26 Exciting things to do around Pai and Mae Hong Son in Northern Thailand

Just imagine a hippie little village hidden from the world, except from those in the know. That’s what Pai is!

This is one secret Thai locale much loved by nature lovers, bohemian hippies and adventurous travellers with a lust for whimsical destinations.

Never heard of Pai or Mae Hong Son? These are provinces in Thailand located far up north.

Enough of Bangkok or Phuket and the likes! It’s time to venture deeper into the secret heart of Thailand where everything is affordable – and creativity booms.

PS: Make travel easy and convenient with Klook services like local SIM card pick-up, immigration fast track VIP services, airport transfers, city-to-city transfers – or even enjoy a custom Chiang Mai tour!

Read more:

8 Mountain townships in Thailand with cold weather, great views and fun things to do

25 Unique things to do in and around Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand

17 Best places to visit in Thailand to view the sea of clouds

Where is Pai & Mae Hong Son?

Pai is a province that is a 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son is 2 hours’ drive from Pai!

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is from October to February during winter! Enjoy the deliciously cold and fresh mountain air… *.*

How to get to and around Pai & Mae Hong Son?

The best way to get to and around Pai & Mae Hong Son is via car.

1. Book a private chartered car with driver: Highly recommended. We’ve rented cars and driven on road trips ourselves, and have also tried hiring private chartered cars with driver (most convenient!).

You won’t have to worry about taking turns to drive or getting lost, when there’s a local who’ll handle these. All you’ll need to do is focus on your family/friends and enjoy the trip to the fullest! Klook offers very competitive rates from USD $120 / SGD $164 per car. Check out their customisable Pai & Mae Hong Son Itinerary (1-4 day options) with a private driver.

2. Rent a car: Not recommended for inexperienced drivers, especially with the crazy mountainous roads you’ll experience travelling to Pai. If you’re confident on foreign roads, then you can simply load the directions on GPS (or Google Maps on your phone).

When renting a car, make sure to check your rental car thoroughly – from ensuring that everything is working fine, to when it was last serviced. (Europcar Thailand, from USD $35 / approx. 1167 Baht per day // Sixt, from USD $33.40 / approx. 1114 Baht per day)

Our tip: If you plan to drive up mountainous roads like we did, we recommend renting an SUV with higher power to go up the mountain. We got a 1.6L Sylvia and almost stalled the car, and 2 of us ended up having to get out and walk up while our friend drove up!

Amazing Adventures made Simple – KLOOK Travel

The best way to get to and around Pai & Mae Hong Son is to either rent a car, or hire a private chartered car with driver from Klook.

We’ve driven on road trips ourselves, and have also used Klook’s custom tour. Frankly, we preferred Klook’s private chartered car with driver – they made our road trips much more comfortable and convenient.

We didn’t have to worry about driving + it was great to have a local driver around, to help with directions and suggesting new places to visit.

Especially in Pai & Mae Hong Son where it can be hard to get there or around, especially with the mountainous roads – we recommend trying Klook (with great prices, we’ve double checked!).

Check out Klook’s customisable Pai & Mae Hong Son Itinerary (1-4 day options) with private car and driver to get your hippie escapade started. Do take note that the 1 day option is available for exploring Pai only.

Choose from our recommendations below and start customising the adventures you’ll have in Pai & Mae Hong Son! All the information you’re looking for is listed. So everything you need is easy and convenient – just the way we like it!

Find out more  Klook

Just for our dear readers, get 8% OFF any first-time bookings (capped at S$15). Simply apply the promo code ‘TRIPCANVASTH’ when you check out!

1. A place that came straight out of dreams – Khun Yuam Sunflower Fields

Have you ever seen anything quite as dreamy as these sunflower hilly fields?

During the winter months, these fields bloom with wild sunflowers, which were thought to be brought over by missionaries from Central America during the mid-1900s.

This is a sight that draws in many locals every season, who rent the bamboo huts that line the road.

What a way to live!

