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Everything You Need to Know about Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Things to Know
- Where is Yun Lai Viewpoint?
- How to Get to Yun Lai Viewpoint
- What to See and Do in Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Catch the breathtaking sunrise in Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Capture fun photos at the viewpoint’s photo spots
- Stroll around the viewpoint
- Hang a love charm at the viewpoint’s pine trees
- Admire the viewpoint’s natural scenery
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Yun Lai Coffee
- Muen Lee Pavilion
- Na's Kitchen
- Where to Shop in and Near Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Everything 20 Baht
- Pai Walking Street
- Lotus’s Go Fresh Pai
- Where to Stay in and Near Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Yun Lai Viewpoint Camping Area
- B2 Pai Premier Resort
- Pai Village Boutique Resort
- FAQs about Yun Lai Viewpoint
Yun Lai Viewpoint embodies what Pai is all about. It’s an underrated gem offering some of the most picturesque natural scenery and rich cultural experiences you can get out of Mae Hong Son.
This scenic spot is next to a Yunnanese settlement, so the predominant Chinese influence makes it desirable for fans of Eastern culture. Its lush landscapes, beautiful sunrise, and sea of clouds are also a big hit among shutterbugs and nature lovers.
But the best part is Yun Lai Viewpoint is only 15 minutes from Pai Town, so grab a scooter and start your journey westward. And yes, you may want to leave your love lock there too, a favorite exercise for visiting couples.
Things to Know
Phone: +66 81 024 3982
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Cost: 20 baht
Where is Yun Lai Viewpoint?

Yun Lai Viewpoint is on the western outskirts of Mae Hong Son’s Pai Town. It’s directly west of Santichon Village.
How to Get to Yun Lai Viewpoint
Bus: You can get to Yun Lai Viewpoint by catching a bus from Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal to Pai’s town center. From Pai Town, you can reach the viewpoint by driving a rental vehicle or paying for a motorbike taxi service.
However, the road to the viewpoint’s summit is steep so it can be tricky to climb. You must also drive a 125cc scooter or stronger to overcome the steep ascent.
If you’re not confident with your driving skills, park your vehicle at Santichon Village and pay for a local service to the viewpoint instead. The total travel time from Bangkok should be around 13 hours and 30 minutes.
Train: A good alternative is the trains departing from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. From Chiang Mai, you can hire a taxi to Pai and directly to Yun Lai Viewpoint.
But if your taxi drops you off at Pai Town, you still need to drive a rental vehicle or pay for a motorbike taxi to the viewpoint. With this, the total duration of your trip should be between 12 and 13 hours.
Plane: The faster alternative is to ride a plane from Bangkok to Chiang Mai which only takes an hour. After landing at Chiang Mai International Airport, catch a bus or taxi to Pai Town and get to Yun Lai Viewpoint using a rental scooter or motorbike taxi.
This quick method should get you from Bangkok to Yun Lai Viewpoint in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
What to See and Do in Yun Lai Viewpoint
Catch the breathtaking sunrise in Yun Lai Viewpoint
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Yun Lai Viewpoint is one of the more exciting sunrise spots in Pai District and it’s a must-see, especially if you’re a morning person. Plus, it has a dedicated observation deck, so expect an unobstructed view of the first morning light.
We also like how the sunrise looks behind the viewpoint’s surrounding mountainscapes, perfect if you’re trying to capture a postcard-perfect landscape photo. During this time, you can also watch the vast sea of mists enshrouding the nearby Santichon Village.
The road leading to the viewpoint is steep, which is best for morning hikes. However, the best way to enjoy the sunrise experience in Yun Lai Viewpoint is to take a sip of the freshly brewed tea served at its on-site cafe.
Capture fun photos at the viewpoint’s photo spots
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If you enjoy taking fun and beautiful photos, going to Yun Lai Viewpoint is an excellent option. Though this vantage point is best known for its picturesque landscapes, you’ll also appreciate its Instagrammable photo spots.
