Visit Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Pai is a small town in a wide green valley in Mae Hong Son province, a few hours north-west of Chiang Mai. It started as a stop for backpackers and has grown into a relaxed mountain getaway, with cafes, guesthouses and countryside that’s easy to explore. The road there is half the story.

Getting there

Route 1095 from Chiang Mai climbs over the mountains in a long series of hairpin bends, often quoted as 762 curves, and takes about three hours. It’s scenic but makes many people carsick, so a private car with stops is far more comfortable than a minivan.

What to see

Pai Canyon. Narrow red-earth ridges with drops on both sides, best at sunset. Watch your footing.

The valley. Rice fields, a WWII-era bridge, small temples such as Wat Phra That Mae Yen on a hill above town, and hot springs in the surrounding hills.

Tham Lod. About an hour further on the road toward Mae Hong Son, near Soppong, a large cave you explore by lantern and bamboo raft, with swifts pouring out at dusk.

When to go

November to February is the best time, with cool, clear mornings that can be chilly in the valley. The late dry season, especially around March and April, can bring heavy smoke and haze across northern Thailand. The rainy season, from about June to October, turns the valley green. See Thailand’s weather by month.

How long to stay

Two or three nights. Pai fits well after a few days in Chiang Mai; see our Chiang Mai itinerary.

Planning it with My Way Travel

We plan private trips in northern Thailand with a driver for the mountain roads and hotels chosen for you. Have a look at our Thailand tours or tell us your dates.

Sources: Thai route and tourism information on Route 1095 and Mae Hong Son province. Last checked October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Chiang Mai to Pai?

About three hours on a very winding mountain road, often quoted as 762 curves.

When is the best time to visit Pai?

November to February, when it’s cool and clear. Avoid the smoky months around March and April if you can.

How many days do you need in Pai?

Photo: Christophe95, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.