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2. Balance your yin-yang at Pai’s Chinese Village that looks like a castle – Santichon Village

Santichon Village is an interesting Chinese village (that looks more like a Chinese castle?!) built during the second world war. It’s home to a mishmash of hill tribe people and Yunnan immigrants.

It also boasts a wonderful viewpoint high up in the mountains (Yun Lai Viewpoint), impressive architecture and colourful decoration.

There’s restaurant in town which sells authentic Chinese food for those who’d like a taste of the old school!

3. Where to see the famous sea of clouds? How about – Ban Ja Bo Village

Your legs are dangling in the air, with a bowl of hot noodle soup that costs one dollar on the table. In front of you, there’s a panoramic view of a sea of mist filling up the mountain valley down below.

That’s what we call ‘a dollar dish with a million dollar view”

Ban Ja Bo Village is situated on Phu Pha Mok Mountain close to Myanmar border in Mae Hong Son province. In this small hill tribe village, the villagers live quietly with their traditions, but willingly welcome you to their homes.

At the entrance of the village, this roadside wooden shack sells only noodles and coffee, and the good view is complimentary. It opens early in the morning for the mist hunters but if you come in later in the day, you still can get a good view of the mountain.

If you’re not hungry, there’s also another viewpoint along the road in the village. The village is easily reachable by car, but the road is notorious for its countless curves. You can stay at a few homestays at the village too, if you’d like to immerse yourself in the culture of this unspoiled village.

4. Visit a Chinese-Thai fairytale village – Baan Rak Thai (Mae Aw Village)

The village has a unique, Chinese fairy-tale vibe with its yellow cottages, tea plantations and mountainous backdrop.

When directly translated, Ban Tak Thai means “Thai-Loving Village”, but it’s actually a small Chinese tea village! Kuomintang soldiers from Yunnan Province in China founded this secret little village famous for its breathtaking views and tea cultivation.

Here’s where you get to enjoy good tea while looking out at the lakeside views – the village is located around a lake. There are some Chinese shops as well as restaurants around for you to stumble into.

Experience a different culture (without leaving Thailand) at the Yunnan Chinese village located in the North of Mae Hong Son, home to Chinese immigrants, close to the border of Myanmar.

They also have a ‘tea tasting’ festival in February where people can join the festivities.

In addition to a tea-licious holiday, you can also trek, cycle or do horse-riding around the scenic village, while staying at the most popular accommodation, Lee Wine Ruk Thai Resort, for that authentic Baan Rak Thai experience you won’t get elsewhere in Thailand.

5. Cross the scenic Bamboo Bridge of Merit – Boon Ko Ku So Bridge

Walking over this quaint 815 meter long bamboo bridge above the ride paddies is an interestingly serene and beautiful experience to have.

Observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature, and observe farmers at work, water buffalo grazing and, at certain times of day, monks leaving the temple on their daily walk into the village.

Boon Ko Ku So Bridge was built to serve as a shortcut for the monks and villagers to walk into town without stepping on (and damaging) the crops!

6. So easy to get to this garden in the sky and see the sea of clouds – Huai Nam Dang

Huai Nam Dang National Park is one of the top spots to see the sea of clouds in Thailand. Not only can it provide a picturesque view of the mist, but also it is very easy to get to. It’s so vast that covers two provinces – Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.

You can drive up to Doi Kio Lum (ดอยกิ่วลม) viewpoint, 1615m above sea level in the early morning – and wait for the sun to rise above the misty clouds, which envelope the entire valley of Huai Nam Dang Mountain Range. Or you can find a spot to set up a tent and stay overnight.

The well-manicured landscape adds an extra degree of spectacular – and if you visit in February, the area is filled with brightly coloured flowers cascading down the hill. It’s almost as if you’re looking at the Garden of Eden.

Because of the unique geography and climate, you will be able to witness the sea of clouds all year round, but best to visit from November to February when the air is cooler and there’s less rain.

Once you soak up the beauty of sunrise in the morning, you can visit nearby attractions within the National Park such as Huai Nam Dang Waterfall and Pa Pae Hot Springs. You can also relax and chill at a coffee farm and enjoy the beautiful winter flowers.

