Top 10 things to do in Pai Thailand for free

Top 10 things to do in Pai Thailand for free

Looking for the top 10 free things to do in Pai Thailand? Of course you are. Pai is the epitome of stingy backpackers and hippies. As a result, most visitors are as tight in their pockets as their yoga pants are on their butts.

Well, of course that's not entirely true. Pai is no longer the quiet, hidden paradise it once was. In fact, Pai is now a permanent part of the tourist trail in northern Thailand. But does that mean it's doomed to fail? – Far from it. Pai is still one of my favorite destinations in Thailand, with a good mix of authenticity and vibrancy while still offering plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Map of things to do in Pai

Here is a quick map showing all the locations for the stops and attractions listed in this blog.

Top 10 things to do in Pai Thailand for free

There's a lot to do in Pai, and even the activities that cost money are cheap. However, here are my top 10 things to do in Pai if you don't want to spend a dime.

1. Hike to Mae Yen Waterfall

My favorite hike in Pai was the Mae Yen Waterfall Hike. The trail begins in the jungle just a short distance from the center of Pai and passes through dense jungle and banana plantations.

In total, this hike takes about 4 hours round trip, but is relatively flat and easy for most people. You'll cross dozens of rivers along the way, so prepare to get your feet wet!

GPS coordinates: 19.36135, 98.46149
alt=“MAE YEN WATERFALL PAI THAILAND”>Best hike in Pai: Mae Yen Waterfall Hike

Do you need a van to Pai from Chiang Mai or vice versa? – Book in advance for under $15.

2. Stroll through the night market

You will find the night market on almost all other lists of the top 10 things to do in Pai Thailand. That's because Pai's Walking Street is one of the best in all of Thailand. Here you will undoubtedly struggle to not spend any of your precious baht as the street is filled with delicious Thai street food.

But even if you're feeling stingy, the atmosphere at Pai's Walking Street is energetic at night and is definitely the place to be after the sunsets.

GPS coordinates: 19.36006, 98.44154
alt="PAI WALKING STREET NIGHT MARKET">

3. Rent a motorbike and explore

If you don't rent a motorbike in Pai, you're doing it wrong. By far the best way to see Pai and the surrounding area is to rent a motorbike and explore on your own.

Motorcycles can be rented anywhere in the capital. A motorcycle costs 150 baht per day, so don't be tempted to pay more.

Once you have your two wheels, hit the road without a plan or pin some highlights from this article.
alt="A BRAMA COW IN PAI">
alt=“TOP 10 THINGS IN PAI, RENT A MOTORCYCLE”>

4. Visit the Great White Buddha on the hill

Do you see the big white Buddha statue on the hill? It is called Wat Phra That Mae Yen and is one of the Buddhist temples in Pai.

Wat Phra That Mae Yen is free to visit, and you'll meet lots of other travelers and backpackers here at sunset, making it a great place to meet like-minded adventurers.

If you come in the morning, you will most likely find far fewer people, most of whom will be meditating at the foot of the white Buddha. Funnily enough, the only people I saw were farangs.

GPS coordinates: 19.35015, 98.45463
alt=“BIG WHITE BUDDHA ON THE HILL IN PAI”>

5. Spend sunset at Pai Canyon

I was quite surprised when I found out that I could add Pai Canyon to this list of the 10 best things to do in Pai for free. This place is incredibly popular, especially at sunset, and yet no one charges a dime to visit it.

Pai Canyon or Kong Lan is apparently referred to as Thailand's Grand Canyon. However, this is little more than a slight exaggeration. The gorges were formed by continuous erosion over several centuries.

Although it doesn't really compare to the canyon in Arizona, Pai Canyon is still an impressive place to watch the sunset and socialize with other travelers.

GPS coordinates: 19.30613, 98.4525

6. Stop at Yun Lai Viewpoint

Yun Lai Viewpoint is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset in Pai. The viewpoint is located on a hill about 15 minutes from the center of Pai.

Unfortunately, to get to the official viewing point you have to pay 20 baht. However, if you'd rather stick to a completely free route, you can enjoy pretty much the same view at the cafe just before Yun Lai Viewpoint.

GPS coordinates: 19.36903, 98.39538
alt=“YUN LAI VIEWPOINT IN PAI FREE”>
Tip: Looking for a 3-day trekking adventure in Pai or Chiang Mai? Consider this trekking package in Chiang Dao. This is the highest rated tour online and includes: home-cooked meals, homestay accommodation, transportation from Pai or Chiang Mai, and small-group trekking.

