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Everything You Need to Know about Bamboo Bridge Pai

Bamboo Bridge Pai, also known as Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, is a walk you’ll never forget. It’s an impressive traditional structure that embodies local craftsmanship and serves as a cultural lifeline connecting Wat Phaem Bok to Ban Pom Bok Village.

The bridge promises jaw-dropping sights, from vast rice fields to lush hills and a charming temple, making it a popular day trip for tourists who frequent Mae Hong Son. 

With its local cafes, restaurants, and shops, Bamboo Bridge Pai is a promising tourist spot, and one you can easily access from downtown Pai District.

Things to Know

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

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: 30 baht

Where is Bamboo Bridge Pai?

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Bamboo Bridge Pai is at the southwest end of Pai District. It’s along the main street of Ban Pam Bok Village.

How to Get to Bamboo Bridge Pai

Bus: You can get to Bamboo Bridge Pai from Bangkok via the buses from the Mochit Bus Terminal to Pai District. These buses will drop you off at the town center so you still need to ride a motorbike taxi to get to the bridge.

Or you can rent a scooter in Pai and self-drive to the bridge by heading south via Highway 1095 and turning right at the small rural road with a welcome sign to “Pambok Bamboobridge.” 

Expect this option to get you there in about 14 hours.

Train: Taking the train to Chiang Mai from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is also a solid option. But keep in mind that you still need to ride a taxi or bus to Pai District and pay for a motorbike taxi or self-drive to Bamboo Bridge Pai.

This option is cheaper and slightly faster because it only takes approximately 13 hours.

Plane: We recommend booking a flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok to get to Bamboo Bridge Pai more quickly. You still need to ride a bus to Pai District and a motorbike taxi or scooter to the bridge but it should only take you approximately 4 hours in total.

What to See and Do in Bamboo Bridge Pai

Stroll around Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge

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Bamboo Bridge Pai is an iconic attraction in Ban Pam Bok Village. This 815-meter bridge is also an important lifeline for the villagers who use it to get to their rice paddies and visit the local temple. 

Moreover, it helps local businesses in the village because it connects to numerous cafes, restaurants, and small shops.

Because of these reasons, crossing the bridge is the best way to explore the village because of its function.

Admire the natural scenery 

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Though Bamboo Bridge Pai embodies traditional craftsmanship, one of its biggest selling points is its jaw-dropping natural scenery. Vast rice paddies and lush hills surround this bridge, making it extremely popular among nature enthusiasts.

If you like landscape and nature photography, the postcard-perfect photos you can capture here certainly make it a top-tier day trip destination! 

The scenery around the bridge is particularly impressive between November and February. The vibrant rice fields will look their greenest during these months, so we recommend considering them for your visit.

Find the best spots to strike a pose at the bridge

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Bamboo Bridge Pai is one of the most picturesque spots in Mae Hong Son because of the rustic bamboo structure, stunning scenery, and Instagrammable photo spots. Its photo spots are particularly well-known among casual and serious tourists.

Here, you can take fun and exciting photos on top of a wooden staircase, inside an overgrown bamboo tunnel, or next to an Asia water buffalo statue. 

They have photo spots designed for couples, which include a heart-shaped bench, heart-shaped arch, and 2-seater wooden swing!

Go early to witness the alms ceremony along the bridge

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At the Bamboo Bridge Pai, you can watch Buddhist monks performing their daily alms ceremony. In fact, the bridge was constructed to help them get around the village easier, so expect to see them crossing the bridge early in the morning.

In case you didn’t know, the daily alms round is a standard morning ritual for monks all over Thailand. It’s how the locals offer respect to monks who devote themselves to Buddha’s teaching. 

You can also participate in the almsgiving ceremony but we recommend observing the locals beforehand, especially during your first time.

Pay your respects at Wat Phaem Bok

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A trip to Bamboo Bridge Pai won’t be complete without paying your respects at Wat Phaem Bok. This temple is at the bridge’s endpoint, so it’s the final attraction you’ll encounter after finishing the 815-meter stroll.

We particularly like this temple because it has a relaxing and peaceful jungle-style complex, perfect if you’re looking for a place to meditate. It also has a golden seated Buddha image that local devotees pray for good luck, health, fortune, and more.

You can also ask the temple’s friendly monks if you’re looking for the perfect meditation spot. Keep in mind that Wat Phaem Bok is a temple, so be sure to wear appropriate clothes if you plan to visit.

Observe the Asian water buffaloes grazing in the rice paddies

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Watching Asian water buffaloes grazing is one of the more unique experiences you can get out of Bamboo Bridge Pai. These gentle farm animals are accustomed to visitors, so they won’t run away when you try to get a closer look.

You’ll also enjoy watching their symbiotic relationship with the local white egrets. These birds are usually perched on top of the water buffaloes to eat the insects disturbing them while they focus on grazing in the field.

Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Bamboo Bridge Pai

Coffee Koh Koo So

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Address: Ban Pam Bok, Thung Yao

Pricing: ฿

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for drinks

Coffee Koh Koo So is the place to be if you’re looking for a caffeine fix or a refreshing ice-cold beverage after strolling under the sweltering midday heat.

