The mountains surrounding Pai are home to Karen, Lahu, and Shan communities, and trekking to villages in the surrounding hills is one of the main activities for those spending more than a day or two. Several tour operators in town offer day treks to Karen villages to the south and west, and multi-day treks with overnight stays in villages are available for those wanting a more immersive experience.
Quality of treks varies considerably. The better operators offer smaller groups, employ local guides from the villages, and ensure that some of the fee reaches the community directly. It is worth asking questions before booking: how large is the group, who is the guide, and where does the money go. Day treks are the most popular option; they typically include a driver out to the trailhead, a walk through forest, and a visit to a working village where you can see traditional weaving and buy textiles directly.