Chinese village (Santichon) - Village settled by Yunnanese hill-tribes who crossed the border in the middle of the 20th century to escape Communist rule. Shops selling different Chinese teas with varying health properties, and other interesting oddities include a human-powered Ferris wheel.
Well worth a look, even as a brief stop on the way to Mo Paeng waterfall. Pai Canyon (Kong Lan), (signposted from the Chiang Mai road; approx 6km from Pai) - Somewhat optimistically described as Pai's answer to the Grand Canyon, it could more accurately be described as a narrow red ridge with steep-sided valleys either side filled with pine and dipterocarp forests.
The steep 50m drop either side and stunning views over the surrounding countryside are impressive, but you'll need to be careful here - the path is extremely narrow in some places and requires a scramble in others. A set of steps up to a viewing platform provides the safest way to admire the scenery and the canyon makes the perfect spot for a sunset
WWII Memorial Bridge, (on the road to Chiang Mai, approx 8km from Pai) - The original bridge here was built by the occupying Japanese. The current steel truss bridge which sits alongside the present main road was assembled in its current position rather more recently, but as with Pai's "canyon", the bridge invites very loose comparisons with the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.
Waterfalls: Mae Yen - 7 kilometers out of town with no bikes allowed for the last 6km of that. Head East over the bridge heading out of Pai and follow the signs.
Mo Paeng, (west of Chiang Mai past Santichon) - A little more accessible than most of Pai's waterfalls, this multi-tiered waterfall flows through a verdant green valley and is popular for its pools to swim in. The upper section of this waterfall is a natural water slide during the dry season. The rocks are smooth, just find a small section and slide on down like the locals do!
Pam Bok - on the road to Chiang Mai before Pai Canyon. Nice secluded waterfall with high cliffs surrounding it, making this a very cool place to escape the heat. Go for a relaxing bathe in the shade during the dry season.
Elephant Trek - For several years now, travellers have enjoyed riding an elephant and concluding the trip with a romp in the Pai River. For this 'adventure', take as little as possible - you'll be enjoyably wet as the elephant is encouraged to shower you. Some operators - and there are several - are willing to take photos of you while you enjoy the elephant antics in the river.
Tha Pai hot springs, (signposted from the Chiang Mai road) - Bathing here is supposed to have therapeutic properties but you'll want to save it for a cool day. Sulphuric water bubbles out of these hot springs at temperatures of up to 80 degrees celsius and simple baths have been created where the springs meet a stream which cools temperatures to bearable levels. A short marked forest
trail takes you through the compact national park more noticeable for its smells than its sights.
Tubing - Floating down river on an inflated rubber tube has long been a favourite pasttime of South East Asian backpackers, and the gentle current of the Pai river and attractive scenery make this a good spot to try. Unlike the more famous Vang Vieng in Laos, the Pai river isn't lined with raucous bars playing loud music, which some may consider more a blessing than a curse.
Whitewater Rafting - Some of Thailand's most spectacular rapids are found between Pai and Mae Hong Song, and a few operators offer both one and two day rafting trips. One and two day trips are possible.
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