If you’re traveling in northern Thailand, chances are Pai will come up again and again in your planning.
Often described as a chilled-out mountain town with hippie vibes, Pai sits along the famous Mae Hong Son Loop and has become a popular stop for backpackers and slow travellers.
But if you’re traveling with family or just trying to decide how to pace your trip the big question is:
Is Pai worth staying in, or is it better as a short stop along the way?
We visited Pai as part of our northern Thailand journey, and here’s our honest take plus the best things to do while you’re there.
What Is Pai Like?
Pai is small, laid-back, and surrounded by beautiful mountains and countryside.
The vibe is:
- relaxed
- bohemian
- backpacker-friendly
- slow-paced
You’ll find:
- cafés and small restaurants
- market stalls in the evening
- yoga and wellness spots
- scooter rentals everywhere
It’s very different from Chiang Mai and that’s exactly why some people love it.
It’s also a very popular spot for worldschoolers. We hadn’t arranged meeting with others or connected with anyone online beforehand but we bumped into so many families. Many who were actually basing themselves there for a longer period of time due to community and also its affordability.
Things to Do in Pai, Thailand
While Pai itself is small, the surrounding area is where most of the highlights are.
1. Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is one of the most popular viewpoints in the area.
It offers:
- dramatic ridgelines
- great sunset views
- short but steep walking trails
2. Hot Springs
There are a few hot springs around Pai, including:
- Tha Pai Hot Springs
- Sai Ngam Hot Springs
They’re great for:
- relaxing sore muscles
- slowing down after driving
- a gentle activity day
For families, these are usually more enjoyable earlier in the day before they get busy.
Hilariously when we visited Pai springs there were signs everyone saying “no boiling of eggs” and we were so confused until we saw the locals actually boiling their eggs in the springs!
3. Waterfalls Around Pai
There are several waterfalls near Pai that are easy to reach by scooter or car, including:
- Mo Paeng Waterfall
- Pam Bok Waterfall
They’re perfect for:
- cooling off
- short nature stops
- breaking up driving days
4. The Pai Walking Street
In the evenings, Pai’s walking street comes alive with:
- food stalls
- souvenirs
- simple street performances
It’s small compared to Chiang Mai, but it’s a nice way to spend an hour or two in the evening. In general I feel it has more of a touristy vibe compared to Chiang Mai which you may not expect as it’s not a big city but because a lot of backpackers do stop here for a long period of time that’s predominately who is using the market. Therefore, the market has been tailored to them!
5. Exploring the Countryside
One of the best things about Pai is simply driving around the countryside.
You’ll find:
- rice fields
- viewpoints
- small villages
- quiet roads
Hiring a scooter or car makes this much easier and turns the area itself into the main attraction. Something to bare in mind though is that the rice fields are at their best during the rainy/green season which is May – October. June/July for optimum lushness. If you are here outside those times then whilst it is still a cool experience they don’t look as lush and alive, it’s all dried out.
Is Pai Good for Families?
Pai is safe and easygoing, but it’s very clearly geared towards backpackers and young travellers.
For families:
- activities are mostly nature-based
- there’s not a huge amount to “do” in town
- it works best as a slow, outdoorsy stop
If your kids enjoy:
- waterfalls
- viewpoints
- relaxed exploration
then Pai can be a nice, gentle stop.
If they prefer:
- structured attractions
- lots of activities
- bigger towns
then Pai may feel a bit limited.
Initially, we were going to stay in Pai 3 nights but we decided to move on after one. Firstly, the accommodation wasn’t great so I unfortunately don’t have a recommendation for you but also the vibe of the town wasn’t for us. Feel free to reach out on IG to find out more! @ourunlimitedchoices
How Long Do You Need in Pai?
This is where the “stay or pass through” question really matters.
Pai works well if:
- you stay 1–2 nights
- you want to break up the Mae Hong Son Loop
- you enjoy slow travel and nature
You probably don’t need to stay longer if:
- you’re short on time
- you prefer busier destinations
- you’re not planning to explore the surrounding countryside much
For many travelers, Pai is best treated as a pleasant stopover rather than a main destination.
If you hadn’t even heard of the Mae Hong Son loop and was just researching Pai then you can get the full break down of that itinerary here: Ultimate Guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop: Tips, Itinerary, and Must-See Stops
I know many people see Pai added on to a possible excursion list when staying in Chiang Mai but many haven’t even heard of the entire loop!
Planning Northern Thailand?
You might also find these helpful as well as our guide on the Mae Hong Son Loop:
👉 Our Chiang Mai Family Adventure: Where to Stay, What to Do & Why We’ll Be Back
👉North vs South Thailand – How to decide