This includes traditional Chinese-style buildings, a lantern-lit gravel road, landscaped gardens, and pine trees. But the viewpoint’s most iconic photo spot is on its bamboo-made viewing deck.
It has a chic wooden arch, red hanging lanterns on each side, and a vibrant heart shape in the middle. Over it are huge Chinese characters translating to Yun Lai while the heart shape is embedded with Thai words that mean “sea of mists.”
Stroll around the viewpoint
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Yun Lai Viewpoint is perfect for morning strolls. The atmosphere at the summit is serene and the 360-degree panoramic view of the nearby village and its surrounding valleys makes it feel like a dreamy natural paradise.
Go back and forth on its gravel road to observe the lines of lush flower shrubs and Chinese lantern posts. You can also enjoy watching the lovely koi pond under the viewpoint’s viewing deck.
Oh, and if you visit Pai between January and February, you’ll also spot colorful and vast flower fields around the viewpoint during your stroll.
Hang a love charm at the viewpoint’s pine trees
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A trip to Yun Lai Viewpoint won’t be complete without hanging a love charm at one of its pine trees, especially if you visit it with your boo. It’s one of the viewpoint’s most popular features, so expect to see scores of colorful hanging charms when you arrive.
Couples can get a heart-shaped charm from the viewpoint’s cafe and restaurant and must engrave their names before hanging it on a pine tree. We also like that it’s available all year round, so it’s not a one-time annual thing like Valentine’s Day.
Take some time to check out the viewpoint’s six pine trees. In case you didn’t know, the Chinese believe that six is a lucky number, so it’s symbolic for visitors who like to hang love charms and wish for a healthy and long relationship.
Admire the viewpoint’s natural scenery
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The natural scenery in Yun Lai Viewpoint is top-notch, so it’s definitely worth checking out at any time of the day. Expect superb valley views, lush mountainscapes, and an excellent bird’s-eye view of the nearby Santichon Village.
But that’s not all because this viewpoint is also a popular camping spot near Pai. In fact, it’s one of our go-to places for stargazing and watching shimmering town lights at night.
It also has a cafe and restaurant, so you’re covered for drinks and food while soaking in the breathtaking atmosphere.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Yun Lai Viewpoint
Yun Lai Coffee
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Address: Wiang Tai, Pai District
Phone: +66 81 024 3982
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee
This coffee shop is one of the best features of Yun Lai Viewpoint. Here, you can get freshly brewed coffee or tea served with a gorgeous and Instagrammable porcelain mug or tea set.
You can take to the wooden benches on the viewpoint’s edge, perfect if you like to make the most of the jaw-dropping scenery. Their drink menu also offers a decent selection, from coffee to tea, milk, Italian soda, and more.
But their best-sellers are the classic Thai and green tea. This cafe also has a second level so it’s the highest point in Yun Lai Viewpoint.
Muen Lee Pavilion
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Address: 757 Moo 5, Wiang Tai Subdistrict
Phone: +66 85 712 7668
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Chinese food
Muen Lee Pavilion is a charming restaurant along the road between Santichon’s village center and Yun Lai Viewpoint. It’s built over a hill, so you’ll also get stunning nature views from its open-air dining area.
The restaurant’s lovely Chinese-inspired ornaments and motifs are also a plus, especially if you like to take photos. In fact, its garden has numerous photo spots, from a mini Ferris wheel to a heart-shaped bench and lantern-lit viewing deck.
Our team’s serious foodies also like their massive selection of Chinese dishes. They also have set meals with over 15 dishes, perfect for heavy eaters, families, and traveling friends.
Na’s Kitchen
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Address: 4024 Rural Road, Wiang Tai, Pai District
Phone: +66 81 387 0234
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Sunday – Friday)
Good to know: Good for authentic Thai cuisine
Na’s Kitchen is one of Pai’s best restaurants when it comes to reasonably priced and authentic Thai food, so it’s definitely worth the 15-minute drive from Yun Lai Viewpoint. Our team particularly like their best-selling selection of Thai curries.
