Sharp edges, sheer drops, near death at every turn. Extreme beauty! This is why travelling in Thailand is fantastic. Sites like this canyon are open to walk around freely - at your own risk. Nothing is roped off for your safety. This is an absolute must visit in Thailand.
Pai Canyon
Aka Kong Lan
This unique area has been formed by natural erosion over decades until reaching the current condition. The carved narrow ledges and slabs that have survived have steep 30 meters cliff drops and a series of narrow walkways cut on the ridges of giant rock walls.
The scenery up there is stunning and the views impressive; you would not expect such a nature behind the hills. This is a fantastic place to play with your camera, especially taking panoramas. You will definitely get uninterrupted panorama shots.
Easy to visit
The Pai Canyon is an incredible place to explore! It is a 10 minute walk to the top of the canyon from the car park and from there you can explore many different tracks! For the more adventurous, you can walk around the canyon and take some great photos! It is great fun when you meet someone in the middle of a narrow walkway - someone with nerves of steel has to go around or go backwards.
Safety
There are warning signs in the canyon. Obviously you need to be careful! It can be dangerous. We don't want people to be silly in locations like this for authorities to have to then take the fun out of them! Just be smart and be safe.
If you haven't got a head for heights you may find this place a challenge - but I would urge you to give it a go anyway!
Best time to go pai canyon?
The best times to walk the Pai Canyon are early mornings or at the end of afternoons, when it is cooler for the climbs and you get a great light. Towards sunset gets very busy, this can take away from the fun of the location, but if you arrive just before the crowds and take a 20 minute walk you will be away from the main throngs of people.
I went early morning which was perfect as there was no-one else there!
Getting there
Located on highway 1095 very close to the World War II Memorial Bridge. It is located 8km south of Pai and can be reached by scooter or taxi. The views it offers makes it worth a visit if you’re already in Pai.
Top Tip
Don't drop your camera when you are there! Lucky the camera was recovered and came out with a few scratches but no serious damage! Wear the camera strap - don't be an numpty like me!