7. Camp out by the pine forest, stargaze, and look out for the swans – Pang Ung Lake

Fresh cold mountain air, lake views, majestic black and white swans, colourful winter flowers, a beautiful pine forest and more.

This is one of the royal projects of HM Queen Sirikit – and here’s where to get away, and get the best of nature surrounded by the best of a mountain lake.

There’s different things you can do here. How about pitching a tent lakeside and be surrounded by the tall trees of the pine forest for starters? Locals also love gazing in awe of the sunlight reflecting from the lake in the day – and looking up to the skies and stargazing at night.

Otherwise, take a bamboo raft across the water and look out for gorgeous black and white swans.

PS: You can pitch your own tent or rent one.

PPS: You can combine a trip to Baan Rak Thai with Pang Ung Lake!

8. Overeat, underspend and shop to your heart’s content – Pai Walking Street

Now this is what we call a happy hippie Thai paradise.

Every night on Pai Walking Street, food stalls line the road on both sides, selling a variety of delicious food influenced by dishes from all over the world – at extremely pocket-friendly prices.

This province offers some surprisingly creative things that’ll appeal to the hippie in you. Artists display their artwork on top of blankets, and work on their latest pieces for you to watch. Clothes stores sell tie dye, linen and traditional dresses at a bargain price.

However, our favourite part of the market are the handmade jewellery and crystals! You’ll definitely want to save some money for these. 😛

Enjoy quirky cafe culture

Coffee in Love, Mojo Cafe, Art in Chai Cafe, Fluid Swimming Pool Pai

Heaven knows we’ve found a true hidden gem around Pai & Mae Hong Son, with these great cafes that are also incredibly unique!

9. Fall in love with the fairytale cottage – Coffee in Love

Coffee in Love is a quirky cafe located just outside of Pai’s main town.

You can have coffee and a cake, whilst admiring picturesque views of the mountains. There is also a good photo opportunity in the big, Amsterdam inspired sign which says “I am Pai.”.

Just next to the cafe, is a fairytale-style cottage, nothing like any of the other buildings in town. It’s a beautiful spot for a photo, and will quickly become your idea of a ‘dream home.’

10. Listen to live music by musicians from all over the world! – Mojo Cafe

Did you know that Pai attracts incredible musicians from all over the world?

In this town, the blues and jazz music remain immortal, and there is a sweet marriage between modern and classic tastes in music.

There is an abundance of open mic nights around town throughout the week, and one of the most popular spots to sit with a drink and listen to the music is Mojo Cafe.

They have a great house band, as well as bookings from amazing local artists!

11. Enjoy a book and some tea at – Art in Chai

A cafe popular for its Masala Chai tea and quirky, Indian-vibes decor, welcome to Art in Chai Cafe!

It’s one-of-a-kind, eclectic and we’ve heard, offers great vegan burgers and iced teas too.

It’s a vegetarian cafe, and this is one of many unique spots in Pai to relax, and meet the other people who are currently around town – one of the best things to do here.

12. Is this a swimming pool or a cafe? How about both! – Fluid Swimming Pool Pai

This is a pool bar and restaurant which serves the best potato wedges (ever), and is the perfect place for a chill day.

They offer a wide menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a wide selection of western food. There are umbrellas and huts to hide from the sun or free floor mats and sun loungers to bathe on.

Whether you’re here to eat or chill, it’s quite an interesting pool cafe!

PS: They also have a small store inside which sells beautiful, handmade leather journals.

Price: 80THB entry fee. Kids go in free.

13. Love strawberries? Then go to – Love Strawberry, Pai

Unsurprisingly, Pai has some of the best strawberry farms around.

During strawberry season, you’ll see many street stalls around selling bags filled with juicy, vibrant red strawberries. (They’re comparable to the famous sweet Korean strawberries too, since they’re grown in the mountainous Pai!)

Love Strawberry is a farm and strawberry themed cafe, where you can sample lots of different strawberry influenced food and drink from cute strawberry shaped seats.

It also has a really cute umbrella canopy that you can walk underneath and take cute photos at!

