Last Updated on 2025 年 11 月 29 日 by 総合編集組
Pai, Thailand 2025: The Ultimate Guide to the 762-Curve Mountain Paradise Hidden 924km from Bangkok
Nestled in the far northwest of Thailand, Pai is a small mountain town in Mae Hong Son Province that has captured the hearts of backpackers, digital nomads, and nature lovers for decades. Located just 146km from Chiang Mai (but with the famous 762 hairpin turns), Pai sits in a lush valley surrounded by the Thanon Thongchai and Dawna mountain ranges, right on the border with Myanmar.
Why Pai Feels Like a Different World At an elevation between 700 and 2,005 meters, Pai enjoys a cooler climate than most of Thailand. It’s famously called the “City of Three Fogs” – winter morning mist, spring agricultural burning smoke, and rainy-season clouds. Annual rainfall reaches 1,064.9 mm, and the highest temperature ever recorded in Thailand (44.6°C) ironically happened here in April 2016.
Best Time to Visit Pai in 2025
- Cool & High Season (Nov–Feb): 12–28°C, almost no rain, perfect weather but crowded and expensive
- Hot Season (Mar–May): 24–35°C (or higher), dry, fewer tourists, but heavy smoke in March
- Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): 27–32°C, lush green landscapes, powerful waterfalls, cheapest prices, fewer crowds
Top 10 Unmissable Attractions in Pai
- Pai Canyon (Kong Lan) – Dramatic red sandstone ridges, 30–50m deep, best at sunrise/sunset
- Mor Paeng Waterfall – Three-tier waterfall with natural waterslides
- Pam Bok Waterfall – 40-meter drop hidden in a narrow gorge
- Mae Yen Waterfall – Hard-to-reach hidden gem (5–6 hours round-trip trek)
- Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge – Thailand’s longest bamboo bridge across rice fields
- Yun Lai Viewpoint – Stunning sea-of-clouds sunrise spot
- Wat Phra That Mae Yen – Giant white Buddha overlooking the entire valley
- Sai Ngam Hot Springs – Natural forest hot springs perfect for soaking
- Pai Memorial Bridge – Historic WWII Japanese bridge
- Pai Walking Street Night Market – Vibrant evening food and craft stalls
How to Get to Pai: The Legendary 762 Curves The most popular route is Highway 1095 from Chiang Mai to Pai – 146km of pure mountain driving with exactly 762 hairpin turns. Motorbike rental (125cc) costs 150–200 THB/day and takes 3.5–4 hours. Minivans are 350–450 THB and take about the same time. Alternative scenic route: Highway 1349 via Samoeng (longer but fewer curves).
Where to Stay in Pai 2025 Budget: Pai Circus Hostel, Pai Country Home (300–800 THB) Mid-range: Pai Village Boutique Resort, Reverie Siam (1,000–2,500 THB) Luxury: Puripai Villa, Phu Pai Art Resort (3,000+ THB)
Must-Eat Food in Pai
- Na’s Kitchen – Authentic northern Thai cuisine
- Charlie & Lek’s – Famous khao soi and curry
- Earth Tone – Healthy vegan/vegetarian options
- Night market street food – 50 THB mango sticky rice, grilled pork neck
Suggested 5-Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrive + Walking Street + Big Buddha at night Day 2: Pai Canyon sunrise → hot springs → canyon sunset Day 3: Waterfall hopping (Mor Paeng + Pam Bok) Day 4: Bamboo bridge + Lahu or Karen village visit Day 5: Yun Lai sunrise → slow ride back to Chiang Mai
Is Pai Too Touristy Now? Yes and no. The main Walking Street has plenty of cafés and bars, but ride just 10 minutes out of town and you’re back in pristine jungle, rice fields, and quiet villages. Pai still keeps its magic – you just need to explore beyond the center.
Pai is changing fast – new fees at attractions, rebuilt bamboo bridges, and rising prices. If you want to experience the “old Pai” feeling that made it famous in the early 2000s, 2025–2026 might be your last chance before it becomes fully mainstream.
Come for the curves, stay for the peace.
