Top 10 activities in Pai Thailand Free

Top 10 activities in Pai Thailand Free

Are you looking for the top 10 free activities in Pai Thailand? Of course you are. Pai is the epitome for stingy backpackers and hippies. As a result, most visitors in the pocket are as tight as their yoga pants on the butt.

Well, of course that's not quite true. Pai is no longer the calm, hidden paradise that it was once. In fact, Pai is now an integral part of the tourist path in Nordthailand. But does that mean that it is doomed to fail? - far from it. Pai is still one of my favorite goals in Thailand, with a good mix of authenticity and liveliness and still offers many opportunities for adventure.

Map of activities in Pai

Here is a fast card where you will find all the places for the stops and attractions that are listed in this blog.

Top 10 activities in Pai Thailand Free

in Pai there is a lot to do, and even the activities that cost money are cheap. However, here are my top 10 activities in PAI if you don't want to spend a cent.

1. Hike to the Mae Yen

My favorite hike in Pai was the Mae Yen Waterfall Hike. The path begins in the jungle only a short route from the center of Pai and leads through dense jungle and banana plantations.

Overall, this hike lasts about 4 hours back and forth, but is relatively flat and simple for most people. On the way you cross dozens of rivers, so prepare yourself to get wet feet!

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 less than $ 15

2. Stroll through the night market

You will find the night market on almost all other lists of the top 10 activities in Pai Thailand. This is because Pais Walking Street is one of the best in Thailand. Here you will undoubtedly have difficulties not to spend any of your precious baht, since the street is filled with delicious Thai road dressing.

But even if you feel stingy, the atmosphere in the Pai’s Walking Street is energetic at night and definitely the right place after the sunsets.

GPS coordinates: 19,36006, 98.44154
Alt = “Pai Walking Street Nachtmarkt”>

3. Rent the motorcycle and explore

If you don't rent a motorcycle in Pai, do something wrong. The best way is to see Pai and the surrounding area, rent a motorcycle and explore it on your own.

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

As soon as you have your two bikes, make your way 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 big white Buddha on the hill

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

The visit to Wat Phra That Mae Yen is free and you will meet many other travelers and backpackers here at sunset, which makes it a great place to meet like -minded adventurers.

When you come in the morning, you will most likely find much fewer people, most of whom will meditate at the foot of the white Buddha. Funnily enough, the only people I saw were farangs.

GPS coordinates: 19,35015, 98.45463
Alt = “Great White Buddha on the hill in Pai”>

5. Spend the sunset on the Pai Canyon

I was quite surprised when I found out that I was able to add the Pai Canyon to this list of 10 best activities in PAI. This place is incredibly popular, especially at sunset, and yet nobody demands a cent to visit it.

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

Although it cannot really be compared to the canyon in Arizona, the Pai Canyon is still an impressive place to watch the sunset and meet with other travelers.

GPS coordinates: 19.30613, 98.4525

6. Hold on at the Yun Lai viewpoint

The 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.

To get to the official viewpoint, you unfortunately have to pay 20 baht. However, if you prefer to stick to a completely free route, you can enjoy pretty much the same view in the café shortly before the 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 top -rated tour online and includes: homemade meals, accommodation at a host family, transport of Pai or Chiang Mai and Trekking in small groups.

7. Drive to Ban Santichon (Chinese village)

For those who are looking for more free activities in PAI with the motorcycle, the Ban Santichon (Chinese village) is a rewarding addition to their spontaneous day trip.

If you drive to the Yun Lai waterfall, you will probably come by on the go. Here you will find a traditional Chinese cultural village with immigrants, which is very different from a typical China city that you will see elsewhere in the world.

You can enjoy traditional yunnan meals, tea tubes and dragon architecture.

GPS coordinates: 19.37103, 98.4027
Alt = "Chinese village in Pai">

Tip: Don't miss this fantastic 2-week travel route through Nordthailand.

8. Visit the temple wat nam hu

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

The temple wat nam hu is not as great as Wat Phra That Mae Yen, but still has a quiet aura with a view of the garden and a large fish pond.

GPS coordinates: 19,3649, 98.41315
Alt = "Wat Nam Hu-Tempel">

9. Cross the memorial bridge

Another completely free activity is the visit to the famous WWII Memorial Bridge, which is 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 the British Burma. The bridge was built in a usual way at the time, in which elephants dragged huge wooden beams. The steel construction bridge, which today crosses the Pai flow, is actually not the original bridge from the Second World War, but a reconstruction.

to be honest, this page is not that great unless you are an enthusiastic history fan. Due to the proximity to the Pai Canyon, you can also stop a stopover. Here you can read more about it.

GPS coordinates: 19.29745, 98.465

10. Drive to Chiang Mai

The ultimate mountain trip in Nordthailand! The trip 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 that can be done in Pai Thailand for free

The entire trip is 130 km long and takes about 3-4 hours of driving. The route meanders the winding mountain roads up and down with a total of 762 curves!

This street is definitely not that you want to take if you are not sure on a motorcycle. The hills can become steep and the curves are in many corners near hairpin curves. However, if you have the skills and the courage, it could be one of your favorite Pai adventures!
Alt = “Pai travel fields drive from Pai to Chiang Mai">

Further activities in PAI

okay, so if you are willing to spend a few additional baht, there are some bonus activities that are worth considering. Yes, they are not free, but they are cheap (like you).

PAM BOK waterfall

There are a few waterfalls in Pai, and unfortunately they all cost admission. The admission ticket to the PAM BOK waterfall costs 20 baht, which in my opinion is worth it.

The PAM BOK waterfall is only 20 minutes from the center of Pai and offers flowing rivers and a cave -like waterfall with a deep swimming hole. There is even a secret side path on the back, where you can find an insidious jumping point. Read about it here.
Alt = "Pam Bok waterfall Pai">

Pai-Bambus bridge

First, they are excused when they think that the Pai bamboo bridge is a kind of tourist trap. To be honest, I have that too.

The 800 meter long, hand -woven bamboo bridge, which extends over green rice fields, was a rather impressive stop that I would recommend. Apparently it was originally built to serve as an increased path for monks that used the bridge on her daily walk from the nearby temple to the village.

Entry price: 30 baht

GPS coordinates: 19.32302, 98.39441
Alt = "Bamboo bridge in Pai">

best accommodation in Pai

My Pai Accomodation: Wake Up in Paidieser Place was one of the cheapest options for a clean dormitory with a free breakfast in Pai. The hotel is located in the center near motorcycle rental, cafés and walking street market.

Best rated guest house: Pai Yard Backpackerssuper cheap accommodation with incredible reviews. Clean room, good location, good price and good food.

famous Pai hostel: Circus Hostel Paidieser place is a favorite in Pai for those who are looking for a great atmosphere. There is a large pool with gentle mountain scenes and warehouse fires every evening. If you want to meet other backpackers who are looking for the top 10 free activities in Pai Thailand, this is probably the right place.

where to pai

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

Have you completed this list of 10 best activities in PAI and are you looking for more free adventures in Nordthailand? Be sure to take a look at some other relevant instructions below.

Do you have unanswered questions? Like a comment or send me an email, I answer each one personally!

alt = “Top 10 conversations in Pai Thailand free of charge”>
.