Cover picture: Pai Canyon
Arrival at the parking lot (free of charge)
There is a small Thai restaurant and fresh fruit shakes on site
Entrance and paved path up to the canyon
Follow the rules! No smoking, no climbing, don't leave any garbage behind
This is it! Pai Canyon. Narrow paths lead you along 30 to 50 meter high cliffs
Right at the entrance you will find this great photo motif with the mountain landscape of Pai!
Everything you see here has been shaped by nature over centuries - truly fascinating!
Again and again we see steep slopes. Caution is advised when walking.
Some roots were also swallowed up in the sandstone during its formation
The entire canyon stretches over a network of many narrow paths that are around 1-2 km long.
But not all paths are so narrow. Some areas are also wider and therefore safer.
The view of the surrounding area and the mountains in northern Thailand is phenomenal!
Despite the rugged sandstone terrain, the landscape here is very green and varied
Hiking enthusiasts can explore all these trails & discover different perspectives
Many visitors come here, especially at sunset
You won't forget this adventure in a hurry - we guarantee it!
Costs
1 THB p.p.
(≈ 0.03 EUR)
Opening hours
Daily 06:00 - 19:00
Pai Canyon
The Pai Canyon is a fascinating natural spectacle in the north of Thailand! Who would have thought that there are such deep canyons hidden in this country? It may not be as spectacular as the Grand Canyon in the USA, but the comparatively small Pai Canyon is absolutely worth seeing and well worth a visit if you are in this charming mountain region!
The canyon, which locals call the Kong Lan has been created over several centuries by natural erosion processes. More precisely, whenever the soil was eroded by weather-related influences (wind, rain or heat). The result is the formation of narrow, striking gorges with steep slopes, which today resemble a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. The landscape consists mainly of red sandstone, which continues to be shaped by the tropical weather even today.
The canyon's accessible paths are 1-2 km long in total and offer wonderful photo opportunities in all directions. It is less of a hike and more of an adventurous climb and jump. Always watch your step, as the loose, sandy ground is not paved! You should not enter the canyon when it is raining, as the risk of slipping and falling is too high. A visit is particularly popular on sunny days and at sunset, when the sun hits the red sandstone mountains and dusk falls.
Just as impressive as the canyon is the entrance fee for this attraction: it is exactly 1 Baht. On the one hand, this symbolic price shows the welcoming culture of the Thais, but at the same time a certain respect for nature and waste disposal is expected during the visit.
Tip:: From Chiang Mai we recommend a Day tour to the highlights in Paiª (including Pai Canyon), with your own driver and return transfer to your hotel.
Places of interest in the vicinity
- Love Strawberry Pai (Café)
- Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
- Ta-Pai Memorial Bridge
Map
More Pai highlights
Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
The Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge is a popular excursion destination near Pai, around 30 minutes by scooter from the center. The approximately 1 kilometer long bridge runs over idyllic rice fields and provides an interesting insight into the daily work of the local rice farmers. The bridge construction is made of woven bamboo material supported on natural wooden pillars.
Yun Lai Viewpoint
The beautiful Yun Lai Viewpoint is located in the tranquil mountain landscape of Pai at an altitude of 770 meters. Translated, this means "the clouds are coming", which in Chinese is associated with good luck and positive energy. From the city center, the drive up to the viewpoint takes about 15 minutes and takes you through the Chinese Yunnan village of Santichon Village - this is also the origin of the viewpoint, which is decorated in striking Chinese red and gold. A small fee of 20 baht per person is charged on arrival at the viewpoint. Parking is free (note: be sure to drive up the steep road as there is a charge at the lower parking lot).
Big Buddha Pai
The Big Buddha of Pai is an impressive Buddha statue that belongs to the Wat Phra That Mae Yen temple complex and was built on a hill outside of Pai. There is free parking on site and admission is also free. Donations for the preservation of the temple are appreciated but not required. From the parking lot, a steep staircase with over 300 steps leads up to the Big Buddha. In addition to the cultural insight, the excursion destination also offers a fantastic view of the surrounding mountain landscape of Pai.
