Pai Canyon, Thailand: The Ultimate Sunset Spot in Pai

The Pai Canyon in the northern mountainous region of Thailand is easily one of the best attractions within the gorgeous rural town. Besides, it has to be one of the best sunset spots in this stunning country location and the ultimate place to relax at the end of the day.

Pai Canyon offers immeasurably beautiful panoramic views over the Thai countryside with multiple viewpoints so that you can enjoy the best seat in the house. And, the views overlook the stunning Mae Hong Son region.

I have visited this beautiful spot multiple times and want to share my travel advice with the world. So, continue reading for the best travel information for visiting the canyon!

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Where Is the Pai Canyon and How Do I Get There?

The Pai Canyon is about a 12-minute drive south from the main village area of Pai.

I recommend using Google Maps as your directions to reach this iconic location. You will need to use the 1095 highway and then turn right to head into the parking lot.

There is no fee for visiting this location, though I would advise purchasing a beer, snacks, or some food from the local store setups. Not to mention, if there is a lady selling spring rolls for 30 baht, make sure you grab a couple! They are absolutely divine!

Finally, the canyon is very easy to reach and I recommend hiring a scooter to get to this location. Scooter rental is very cheap in Pai and most of the roads are quite safe to drive on. However, take it slow and stick to the left side of the road to allow trucks and cars to pass.

Address: Pai Canyon, 8F43+F22, Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand

When Should I Visit?

The Pai Canyon is open from 6 AM until 8 PM daily. So, you can really visit this beautiful location almost whenever you want. I think sunrise would be absolutely magnificent in this location, but sunset is the most popular time to visit.

Depending on the time of year, I recommend getting here around 5/5:30 PM. However, be sure to check the sunset time and then arrive at least 30 minutes earlier. It’s a great place to relax with some friends while enjoying the views.

I probably wouldn’t advise a visit during the day as temperatures get very hot, and there is very little shade around most parts of the canyon. So, save your visit for the cooler part of the day once the sun drops a little lower!

Is the Pai Canyon Worth Visiting?

Yes absolutely! Any time of day is great for visiting the Pai canyon, however, I prefer sunset time. The canyon provides insanely beautiful views and is a must-do activity while spending time in Pai!

It’s truly the best sunset location in Pai and the ultimate hangout for some time during the stunning golden hour.

Not to mention, you’ll notice a lot of people wandering along the canyon walls to get to other lookouts. Feel free to do this, but take the utmost care when crossing paths. They get extremely narrow and the drop-off is very high.

Furthermore, there is a lot of loose gravel and you can lose traction very easily. So, I advise wearing sturdy closed-toe footwear and avoiding flip-flops or thongs.

Additionally, if you want a little more adventure, feel free to check out the loop trail. However, this should be completed during the day and not just before dark. Continue reading to find out more about the walking trail.

The Pai Canyon Loop

If you would like to explore the ins and outs of the canyon, then I recommend checking out the loop walking trail. Moreover, you can check out the exact trail by using this website here.

Nonetheless, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when walking this treacherous trail. Firstly, I highly recommend visiting in a small group. Therefore, do not attempt this trail alone. There are many spots where you can fall and injure yourself and if there is no one there to help, you could find yourself in a bit of trouble.

Secondly, wear decent closed-toe footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. There is puddles of water throughout the canyon, and you will need to be okay with jumping through them and splashing water over yourself.

Thirdly, keep an eye out for insects including wasps, spiders, and ants. There are many biting ants on this trail, so try to avoid brushing past too many trees and plants.

Length: 6km return loop
Suggested time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Where to Stay In Pai

There are a number of hostels, hotels, bungalows and so many more unique places to stay in Pai. However, for the ultimate budget backpacker experience, I couldn’t recommend Nolo Hub Hostel enough!

Nolo Hub is an absolute backpackers’ haven and is easily the best social hostel in Thailand. And, if you would like to know more about the accommodation, I recommend clicking the link below to find out more.

Additional Activities in Pai

There are a number of other activities that you can enjoy while spending time in Pai. Firstly, I recommend checking out the walking street just after sunset. There are loads of pop-up stalls and street food vendors offering the tastiest feeds for super low prices!

Secondly, a ride to the Big Buddha is the ultimate way to start the day. Enjoy gorgeous views and hang out with the stunning large white buddha while enjoying the serenity of Pai.

Thirdly, you can visit one of the many hot springs in the area. Besides, these are a great way to relax for an afternoon and you will be left feeling absolutely amazing!

Last but not least, tipsy tubing has to be one of the most popular activities in this country town. Enjoy booze-filled fun while floating down the Pai river. If you would like to learn more about this activity, I suggest reading the blog post below.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, you need to check out this awesome sunset spot while spending time in Pai. And, as long as you make use of my travel advice, you’ll be sure that your journey to the canyon runs smoothly.

Besides, who doesn’t want to sip on a Chang Beer while watching the sun drop behind the gorgeous mountainous region while enjoying the company of plenty of travellers?

Finally, save this post for later reading and check out this section of my blog for all things Thailand. I constantly update this section of my blog with fresh content to keep you updated on the land of a thousand smiles.. Happy reading!