What is the best season to visit Pai?

January, February, November, and December offer the best conditions with temperatures averaging 22–23.5°C and minimal rainfall. December is the driest month with just 5mm of rain. Avoid June to September when monsoon rains exceed 300mm monthly and trails may be impassable for trekking.

How do I reach Pai from Bangkok?

Fly into Nakhon Phanom Airport (20km away) or Sakon Nakhon Airport (51km away), then arrange ground transportation by taxi, bus, or rental car to Pai. Both airports connect to regional flight networks from Bangkok's major terminals.

What activities are available in Pai?

Pai specializes in outdoor recreation including mountain trekking, hiking, and nature exploration. The mountainous highland terrain and rural setting support adventure activities rather than urban attractions. The region also contains 16 temples within 10km for cultural visits.

Is there medical care available in Pai?

Yes, a hospital is located within 10km of central Pai, providing essential medical services to residents and visitors. Visitors should carry travel insurance and basic medications, particularly for remote trekking areas.

What is the climate like in Pai?

Pai's highland elevation creates a cooler climate year-round compared to central Thailand, with averages ranging from 22°C in January to 28.5°C in April. The region experiences a distinct monsoon season from June to September with heavy rainfall (300–500mm monthly). Humidity is generally moderate due to elevation.

What is the population of Pai?

Pai district has a population of approximately 710,740 residents. The region functions as a rural mountain community focused on outdoor tourism and nature-based activities rather than as an urban center.

Pai: Northern Thailand's Mountain Trekking Hub

Pai is the northeasternmost district of Mae Hong Son Province, situated in northern Thailand at coordinates 17.49°N, 104.48°E, with a population of approximately 710,740 residents. The district's elevated mountainous terrain produces a notably cooler climate compared to central Thailand's lowlands, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C in January to 28.5°C in April. Pai operates within the Asia/Bangkok timezone. The region's geography and rural character have established it as a gateway to northern Thailand's border regions and natural attractions, drawing independent travelers and backpackers seeking outdoor recreation. The mountainous landscape supports trekking, hiking, and nature-based exploration rather than urban tourism infrastructure. Within a 10km radius, the area contains 16 temples, reflecting the region's cultural heritage, and a hospital providing essential services to visitors and residents alike.

Updated 2026-05-03 · Source: GeoNames, Wikipedia

Image: Wikimedia Commons contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikipedia

Population: 711K
Climate: Highland subtropical monsoon
Best months: Jan–Feb, Nov–Dec

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Local currency

THB

Timezone

Asia/Bangkok

Pai: Northern Thailand's Mountain Trekking Hub: 17.488, 104.483Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

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Climate

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Monthly normals (10-year window). Bars show precipitation, lines show average and max temperature.

Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

What's around (within 10km, 17 POIs)

16
Temples
1
Hospitals

Nearest airports

OpenFlights.org

Nakhon Phanom Airport
Nakhon Phanom
KOP20km
Sakon Nakhon Airport
Sakon Nakhon
SNO51km

Quick facts

Pai is located at coordinates 17.49°N, 104.48°E in Mae Hong Son Province, northern Thailand.
Pai's population is approximately 710,740 residents according to GeoNames data.
July is Pai's wettest month, averaging 508mm of precipitation over 29 rain days.
December is Pai's driest month, averaging only 5mm of precipitation over 1 rain day.
January temperatures average 22°C with a maximum of 28.6°C in Pai.
April temperatures peak at 34°C maximum, making it one of Pai's hottest months.
Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) is located 20km from Pai, the nearest commercial airport.
Pai contains 16 temples within a 10km radius, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
The best months to visit Pai are January, February, November, and December for optimal trekking conditions.
Pai operates within the Asia/Bangkok timezone despite its northern location.
May is Pai's second-wettest month, averaging 228mm of precipitation over 23 rain days.
Pai's mountainous terrain creates a climate cooler than central Thailand's lowlands year-round.
The monsoon season from June to September brings monthly rainfall exceeding 300mm in Pai.
February averages 23.5°C in Pai, representing one of the warmest dry-season months.
A hospital within 10km of Pai provides essential medical services for visitors and residents.

Geography and Climate

Pai occupies a mountainous region in northern Thailand's highlands, positioned at 17.49°N, 104.48°E. The elevated terrain creates a climate notably cooler than lowland Thailand, with temperatures remaining moderate throughout the year. July is the wettest month, averaging 508mm of precipitation over 29 rain days, while December is the driest, with only 5mm of rain and 1 rain day. The transitional months of January, February, November, and December offer the most comfortable conditions with lower precipitation and moderate temperatures.