14. Try the natural mud spa at Phu Klon Country Club

When in Pai, you simply have to try this unique, local spa experience which offers facial/body mud masks with hot, outdoor, mineral packed pools.

The hot spring pool has a beautiful view of the surrounding rice fields. This means you can enjoy spa treatments with a glorious view of Northern Thailand’s nature.

15. From Kanchanaburi to Pai, step back to WWII at the – Pai Memorial Bridge

You’ve heard of the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi, but have you heard of the Pai Memorial Bridge, also know as ‘Saphan Prawatsart’ or ‘Tha Pai’?

This is a regularly visited spot in the Pai area due to its historical importance during the Second World War. The original bridge was built by the Japanese so that they could transport weapons and provisions over to Myanmar (Burma).

One thing’s for sure, this bridge is eerily similar to the famous Bridge over River Kwai!

16. Experience Thailand’s unique ethnic hill tribes! – Karen Long Neck Village, Mae Hong Son

Also referred to as the Karen Long Neck Village, this ethnic tribe is located north of the Chiang Dao caves (another interesting attraction in its own right) at the northern border of Thailand and Myanmar.

The tribe’s people (known as Padung) are originally Burmese, and fled Myanmar two decades ago during a civil war. They were granted asylum in northern Thailand where they stay today.

One of the traditions of Padung women is to wear gold rings around their necks. They typically begin this ritual when they are children, starting with a few rings and increasing the number every year.

As the number of rings increase, so does the weight, which decreases the shoulders and chest of the women who wear them. This creates the illusion of an elongated neck. This sight has been used to attract tourists to their villages since the 1980s!

17. Wander around the country residence of the Thai Royal Family – Pang Tong Palace

A royal project by the Thai Royal Family to promote agriculture in Mae Hong Son, Pang Tong Palace is considered off the beaten track since it’s quite little known.

It is an undiscovered gem of beautiful, manicured gardens, coffee and fruit plantations, and there’s even a little menagerie here. Feed the sheep, spot the wild cats, peacocks or Hornbills – it’s quite simply an enchanting experience!

PS: You can drive around this area, or explore it on foot.

Editor’s Note: There are caged leopards and caged Hornbills here. Please let us know if you see signs of animal abuse. We do not condone animal cruelty, and if there’s verified evidence of such – we will take appropriate action to remove this from our story.

18. Rugged nature and beautiful views at this famed sunset spot – Pai Canyon, Pai

Kong Lan, as it’s known by the locals, is 8km from the city of Pai and is definitely worth a visit.

Steep dirt roads carve through a plunging canyon in the middle of untouched nature, creating a spiritual setting unlike any other. Great for a day trip exploring the canyon and taking pictures, enjoy awesome 360° panoramas of the surrounding mountains and landscape from the various trails.

The scenery is impressive with jagged cliffs, steep ridges, giant rock walls, and trees for as far as the eye can see!

The narrow, elevated trails are not for the faint of heart. Some paths are only a few feet wide, with a 50meter drop on either side. Thrill-seekers will love exploring these trails, but proceed at your own risk; there are no safety nets or bars to prevent a potentially dangerous fall.

If you’re not feeling so brave, don’t worry. There are still plenty of fabulous views if you choose to play it safe. There are other trails that are not as risky, but still yield a great reward.

Pai Canyon is a serene and peaceful place to watch the sun dip below the horizon, and enjoy the coloured aftermath of the sunset (or sunrise, if you’re an early bird!).

19. Get a view of the Buddha on the hill, and the surrounding scenery – Big Buddha Pai

Hard to miss, and easily accessible from Pai town, is the giant white Buddha up in the mountains.

Wat Phra That Mae Yen is a Buddhist temple in the form of a large, white Buddha.

Those fit enough to climb all 353 steps can expect a wonderful view of the mountains, and a great spot for sunsets!

20. Mind the gap! And sample the wine – The Land Split

One day in 2008, a farmer woke to find a great big crack running through the centre of his farmland.

This happened as the result of seismic activity, and subsequent quakes in 2009 and 2011, made them realise that the land split is, in fact, an active fault line.

