a scooter in Pai typically amounts to approximately $5 per day. Alternatively, for those who are not comfortable riding a scooter or motorbike, an alternative option is to visit a tour company in Pai. There, you can arrange either a half-day or a full-day trip to explore and experience the sights in the Pai region.
What to eat in Pai
Pai’s menu is “wide-ranging,” featuring “flavorful dishes and lively curries.” As of 2021, Pai’s standout dish is the pad thai, while other favorites among diners include the khao soi and pad gra prow.
What to Do In Pai and Around
After enjoying a satisfying meal and a morning coffee or tea to kickstart your day, venture out to explore the surroundings. The top activities in Pai often begin with a stroll through the nearby countryside. For a great start to your pai day trip, just a 10-minute walk from town will transport you to the tranquil countryside, where hiking is a breeze.
Where to Eat in Pai
Pai offers a variety of dining options. For Western-style breakfast, head to the Red Bike Kitchen and Espresso Bar. If local Thai food is preferred, Pai Walking Street offers a great selection of street food. For a unique experience, check out local cafés for a more relaxed meal.
Additional Recommendation
- Aye’s Restaurant & Bakery: Near Pai Walking Street, known for delicious pastries and hearty breakfast options.
- Café’ de Pai: Cozy café offering Thai and Western dishes, including Thai-style fried rice and fresh smoothies.
- Charlie & Lek’s: Popular for authentic Thai food, including curry dishes and grilled chicken.
- Om Garden Café: Offers healthy and vegetarian options in a peaceful garden setting.
- The Good Life Diner: Ideal for brunch with a diverse menu including salads, sandwiches, and homemade cakes.
Shopping and Nightlife in Pai
Pai’s Walking Street is a hub for boutique shopping and affordable jewelry. After dark, Pai comes alive with bars and clubs, offering everything from relaxed drinks to vibrant trance parties. Popular spots include the Why Not Bar and other psychedelic trance venues.
Additional Shopping Options:
- Pai Night Market: Features a range of handicrafts, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs.
- Pai Artisan Market: Offers handcrafted goods, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry made by local artisans.
- Spicy Pai Boutique: For trendy clothing and accessories with a mix of Thai and international fashion.
- The Love Shop: Specializes in handmade items, including leather goods and artisanal jewelry.
Relaxing in Pai
For those seeking tranquility, the Sunset Café and Paradise Backpackers offer a laid-back vibe with beautiful natural surroundings. Including these spots in your Pai 1 Day Itinerary is perfect for unwinding and soaking in Pai’s unique atmosphere.
Practicalities for Your Pai Adventure
- Getting to Pai: Most travelers come from Chiang Mai. Renting a scooter and driving the scenic route is an option, or taking a van from Chiang Mai, which costs around 200 baht. Flying is an option but doesn’t offer the same scenic journey.
- Where to Stay: For proximity to the action, stay in town. For a more relaxed vibe, opt for guesthouses or bungalows a short walk from the center.
- Exploring Beyond Pai: If there is more time, visit Doi Inthanon National Park or explore waterfalls near Chiang Mai.
No matter how one chooses to spend one day in Pai, this charming town offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and unique experiences. Enjoy your time in Pai!
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Pai 1 Day Itinerary helps you see the best of Pai in just one day. By following this guide, you can explore top sights, enjoy local food, and soak in the relaxed vibe of this charming town. Whether you’re passing through or making the most of a short stay, this itinerary ensures you have a memorable experience in Pai.
Common Questions
A dreamy day!
You will visit almost every gorgeous attraction in Pai: Pai Memorial Bridge, Coffee in Love, Yunlai Viewpoint, Santichon Chinese village, Wat Phra that Mae yen, and Pai Canyon. In this private tour including 3 hours to go, and 3 hours to come back, you can stop to take a break anytime if you want.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t tick all things off my list and next to that Pai is a lovely town to hang around with plenty of restaurants and bars to try. Summarizing, to fully explore Pai and its surroundings, spend at least 3 days/4 nights in Pai.
Yes, Pai is worth visiting, especially if you are a backpacker or looking for places to visit in Thailand on a budget.
Where do I go after Pai? After Pai, there are plenty of other destinations to explore in Northern Thailand. Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son are all popular destinations that are worth visiting. Alternatively, you could also head south to the beach towns of Koh Samui and Phuket.
This is particularly true in the higher altitude regions in the mountains like Chiang Mai and Pai. Pack long pants to wear in the evening, long-sleeve tops, thin cover-ups, and warm sweaters or sweatshirts to wear to bed. The ideal evening attire includes long sleeves and loose long pants or a long dress with a jacket.
“Lively walking street.” Open daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., this walking street was crowed with visitors (both foreign and Thai), souven… Other than the delicious food stalls, there are other items on sale such as clothing and souvenirs.
It’s a tough choice but depends what you’re looking for, Pai is laid back and Chiang Rai has a little more culture. If you can squeeze time for both then even better! If your arriving into Bangkok there here are 8 things you can get up to in the big city.
