The Best of Pai

Pong Dueat Hot Spring is set inside Huai Nam Dang National Park in Mae Taeng District, on the route between Chiang Mai and Pai. A short walk through the forest brings you to one of the largest natural geysers in Thailand, where hot water pushes up from the ground and steam rises through the tree canopy. The area also has several developed hot spring pools where you can soak and relax before continuing into the mountains. It is a peaceful and beautiful way to start the day.

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.

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 paddy 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.

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 great 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 of space for meditation. Don’t forget to dress appropriately.

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 years for treating respiratory problems to high blood pressure. End your unique experience by going for a ride on a wooden ferris wheel.

The Pai Canyon or famously known as Kong Lan in Thai is one of the most amazing places Pai 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.