Since they were unable to use their land for crops, the owners decided to turn the site into a tourist attraction. They sell various fruits and vegetables as well as homemade juices and wine. The roselle wine is very delicious!

21. Take a cruise down a cavernous bat cave – Tham Lot Cave

It’s over 2000 years old and there’s definitely bats on the ceilings.

There is also a bamboo raft which will take you across the stream: you can hear the bats overhead and see their eyes glowing red.

There are multiple wooden staircases which take you further into the dark corners and crevices.

Here’s a little secret though: the river’s not at all that deep… But would you really dare to step into the dark water?

22. Go chasing Pai’s waterfalls – Mo Paeng, Pam Bok, Mae Yen Waterfall

There are 3 waterfalls close to Pai, easily found by politely asking a local for directions or simply by using google maps.

Mo Paeng is the most popular: you can climb up to the second tier and slide down a rock slide into one of the pools.

Pam Bok waterfall is set within a narrow canyon: water cascades down the rock into a refreshing swimming hole for you to bathe in.

Mae Yen waterfall is close to a giant white Buddha that’s built into the mountains, and is only accessible by foot. The hike itself is beautiful and peaceful.

23. Interested in meditating in the forest? – Wat Tam Wua Forest Monastery

This Buddhist meditation retreat is open to all who wish to practice meditation: regardless of experience or ability.

This is a free retreat (free stay and free food – donations encouraged at the end) located in the beautiful forestry and mountains of Mae Hong Son. It provides a serene and nature abundant place to meditate and practice mindfulness.

If you’re dire need of letting go of your stresses and worries – meditation might just be what you’re looking for.

PS: You’re welcome to stay for as long as you need, as long as you follow the rules.

24. Go on an eco-tour and witness wildlife conservation – Conserve Natural Forests

About a 30 minute drive outside of Pai, is a forest conversation project whose mission is to epair environmental damage done by humans – and leave the world a better place than they found it.

Conserve Natural Forests offers an eco-tour of their site with the opportunity to witness their efforts in wildlife conservation and reforestation.

“Our core values are centred around renewing damaged tropical eco-systems in Thailand, and also an abuse-free and entertainment-free rehabilitation project for elephants and reptiles.” (This means no elephant trekking available, which is really good!)

Isn’t it incredible to see an organisation taking responsibility to do something about the rampant animal abuse in the world?

On the eco-tour, you’ll get to understand more about their endangered reptiles project which includes our tour of the tortoise rehabilitation shelter.

Next, you will meet Kamee (their elephant) in her natural habitat and help to feed her her daily 30 kilos of bananas. “She is usually inside the tropical forests, and we will search for her by walking across our land, or if the weather permits, crossing the river.”

Lastly, you will help to plant trees as part of the reforestation project.

What a wonderful way to leave your footprint in Thailand.

25. Watch the sunrise or sunset from – Deejai Pai

Skip the typical, crowded sunset spots of Pai, and grab a Chang beer and a floor pillow from the Deejai Pai. This is one secret that only people who stay in Pai know about!

Deejai Pai boasts a full panoramic view of the expansive farmlands and diverse population of trees and wildflowers, all set in the shadow of the mountains.

From here, you can sit comfortably with friends and watch as the sun disappears behind the mountains for another day.

Stare in awe as the sky changes from blue to pink, then to orange to red, the sun tinting the cloud formations as it goes.

PS: This is a backpacker hostel, if you’re on a tight budget, this might be a good choice!

26. Special mention: For those who ride motorbikes – Mae Hong Son Loop

Ride the curves of this popular motorcycling route which connects Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang and Doi Inthanon National Park!

While it’s no Isle of Man TT Bike Race…

It’s definitely still an adrenaline-fuelling, scenic ride – filled with breathtaking views of the jungle, mountains, nature and farmlands – with opportunities to stop in small, rural villages you otherwise wouldn’t see!

Ride the 1,864 curves of the famous Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand – watch the video!

Did you ever know that Pai & Mae Hong Son held so many interesting little attractions and activities?

We didn’t either! Please let us know in the comments below, which activity you’d love to check out first!

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PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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