Pai’s sights are scattered around the valley, and many travellers rent a scooter to reach them. If you do not ride — or do not hold a motorcycle licence, which you need to be insured — the inexpensive shared tours and private-car days below cover the same ground safely. GetYourGuide’s range here is smaller than in Chiang Mai and review counts are lower, which we have taken into account.
Prices are indicative “from” prices in euros, checked in October 2026; private-car tours are priced per group.
Our pick of Pai & Mae Hong Son tours & tickets
from €12 Jungle tubing river excursion
A social afternoon floating down the Pai River through the valley on inner tubes, stopping at riverside bars with DJs, games and food. Very much a party event rather than a nature trip.
from €12 Pai full-day or afternoon tour
A driver takes you round the valley’s main sights with lunch provided: Sai Ngam hot spring, the White Buddha, Yun Lai viewpoint, the Chinese village, the bamboo bridge and Pai Canyon.
from €25 Sunset tour: Yun Lai, Pai Canyon and Two Huts
A late-afternoon circuit of three viewpoints, ending with a panoramic view over the valley as the sun goes down.
from €100 per group Pai highlights by private car with canyon sunset
A full day at your own pace by private car: the Big Buddha, hot springs, waterfalls and the bamboo bridge, finishing at Pai Canyon for sunset. The listing also names a long-neck village stop, which you can decline.
from €103 per group Private sunrise at Ban Jabo and Nam Lod Cave
An early start by private car to watch sunrise above the clouds at the Jabo viewpoint, visit a mountain village and explore Nam Lod (Tham Lod) cave.
from €166 per group Mae Hong Son highlights and Ban Rak Thai by private car
A long day from Pai to the Chinese tea village of Ban Rak Thai, Pang Ung lake, waterfalls, temples, a bamboo bridge and a fish cave, with transfers.
Booking tips
- Motion sickness. If the Chiang Mai road affects you, expect the same on day trips towards Mae Hong Son; sit at the front and take medication beforehand.
- Tham Lod. Entry is with a local lantern guide and, when water levels allow, a bamboo raft; the fee is paid per group at the cave and may not be included in a tour.
- Tubing. Alcohol and rivers mix badly. Wear the lifejacket, and skip it if the river is high after rain.
- Village stops. We do not recommend “long-neck village” visits; ask your driver to leave them out.
- Haze. In March and April smoke can hide the views entirely — check before booking sunrise or sunset tours.