This includes panang curry, massaman curry, and more. The restaurant’s expansive menu also includes other classic Thai specialties.
Their wide selection of teas and non-alcoholic drinks is also a plus. Just know this place is often packed, so we suggest visiting a few minutes before opening time to avoid the long queue during the dinner service rush.
Where to Shop in and Near Yun Lai Viewpoint
Everything 20 Baht
Address: Wieng Tai, Wiang Tai
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for budget-shopping
Everything 20 Baht is a treasure trove of affordable knick-knacks, souvenirs, household supplies, and more. This shop is true to its name, so expect most of the items they sell to cost 20 baht or below.
The only exceptions are cookware and home appliances, but they’re few and far between compared to the cheaper products on display. Their inventory also includes a wide selection of school supplies, accessories, and more.
Moreover, there’s a section dedicated to products that only cost 10 baht. Think plastic wares, including water pitchers, funnels, and water bottles.
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 lively night market six kilometers from Yun Lai Viewpoint. It has numerous local stalls and shops selling all kinds of products. Think: affordable clothes, street food, fresh goods, and more.
The most notable shops here include Rang Mantra Shop, Pai Republic, and Siam Books. Rang Mantra Shop, in particular, is excellent for fashionistas looking for clothes and accessories made using traditional Thai patterned fabric.
Meanwhile, Pai Republic and Siam Books are great for tourists looking for good-quality souvenirs or used books.
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
If you’re only looking to shop for groceries and essential household supplies, Lotus’s Go Fresh Pai is the clear-cut option. It’s also only a 15-minute drive from Yun Lai Viewpoint!
This supermarket focuses on fresh goods. However, their inventory also includes basic items like the usual grocery items like batteries, toiletries, and more.
They offer coin rewards to My Lotus’s members. Be sure to apply for a membership at every Lotus’s store or its official website to earn coins for all your in-store purchases.
Where to Stay in and Near Yun Lai Viewpoint
Yun Lai Viewpoint Camping Area
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Address: Wiang Tai, Pai District
Phone: +66 81 024 3982
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for nature lovers
Nothing beats staying at Yun Lai Viewpoint’s camping area to make the most of its breathtaking natural scenery. The rental tents are reasonably priced, perfect if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to inns and hotels.
There’s also a cafe and clean bathrooms, so you’re covered for food, drinks, and basic hygiene. Plus, you can also bring cooked food or raw ingredients for a fun evening cookout with friends or family.
While you’re there, watch the bright night lights of Santichon Village! And if the night sky is clear, you’ll also have a blast stargazing at this viewpoint.
B2 Pai Premier Resort
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Address: 76 Moo 2, Wiang Tai, Pai District
Phone: +66 52 040 204
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
B2 Pai Premier Resort is one of the top hotels in Pai Town, so it’s definitely worth the 15-minute drive from Yun Lai Viewpoint. It’s known for chic decked-out rooms with modern amenities and private garden-view balconies or terraces.
Guests staying in one of their fancier rooms will also get a stunning pool view and direct pool access. This hotel is also tucked away in one of Pai’s quiet tree-lined neighborhoods, perfect if you’re looking for a serene and peaceful hideaway.
It also has a charming restaurant, a lush tropical garden, and two outdoor pools. There’s also an in-house car and motorbike rental service in case you like to self-drive to the viewpoint’s summit.
Pai Village Boutique Resort
Address: 88 Moo 3 Vieng Tai Pai District
Phone: +66 53 698 152
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Pai Village Boutique Resort is a popular eco-resort near the Pai River. Though it’s in the heart of the town center, it boasts a tranquil atmosphere, lush gardens, and a relaxed farm area.
What’s notable are their neo traditional-style rooms, bungalows, suites, and villas with Thai, Lanna, and ethnic-inspired motifs. These units are fully equipped with modern amenities as well, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
However, only select units have minifridges and hammocks, so be sure to inquire about this if you want them included.
The best part is that it’s only 6.2 kilometers from Yun Lai Viewpoint, so it’s only a 16-minute drive away!