Koh Samui, Thailand: the best tips, activities and attractions
September 30, 2024
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Surely the nicest village in Northern Thailand is Pai. This small mountain village has become very popular in recent years, especially among backpackers. Many travelers make the trek from Chiang Mai to Pai. You hear many different stories about Pai, but we had 5 great days here and definitely fell in love with this friendly place. The town has a nice atmosphere and the surroundings of Pai are truly breathtaking. Visit Pai based on our tips and ensure yourself some enjoyable days!
By scooter from Chiang Mai to Pai
The route from Chiang Mai to Pai is a well-known highlight of northern Thailand. The 130 kilometer road to Pai consists of 762 (!) curves: a beautiful route that winds its way through the green mountains. The choice is yours. Do you travel the route by scooter or by minivan? One thing is certain: it is a magnificent road to travel.
We traveled the route from Chiang Mai to Pai by scooter. We left Chiang Mai early in the morning, giving us enough time to ride to Pai at our leisure. You could ride the route in about four hours, but it is recommended that you stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Also keep in mind that the weather can change suddenly on the road and it is important to stay focused at all times. The roads are not always well maintained and the minivans tear past on all sides. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed the trip to Pai. What a freedom it gives to be able to drive through this area by yourself!
Fun stops on the way from Chiang Mai to Pai
Since it is a fairly long drive from Chiang Mai to Pai, you will have to make the necessary stops along the way. Along the route you will find several small gas stations, snack bars and viewpoints where you can stretch your legs. But if you take the time to drive to Pai, you might as well also visit the Mork Fa waterfall and the Pong Duet geyser. So don't forget to pack your swimwear and a towel in your daypack.
Rent a scooter from Aya Service
We received Aya Service Aya Service has been tipped as a party to rent our scooters from and can definitely recommend it to you. At Aya Service, besides renting a scooter, you can also have your luggage dropped off in Pai by a minivan so you don't have to carry your backpacks on the scooter yourself. Through an Uber, we had Aya Service drop us off in Chiang Mai, where they checked our papers and packed our luggage. Then we were on our scooter within 20 minutes. Aya Service has a second office in Pai where you can return your scooter. Also, this is where you pick up your luggage dropped off by the minivan. We rented two scooters, one of which we returned in Pai and the other scooter we kept with us during our five-day stay.
Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is a canyon full of narrow trails, deep chasms and breathtaking views. Pai Canyon is in no way comparable to the Grand Canyon of America, which is directly why Pai Canyon is unique to visit.
From the center of Pai it is about a 20-minute scooter ride to the canyon. You can park your scooter for free and through a path you can walk in 5 minutes to the beginning of the canyon. The nice thing about this special place is that you don't have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Pai Canyon. We arrived an hour before sunset which gave us plenty of time to explore the area, climb and scramble among the rock formations, take pictures and then observe a beautiful sunset.
Walk across the Moost Boon Kho ku so (bamboo bridge)
Walk among the green rice fields over an 850-meter-long bridge made of bamboo. When you take your scooter for a day trip in the Pai area, it's worth driving to Bamboo Bridge. You walk across the bridge towards a small temple and will encounter relatively few people along the way. The bridge is beautifully situated among the rice fields is free to visit.
Pam Bok waterfall
We combined the visit to the Bamboo Bridge with one of Pai's beautiful waterfalls. You park at a small parking lot where you will see signs indicating Pam Bok waterfall. Before you can take a dip in the water you will have to do a small hike. The waterfall is a fun place where somersaults are made into the water by locals and people chill on the stones. Unfortunately for us, we were there when the water was a little too cold in our opinion, but what a cool place this is!
Discover the Lod Cave
From Pai, we rode our scooter ourselves to the Lod Cave. A beautiful route of 40 kilometers which took us about 1.5 hours and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way. Halfway the route you pass a large viewpoint from where you can look far over the mountain area of Pai and Mae Hong Son.
Lod Cave is an extraordinary cave in northern Thailand and is known for its huge stalactites, wall paintings, stone figures and ancient coffins. To visit the cave, you need to hire a local guide. You can do this at the entrance for about 150 Baht for 2 people. Also, you have to pay 400 to 500 Baht to sail down the underground river on a bamboo raft. While sailing through the darkness, you can hear the many catfish splashing beside the raft. We bought a bag of fish food for the catfish, nice to see how many come to eat it.
Street Food in Pai
At night, Pai's main street turns into a walhalla for the foodies among us. From 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. you can enjoy the various delicacies you can buy at one of the many stalls. For example, our favorites were the corn cob from the barbecue, the roast chicken and of course a Thai roti stuffed with banana and chocolate sauce. Besides the many food options, you will also find many booths for buying souvenirs and nice clothes. This was one of our most enjoyable moments during our visit to Pai!
Visit the hot springs
If you are looking for a place to relax in Pai then the Pai Hot Springs are the place to be. Amidst green nature, you can relax in these natural hot baths. The most famous Hot Springs are Sai Ngam and Ta Pai. Both are easily accessible by scooter. For something more luxurious, we recommend the Pai Hot Spring Spa Resort to.
Fine accommodations in Pai
There are several types of accommodations in Pai where you can stay, from cozy hostels to luxury hotels. We slept at the Shaya Suandoi Resort. A cozy hostel where we had our own little house. It is mainly a popular place among backpackers.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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