Pai “Pai” a small lovely, lively with good atmosphere famous for trekking into the mountains to visit hill tribe villages, meet new friends and exchange stories.

( Starts on H107 at KM.35 Chiang Mai - Pai 131 km.)
The route to Pai begins at Mae Malai, a small market town, and twists and climbs through increasingly beautiful upland scenery onto a high ridge line (KM. 60 - 75) hilltribe villages may be found along dirt roads that lead off the main road.  Pai is a small town in a narrow valley surrounded by high hills.

Pai is a small Shan town on the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province.  The temples are all in the Shan Burmese style, but there is also a strong Muslim community.  Many wooden buildings remain in the town except in the more modern south-west corner.  Picturesque scenery, languid atmosphere and easy access to hilltribe culture has made Pai a popular destination for budget travelers.

Trips out of Pai

The small size of Pai makes it easy to walk around, but bicycles and motorcycles may be hired for taking trips further out.

Elephant Camp
Office: 5/3 Moo 4, Rangsiyanon Rd., Pai 58130 
Elephant rides: 90 min. 500 Baht per elephant. Longer rides and rafting trips available.
Tel: 053 699286
The camp is located on the east side of the Pai River. The office in town also organizes other tours.

Mo Paeng Falls
Take the road past Pai Hospital to Shan and Lisu villages at the foot of the slopes on the west side of the valley.   Tracks north-west along the foot of the mountains lead to the waterfall (8 km.).  Alternatively, take the concrete road (H1095 KM.101 west turn - 4 km. 4WD for 1km.) that goes to Pai Mountain Lodge before becoming a track to the falls.

Rafting to Mae Hong Son

Thai Adventure Co., Ltd.
13 Moo 4, Rangsiyanon Rd., Pai 58130
[at "Chez Swan"] 2 days & 1 night. 1,800 Baht, includes food and camping equipment.
Tel & Fax: 053 699111
E-mail: raftad@loxinfo.co.th)

Run to professional safety standards, this tour is an adventurous way to enter spectacular and otherwise inaccessible reaches of the Pai River. Highly recommended.

Wat Mae Yen & Tha Pai Hot Springs
If you go east across the river, you may walk to Wat Mae Yen (the temple on the hill). The route passes Pai's only public swimming pool (400 m. across the river.    Hours 09:00-16:00. Adults 30 Baht).   6 kilometers past the temple are the Tha Pai Hot Springs in a pleasant forested area.