The landscape around Pai is the main event. Most of the key sights — canyon, hot springs, waterfall, memorial bridge, Chinese village — are within 15 kilometres of town and easily done by motorbike in a day. Wat Phra That Mae Yen on the hill east of town is a short walk up for views over the valley.
Trekking to Karen and Lahu villages in the surrounding hills, bamboo rafting on the Pai River, and kayaking are all bookable through the many tour agencies on the main street. Huai Nam Dang National Park, straddling the ridge between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai provinces, has good birdwatching and mountain scenery reachable in a half-day.