Pai, Thailand
The Best
of Pai
Depart / Return
Chiang Mai
Duration
Full Day
Highlights
6 Stops
Trip Overview
When you want to get away from the busy city of Chiang Mai and enjoy a more laidback area of Thailand? Pai is well known among tourists for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning unique nature, and ethnic Chinese Yunnan people. This full day tour shows you all the beautiful highlights of this small town in the Northern part of Thailand. We will start our day with a scenic drive through the mountains that offers the opportunity to see monkeys along the way. Visit a historical site, take in a peaceful walk along one of the longest handcrafted bamboo bridges, enjoy hand feeding animals, capture breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets.
The Journey of 1,000 Curves is the infamous name of the route between Pai to Chiang Mai. The trip from Pai to Chiang Mai is notoriously known for its endless curving road, spanning more than 100 km. Our drive will take 2 hours and 45 minutes, and we will stop along the way when needed.
Highlights
World War II Memorial Bridge
The Pai World War II memorial bridge, also known as Saphan Prawatsart. This historical bridge was first built in 1942 by the Thai villagers and elephants forcefully to help with transportation of Japanese weapons and provisions from Thailand to Myanmar(Burma) during World War II over the Pai river. When the war ended, the Japanese soldiers burnt down the bridge upon leaving. Since then, the bridge has been rebuilt twice. The first rebuilding was right after the war by the villagers, with significant improvements to its structure. Unfortunately, it was destroyed again during a massive flood in 1973. The bridge you see today was rebuilt in 1976 in Chiang Mai and transported to Pai for installation. It's now a pedestrian bridge where tourists come for photographing the steel structure and beautiful landscape surrounding it.
Bamboo Bridge
The Bamboo Bridge of Pai, also known as Boon Kho Ku So. Which means “the bridge of merit.” It’s one of the longest bamboo bridges in Thailand total around 800 meters long. Handcrafted by local villagers to allow Buddhist monks access from remote temples to the nearby village. Take a scenic walk through the tranquil rice paddle fields and watch local workers tend to their crops. Along the bridge is a flower swing for relaxing and enjoying the scenery while taking memorable photos. The bridge leads you to a small and beautiful temple perfect for meditation and peace of mind.
Additional Costs (Per Person): Entrance: 30 Baht | Free for 10 years and under
Village Farm
The Village Farm is located on the outskirts of Pai. It offers a unique experience interacting with a wide range of animals. Enjoy your time interacting/feeding sheep, rabbits, chickens, Koh fish, and other animals at the farm. They even have purple-colored sheep. You can have an unforgettable experience bottle feeding the Koh fish from a comfy dock. Enjoy a peaceful walk among beautiful gardens, flower-filled pathways, and a small grape vineyard. We can’t forget about the scarecrow, which protects the crops from unwanted visitors. It’s a great place for kids and families.
Additional Costs (Per Person): Entrance: 50 Baht | Animal Feed: 100 Baht
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen - Big White Buddha
The best view of overlooking Pai and surrounding areas is from Wat Phra That Mae Yen (big white buddha of Pai). The temple complex has two buildings, a few golden chedis and the big white grateful buddha. It’s a bit of hike to get to this majestic buddha, 353 steps to be exact but well worth the effort. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular and wonderful at sunset. The open area around the buddha gives you plenty space for mediation. Don’t forget to dress appropriately.
Clothing Suggestion: Please bring sarongs if wearing shorts and or sleeveless shirt
Santichon Village
Santichon Village isn’t your typical China town seen around the world. The villagers are both descendants from Chinese soldiers who fled the revolution of Mao Tse Tung and hill tribe people from Yunnan. You can experience their culture, language, traditional dressings, food, and way of life. As you enter the village, you walk through a stone castle entrance with dragon statues. It opens up to a beautiful green courtyard where you can wander around to the different traditional handmade shops and try some Yunnan food. They also have a chrysanthemum farm, which shows you the process of drying the flowers and turning it into tea. The Chinese have used this tea for medicine for over 100 hundred years for treating respiratory problems to high blood pressure. End your unique experience by going for a ride on a wooden ferris wheel.
Additional Costs (Per Person): Archery: 100 Baht | Target Shooting (Gun): 100 Baht | Fish Food: 20 Baht
Sunset at Pai Cayon (Kong Lan)
The Pai Canyon or famously known as Kong Lan in Thai is one of the most amazing places Rai has to offer. This unique canyon was formed by continuous erosion over decades until reaching the current condition. Erosion stripped away rock leaving serpentine paths through and above the trees. This place is not only great for exploring with many different paths to hike during the day but has one of the best sunsets in all of Pai. After watching the sunset, we will head back to Chiang Mai.
Footware Suggestion: Bring shoes for walking / hiking
Included
- Engish Speaking Driver I can help you learn Thai if you wish
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off Trip starts & end at your hotel
- Private Tranportation Comfortable air-con Sedan Car or Van
- No Rushing Take your time at the places you love
- No Addional Tranportation Fees Fuel & Milage included in cost
- Drinking Water With Thailand's heat, its important to stay hydrated
Not Included
- Meals & Sacks Estimate 100-200 Baht Per Person
- Guide This private tour includes only transportation and driver.
- Entrance Fees Please see: Bamboo Bridge, Village Farm & Santichon Village for Entrance Fees & addional options
- Temple Wear Please bring appropriate clothing for temple entrance
Tour Cost
- 4500 Baht | 1-4 Persons Comfortable air-con Sedan Car
- 7000 Baht | 5-7 Persons Comfortable air-con Van