Things To Do In Pai, Thailand: A Motorbike Tour For The Adventurous

1. Coffee in Love

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Once you’ve secured your motorbike and feel semi-comfortable riding it, head out toward 1095. From central Pai/Walking Street area, you’ll be heading south. Our first stop is a scenic one: Coffee in Love. The main reason for stopping here is to realize riding a motorbike really isn’t that hard and you are more than capable. Or to regroup if you’re traveling with any stragglers. But it’s also a great spot to snap some photos of the mountains and maybe drink some coffee. Fun fact: The main reason Coffee in Love has made its place onto the map is because it was the setting for a major Thai film ‘Pai in Love’ (2009) and a hit Chinese film 'Lost in Thailand’ (2012). Once you’re satisfied with your break here, hop back on those bikes and keep moving south on 1095. It’s important you consult your map or pay attention to signs so you don’t miss the right turn (shortly after passing Baan Na Non Pai) headed toward the Land Split.

Cofee in Love

Address: 92, Moo 3, Chiang Mai-Pai Road, Tambon Thung Yao, Amphoe Pai, Mae Hong Son, 58130, Thailand

Opening Hours: 7am - 5pm

Duration: around 30 minutes

Contact: +66 53698251

2. Land Split

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Land Split is a unique experience. This former farm experienced a deep split in 2008, with no apparent cause. There were no earthquakes or natural disasters, the land just opened up and split the farm into pieces. Just imagine how the farmer felt when he discovered what had happened to his land that day in 2008. But instead of being defeated because he could no longer farm his land, he turned it into a tourist attractions. Now hundreds of tourists flock there every year. There’s a short loop you can walk around on the farm, that shows where the land has cracked, about 6.5 feet (2 meters). You’ll also see various fruits being grown and some beautiful views. Once you’ve completed your loop, it’s time to meet the farmer and his family. They generously offer fresh cold fruit drinks and as many fruit and veggie samples as you desire: bananas, passionfruit, melons, hibiscus, peanuts and more. There is no price to all of this. They only ask for donations of what you think the experience is worth. Relax for a bit while you’re here until you’re ready for the next stop.

Land Split

Address: Tambon Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat, Thung Yao, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand

Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours

3. Pam Bok Waterfall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Just down the road a little way you’ll find Pam Bok Waterfall. A fairly small waterfall, with a simple path leading to the fall, it’s easy to find and easy to get to. You can easily cool off in the pool or simply admire the fall from the pathway. Depending on the season, you’ll find different things here. Often, it’s dry in April and there isn’t a lot of water flowing. September and October tend to be good seasons to visit waterfalls in Pai. If there has been heavy rain, the fall and pool below may be a bit too brown for swimming. But Pam Bok is an easy enough stop off once you’ve made it to the Land Split so it’s worth a quick stop. Leave the waterfall drive to the right up a very steep hill (it looks worse than it is) and start heading towards the Bamboo Bridge.

Pam Bok Waterfall

Address: Unnamed Rd. Tambon, Thung Yao Amphoe Pai Chang Wat, Mae Hong Son 58130 Thailand, Thailand

Duration: 30 minutes - 3 hours

4. Bamboo Bridge

The Bamboo Bridge is further away from the other sites and not marked as clearly, so it’s likely you won’t see as many people there, except for the tour buses that pull in and out every so often. The bridge itself is called Kho-Ku-So, or the bridge of merit. The locals built it as a shortcut for monks who regularly had to walk from the village Bam Pambok to the temple, Wat Hauy-Kai-Kiri. The bridge measures over ½ a mile (815 meters) and rests on cement pillars a few feet above the ground. It’s a nice walk with views over the rice fields of the mountains and the forest. You can stop to feed the fish along the way or take a rest on one of the benches scattered about. It’s best to visit in the rainy season as the rice is green and lush. When the rice is harvested, it’s still a fun experience but not quite as beautiful. If you’re feeling hungry, the small restaurant next to the Bamboo Bridge offers a decent selection of home cooked Thai food. Yum! From here, you can conclude your tour and head back into town. OR if you still have energy and daylight left, head back towards 1095. You’ll want to keep heading south to get to Thom’s Elephant Camp.

Bamboo Bridge

Address: Unnamed Road Tambon, Thung Yao, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand

Duration: around 2 hours

5. Thom's Elephant Camp

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

To get to Thom’s Elephant Camp, you’ll want to keep heading south on the main road. If you haven’t had a chance to see elephants yet in Thailand, Thom’s Elephant Camp offers you the opportunity to feed them bananas and pet them. It’s always a good idea to call ahead as their hours can change from day to day and the elephants may not be out when you get there.

Thom's Elephant Camp

Address: Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8am - 9pm

Contact: +66 898519066

Website: Thom’s Elephant Camp

6. Pai Canyon

Pai Canyon is south of the Land Split on 1095. You will not regret visiting Pai Canyon. It’s a popular spot for sunrise or sunset, but even during the day it’s amazing. You could spend hours wandering around on the narrow ridges, looking for the perfect photo op and just admiring the views from every angle. Don’t look down as you’re walking, because there is quite a steep drop – on both sides! Definitely a place you’ll want to be wearing sturdy shoes.

Pai Canyon

Address: Thailand, Thung Yao, Pai District, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Duration: 30 minutes - 3 hours

Go and explore

This itinerary can easily be reversed and done in the opposite order based on what you want to see most. So grab those motorbikes and have an awesome day exploring a bit of Pai.