7. Drive to Ban Santichon (Chinese village)

For those looking for more free things to do in Pai by motorbike, the Ban Santichon (Chinese village) is a worthwhile addition to your spontaneous day trip.

If you're driving to Yun Lai Waterfall, you'll probably pass it on the way. Here you will find a traditional Chinese immigrant cultural village that is very different from a typical China town you will see elsewhere in the world.

You can enjoy traditional Yunnan food, tea rooms and dragon architecture.

GPS coordinates: 19.37103, 98.4027
alt=“CHINESE VILLAGE IN PAI”>

Tip: Don't miss this fantastic 2-week Northern Thailand itinerary.

8. Visit Wat Nam Hu Temple

If you're still in the temple mood, then Wat Nam Hu Temple is a less visited but worthwhile place in Pai.

Wat Nam Hu Temple is not as grandiose as Wat Phra That Mae Yen, but still has a tranquil aura with garden views and a large fish pond.

GPS coordinates: 19.3649, 98.41315
alt="Wat Nam Hu Temple">

9. Cross the Memorial Bridge

Another completely free activity is visiting the famous WWII Memorial Bridge, located 13 minutes south of Central Pai.

The bridge was built in 1941 by the Japanese who wanted better access between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son on the border with British-occupied Burma. The bridge was built in a manner common at the time, with elephants dragging huge wooden beams. The steel structure bridge that crosses the Pai River today is actually not the original World War II bridge, but a reconstruction.

To be honest, this site isn't that great unless you're an avid history buff. However, due to its proximity to Pai Canyon, you can also make a stopover. You can read more about it here.

GPS coordinates: 19.29745, 98.465

10. Trip to Chiang Mai

The ultimate mountain ride in Northern Thailand! Driving from Pai to Chiang Mai or vice versa is one of my favorite routes in Thailand and probably my number one on this list of top 10 things to do in Pai Thailand for free.

The entire trip is 130 km long and takes approximately 3-4 hours of driving. The route winds up and down winding mountain roads with a total of 762 turns!

This road is definitely not one you want to take if you are not confident on a motorcycle. The hills can get steep and the corners are close to hairpins on many corners. However, if you have the skills and courage, it could be one of your favorite Pai adventures!
alt=“PAI RICE FIELDS DRIVING FROM PAI TO CHIANG MAI “>

More things to do in Pai

Alright, so if you're willing to spend a few extra baht, here are some bonus activities worth considering. Yes, they're not free, but they're cheap (like you).

Pam Bok Waterfall

There are a few waterfalls in Pai, and unfortunately they all charge an entrance fee. The entrance ticket to Pam Bok waterfall costs 20 baht, which I think is worth it.

Located just 20 minutes from central Pai, Pam Bok Waterfall features calmly flowing rivers and a cave-like waterfall with a deep swimming hole. There's even a secret side path at the back where you can find a treacherous jump point. Read about it here.
alt=“PAM BOK WATERFALL PAI”>

Pai Bamboo Bridge

Firstly, you'll be excused if you think the Pai Bamboo Bridge is some sort of tourist trap. To be honest, I have that too.

However, the 800 meter long hand-woven bamboo bridge stretching over green rice fields was a pretty impressive stop that I would recommend. Apparently it was originally built to serve as an elevated path for monks who used the bridge on their daily walk from the nearby temple to the village.

Entrance fee: 30 baht

GPS coordinates: 19.32302, 98.39441
alt="Bamboo Bridge in Pai ">

Best place to stay in Pai

My Pai Accommodation: Wake Up in PaiThis place was one of the cheapest options for a clean dorm with free breakfast in Pai. Located in the center near motorbike rentals, cafes and the Walking Street Market.

Top Rated Guesthouse: Pai Yard BackpackersSuper affordable accommodation with incredible reviews. Clean rooms, good location, good price and good food.

Famous Pai Hostel: Circus Hostel PaiThis place is a favorite in Pai for those looking for a great atmosphere. There is a large pool with rolling mountain backdrops and campfires every evening. If you want to meet other backpackers looking for the top 10 free things to do in Pai Thailand then this is probably the place.

Where to go to Pai

For many, the question of where to go after Pai is usually answered by Chiang Mai. However, a trip to Chiang Rai or even a quick trip to Myanmar are also great options.

Have you finished this list of the 10 best things to do in Pai and are you looking for more free adventures in Northern Thailand? Be sure to check out some other relevant guides below.

Do you have unanswered questions? Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email, I will answer each one personally!

alt=“TOP 10 ENTERTAINMENTS IN PAI THAILAND FOR FREE”>
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