Their extensive drink menu boasts a wide range of coffees, teas, fruit shakes, Italian sodas, and more. There’s also a small pond nearby where you can enjoy feeding fish.

Their rustic open-air dining area is so quaint, it’s the perfect spot if you want an unobstructed view of the bridge and the lush scenery around it. 

Jaey Cafe

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Address: Ban Pam Bok, Thung Yao

Pricing: ฿

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for cat lovers

If you have a serious soft spot for cats, Jaey Cafe is an excellent option. Here, you can relax and play with friendly cats while indulging in their affordable selection of drinks and Thai dishes.

The cafe’s biggest selling point is the cozy open-air dining area on the second level. It has low dining tables and floor cushions, perfect for if you want a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. 

Many tourists frequent this cafe because they can lie down and take naps at

They also have hammocks and loft nets with tiny mattresses if you want more comfort and to make the most of the scenery.

Pambok Coffee

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Address: Rural Road, Thung Yao

Phone: +66 82 196 5492

Pricing: ฿

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for Thai and vegan food

Website

Pambok Coffee is a charming cafe along the road to Ban Pam Bok, so it’s certainly worth checking out! They offer local favorites like pad Thai, khao soi, plus vegan options!

Their drink menu is nothing to scoff at either because it consists of over 40 drinks, from coffee to tea, smoothies, Italian sodas, and more. Don’t miss out on their homemade ice creams! 

Where to Shop in and Near Bamboo Bridge Pai

Pai Walking Street

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Address: Wiang Tai, Pai District

Pricing: ฿

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for street food, souvenir

Pai Walking Street is a bustling night market, so expect a wide array of stalls offering unique handicrafts, traditional clothes, and more.

The market’s a foodie haven as well, so it’s a great place to indulge in popular and traditional Thai street food. You can also find stalls selling fresh produce and various Thai ingredients in case you plan to cook during your stay.

A must-visit here is Rang Mantra Shop, which sells colorful clothes and bags with intricate traditional patterns—a unique souvenir!  

Lotus’s Go Fresh Pai

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Address: 81, 1, Wiang Tai

Phone: +66 065 517 2372

Pricing: ฿฿

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for groceries

Website

Lotus’s Go Fresh Pai is a popular retail chain worth checking out for its fresh and excellent-quality products like fresh fruits, vegetables, and more. You’ll also find a good selection of essential everyday and travel products.

They also sell ready-to-eat meals, perfect if you don’t have time to cook and pack food for your Bamboo Bridge Pai trip. 

If you have a My Lotus’s membership, you can also receive coins and rewards for every in-store purchase.

Everything 20 Baht

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Address: Wieng Tai, Wiang Tai

Pricing: ฿

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for budget-shopping

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly shop near Bamboo Bridge Pai, Everything 20 Baht is the clear-cut choice. This shop is also aptly named, so expect to find scores of cheap products that only cost up to 20 baht.

They’re also known for outstanding product variety, which includes home decor, accessories, and more. 

Not all of their products are cheap because they also sell numerous home appliances and cookware. Still, their retail prices are competitive, so it’s great if you’re on a tight budget!

Where to Stay in and Near Bamboo Bridge Pai

Pai Lamun Valley

Address: 160 Moo 1, Huai Sai-Mai Road, Thung Yao

Phone: +66 95 691 5409

Pricing: ฿฿฿

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Good to know: Good for couples, families

Website

Pai Lamun Valley is known for its numerous accommodations, so it’s definitely worth considering if you want variety. They have glamping tents for those who want to sort-of rough it, and decked-out modern rooms for luxurious amenities.

They also have a sauna and a large outdoor pool with numerous sun beds and parasols.

Paina Paita Home

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Address: 122 Moo 1, Thung Yao

Phone: +66 85 037 7188

Pricing: ฿฿

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Good to know: Good for couples, backpackers

Website

Paina Paita Home is arguably the best homestay accommodation near Bamboo Bridge Pai. This bohemian and eco-friendly property is well-known to backpackers who frequent Pai District and enjoy the traditional Thai houses.

They have a charming garden and a cozy open-air communal space, which is perfect if you want to soak in the relaxing atmosphere and meet new people.

What’s truly unique, though, is the unique activities like handicraft workshops from local tribes, Thai cooking classes, and Sunday yoga sessions. 

Reverie Siam Resort

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Address: Wiang Tai Subdistrict

Phone: +66 53 699 870

Pricing: ฿฿฿

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Good to know: Good for couples

Website

Reverie Siam Resort is a luxurious hideaway near Bamboo Bridge Pai. This chic riverside property boasts stunning colonial architecture and decked-out rooms with airy warm-toned interiors, antique furnishings, and modern amenities.

If you want more privacy, stay at one of their luxury villas to enjoy a private garden, whirlpool bath, and 24-hour room service. There’s also a quiet spot along the Pai River where guests can enjoy a cup of coffee or meditate in peace.

They also offer sightseeing tours and guided adventures, from ATV off-road exploration to half-day hikes, bamboo rafting, sunset picnics, and more. In fact, they also have morning almsgiving tours to the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge!

FAQs about Bamboo Bridge Pai

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