The town itself has no special sights; most people come simply for the relaxed atmosphere. Nearby attractions include
hot springs and waterfalls, and a hilltop temple. There is also a wonderful canyon which provides the perfect spot for
a sunset. This is a great spot to visit after seeing the WWII bridge built by Japanese-held POWs.

Poi Sang Long is a famous buddhist children ordaining festival, especially in Mae Hong Son. Thai Yai cultural
dance show can be seen at the temple fair, in the night.

Rent a bicycle or motorbike and visit one of the nearby waterfalls and hill-tribe villages. Pai is also a major starting
point for organized trekking tours which are offered by every guesthouse and travel agent.

Whitewater rafting trips abound and there are numerous elephant camps. Additionally there are several hot springs
in the area.

Visit Tham Lod cave, approximately 55km from town on the road towards Mae Hong Son, 9 km from Soppong
(Pangmapha). About an hour and a half on motor bike, or join a tour. Visit just before sunset (3pm-6pm) and see
the thousands of birds descending into the cave for the night.

Elephant Antics

For several years now, travellers have enjoyed riding an elephant and concluding the trip with a romp in the Pai River.
For this ‘adventure’, take as little as possible – you’ll be enjoyably wet as the elephant is encouraged to shower you.
Some operators – and there are several – are willing to take photo’s of you while you enjoy the elephant antics in the river.

Waterfalls

• Mae Yen – 7 kilometers out of town with no bikes allowed for the last 6km of that. Head East over the
  bridge heading out of Pai and follow the signs.

• Pam Bok - on the road to Chiang Mai before Pai Canyon. Nice secluded waterfall with high cliffs surrounding it,
  making this a very cool place to escape the heat. Go for a relaxing bathe in the shade during the dry season.

• Mo Paeng - West of the city past Santichon (Chinese refugee Village). The upper section of this waterfall is a
  natural water slide during the dry season. The rocks are smooth, just find a small section and slide on down like the locals do!

Route 1095 which connects Pai with Mae Hong Son (50km as the crow flies, but approx. 110km by road)
and Chiang Mai (135km) is a very scenic route through the mountains which takes several hours (but worth it).
It’s a steep and windy drive, with lots of curves, so take a plastic bag and some motion-sickness pills if you
need them.

By motorcycle

Route 1095 isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. There isn’t much traffic and you can hear the cars and
trucks coming. If you’re a little adventurous, rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai and make the ride up to Pai.
You can stop at the waterfalls and small towns along the way, and you’ll really enjoy the trip, as opposed
to being motion sick in a bus for hours, and being forced to stop at the driver’s friends restaurants.
The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and being on a bike makes you feel like part of the mountains.
The locals will think you’re crazy, and the construction crews get really excited when you come through.
Make sure to take some warmer clothing on your bike, as it tends to get a bit chilly in the higher portions
of the ride. As a novice rider, expect the trip to take around 5 or 6 hours, including stops at sites and
restaurants along the way. aYa Service offers one way rentals from Chiang Mai to Pai (or vice versa)
with luggage delivery for additional 500 baht.

By bus

Buses and minibuses go to Chiang Mai (Arcade terminal) and Mae Hong Son. Regular public buses
take around 4 hours and charge about 80 baht; minibuses take around 3 hours and tickets
(sold by travel agencies) cost about 160 baht. One strategy is to get to Pai using the public bus so that
you can get an idea as to how winding the road is and then you can decide if you want to splash out and
get the mini bus back to Chiang Mai.

To feel less travel sick and save some money take the regular public bus. The scenery is lovely and the
winding roads are much easier on one’s stomach if you take things slowly.

From Chiangmai: Local Bus from Chiang Mai to Pai leaves the Arcade Bus Station, five trips during a day
(07:00, 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 16:00). The trip takes about 4 hours and there is a comfort stop at the small
half way village of Mae Sae (very good Northern sausages and traditional chicken curry noodle soup available
as well as other necessities food water toilets et cetera). Bus trip costs approximately 80 Baht.

Minibuses and Small passenger trucks (song taew) carrying a dozen people also leaves from the bus station
as often as there are sufficient passengers or full paying passenger. (cost of private hire is approximately 1200 or
share for approximately 150 Baht). The rear seats approximately 10 people and is open air. The view and wind
in your face is pleasant, but not the occasional exhaust fumes.

By plane

The nearest domestic airport is in Pai. SGA Airlines (codeshared by Kan Airlines) operate one or more daily flights
between Chiang Mai and Pai, depending on the season. Flying time is 25 minutes. Passengers can make reservations
and purchase tickets through the airlines’ websites, their call centres or with a travel agent.

Pai is a predominantly tourism-oriented town, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a broad traveller and
backpacker scene. In early 2006 a sudden boom in guesthouse and bar construction has resulted in a great deal
of spare capacity — capacity that is partially taken up by an increase in Thai people visiting after Pai was featured
in a romantic Thai film. There are now around 200 guesthouses and hotels in Pai, and the city center has
transformed into containing western style restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars that cater largely to the now
significant influx of tourists and package tours.