Coordinates: 17.49°N, 104.48°E
Elevation Climate Zone: Highland mountains, cooler than lowlands
Warmest Month Average: 28.5°C (April)
Coolest Month Average: 22°C (January)
Wettest Month: July (508mm, 29 rain days)
Driest Month: December (5mm, 1 rain day)

Population and Regional Role

With a population of approximately 710,740 residents, Pai functions as a district hub within Mae Hong Son Province's broader administrative structure. The region operates within the Asia/Bangkok timezone. Pai has developed significant appeal among independent travelers and backpackers seeking nature-focused experiences and outdoor recreation. The district's rural and mountainous character distinguishes it from urban tourism destinations, attracting visitors interested in trekking, hiking, and cultural exploration within the northern Thai highlands.

Population: ~710,740
Province: Mae Hong Son
Timezone: Asia/Bangkok
Primary Tourism Type: Outdoor, trekking, and nature-based

Best Time to Visit

The optimal months to visit Pai are January, February, November, and December. These months combine comfortable temperatures—ranging from 22°C to 23.5°C average—with minimal rainfall. January averages 8mm of precipitation over 2 rain days, while February sees 19mm over 3 rain days. November offers 20mm over 3 rain days, and December provides the driest conditions at 5mm over 1 rain day. The hot season from March to May experiences increasing precipitation and temperatures climbing to 34°C in April. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall (326–508mm monthly) and should be avoided if hiking and trekking are priorities.

Best Visit Months: January, February, November, December
January Conditions: 22°C avg, 8mm rain
February Conditions: 23.5°C avg, 19mm rain
April Peak Temperature: 34°C maximum
July Peak Rainfall: 508mm, 29 rain days

Getting There

Pai's nearest commercial airport is Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP), located approximately 20km away, providing convenient access to the district. Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) is a secondary option at 51km distance. Both airports connect Pai to regional and international flight networks, making the region accessible for travelers arriving by air. Ground transportation from the airports involves local taxi, bus, or car rental services to reach Pai's town center and surrounding highland areas.

Nearest Airport: Nakhon Phanom (KOP), 20km
Secondary Airport: Sakon Nakhon (SNO), 51km

Local Infrastructure and Amenities

Within a 10km radius of Pai, the region contains 16 temples reflecting the district's cultural and religious heritage. A hospital provides essential medical services to residents and visitors. The rural and mountainous character of Pai means that tourist amenities are distributed across the broader region rather than concentrated in a single commercial zone. Visitors should plan ahead for specific services and supplies, particularly during the wet season when mountain access may be limited.

Temples (10km radius): 16
Hospital Locations: 1 (within 10km radius)
Character: Rural mountain district with dispersed infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What is the best season to visit Pai?: January, February, November, and December offer the best conditions with temperatures averaging 22–23.5°C and minimal rainfall. December is the driest month with just 5mm of rain. Avoid June to September when monsoon rains exceed 300mm monthly and trails may be impassable for trekking.
How do I reach Pai from Bangkok?: Fly into Nakhon Phanom Airport (20km away) or Sakon Nakhon Airport (51km away), then arrange ground transportation by taxi, bus, or rental car to Pai. Both airports connect to regional flight networks from Bangkok's major terminals.
What activities are available in Pai?: Pai specializes in outdoor recreation including mountain trekking, hiking, and nature exploration. The mountainous highland terrain and rural setting support adventure activities rather than urban attractions. The region also contains 16 temples within 10km for cultural visits.
Is there medical care available in Pai?: Yes, a hospital is located within 10km of central Pai, providing essential medical services to residents and visitors. Visitors should carry travel insurance and basic medications, particularly for remote trekking areas.
What is the climate like in Pai?: Pai's highland elevation creates a cooler climate year-round compared to central Thailand, with averages ranging from 22°C in January to 28.5°C in April. The region experiences a distinct monsoon season from June to September with heavy rainfall (300–500mm monthly). Humidity is generally moderate due to elevation.
What is the population of Pai?: Pai district has a population of approximately 710,740 residents. The region functions as a rural mountain community focused on outdoor tourism and nature-based activities rather than as an urban center.

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Sources & methodology

Geographic data from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Narrative sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and structured by Claude. Map by © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). See the methodology and sources registry for full attribution and update cadence.

This page last refreshed 2026-05-03 · generation v5.