Visiting Bamboo Bridge in Pai: Everything You Need To Know!
Wind your way through rural Thai countryside, experiencing local life at Pai Bamboo Bridge!
The charming Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge is one of the Mae Hong Son region’s longest bamboo bridges, stretching 800m through lush rice fields past striking mountain landscapes. I actually had no idea how expansive this Pai attraction is, and we ended up spending around two hours exploring the bridge and forest temple.
A highlight of our two days in Pai, it’s one of the region’s must-see attractions. In this comprehensive guide, learn more about the Bamboo Bridge, and find out everything you need to know about visiting!
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Looking for more things to do in Thailand’s hippie mountain hotspot?
Have a read of my ultimate guide to Pai for the best things to do, places to stay, things to eat and more!
A brief history of Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
The bridge was constructed in 2016 to link the Khai Khiri Buddhist Monk Group with Pam Bok Village. The monks are based in a forest temple at the far end of the bridge. Construction allows villagers to more easily access the temple; and monks can easily get to the village to make alms (offerings).
The 800m bridge is constructed with concrete and steel posts, and bamboo is woven across these to make a sturdy walking path. Winding through the rice fields, the walk across the bridge passes by farmland and striking views of the surrounding mountains.
What to do and see at Pai’s Bamboo Bridge
Walk the 800m bridge
We arrived in the morning, and immediately headed out onto the bridge. I’d not done much research, and had no idea how long the bridge was. Stretching across a lush green rice field with mountain views, the bridge is a wonderful walk through rural Northern Thailand. On our way, we saw workers tending to the fields, and even the occasional water buffalo!
Visit the forest temple
Once you get to the far end of the bridge, you’ll encounter a round, wooden construction, with a Buddha statue in the centre. But don’t stop here! Continue on, and you’ll reach the main temple, Wat Pa Huai Khai Khiri, surrounded by peaceful forest.
(Some friends of ours actually spoke to some of the monks as they happened to be passing by, and had a wonderful experience learning more about their lives with some help from Google Translate!)
Feed the fish
A small pond close to the start of the bridge is filled with fish. Grab some feed from the stand next to it for a small donation, and watch the fish swarm around to get a bite!
Find some photo ops
The ‘selfie stair’ is the most popular photo spot, but there’s also a small hut towards the end of the bridge with great views. Check out the swings just outside of the village and the heart shaped benches for more photo opportunities!
(unfortunately they were a bit muddy when we got there!)
Eat & drink with a view
Feeling hungry or thirsty after walking the bridge? Coffee Kho Koo So offers fresh coffee and delicious smoothies (I can highly recommend the Passion Fruit Smoothie!). Pambok Restaurant and Jaey Cafe offer traditional Thai cuisine with gorgeous views over the rice fields.
Vistiting Pai Bamboo Bridge: FAQ
Planning your visit to Bamboo Bridge? Here’s everything you need to know:
When’s the best time to visit the Bamboo Bridge in Pai?
The bridge is open year-round, with unchanging spectacular views of the mountains. However, the best time to visit is usually between July and November, when the rice crops are lush and green. Visiting in October, we got to see some of the harvest in action, which was really interesting.
The bridge can get busy, so the best time to visit is early in the morning.
How to get to Pai’s Bamboo Bridge?
Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge is located around 10km to the south west of Pai town.
The cheapest way to get there is by hiring a scooter in Pai. The ride will take you around half an hour from town. We paid 200 THB for a day’s scooter rental via our hostel, Misfits. If your accommodation doesn’t offer this, local rental companies charge around the same.
The road to the bridge isn’t the best maintained, and at points can be a little challenging with uneven ground, tight corners and a few steep hills. I’d recommend getting experience riding a scooter on easier roads before making the journey. If you’re riding there, take it slowly, and as I tell anyone riding scooters in Thailand – make sure you wear a helmet!
If you’re not experienced or comfortable riding a scooter, you can arrange with a local taxi company to take you there. Alternatively, there are some local tour companies in town who’ll offer small group tours around Pai’s highlights. You can also book a full day private sightseeing tour if you’re visiting Pai as a couple or small group.
© Google Maps
What are the Bamboo Bridge opening hours?
Bamboo Bridge is open during daylight hours, from approximately 8am-6pm. I’d recommend arriving earlier in the morning to beat the crowds as the bridge can get busy later in the day!
How much does entry to Bamboo Bridge cost?
Entry to Pai’s Bamboo Bridge costs 30 THB per person (around 70p/88¢). Parking is free.
Considering the amount of time we spent there (around two hours), we found the admission fee to be amazing value for money!
What facilities are available?
Bathrooms
There are public toilets at both ends of the bridge. The main bathrooms are next to the car park and entrance. There are also bathrooms in Pam Bok Village. Both have donation boxes where you can exchange a small note of THB for toilet paper.
You’ll find another set of bathrooms just before you reach the forest temple area, with two very basic cubicles. Pack some toilet paper/tissues just in case these have run out!
Food & Drink
There are a number cafes and restaurants at Bamboo Bridge including Coffee Kho Koo So, Pambok Restaurant and Jaey Cafe.
General tips for visiting Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
- Although bamboo is surprisingly strong, some parts of the bridge are uneven, so watch where you’re putting your feet.
- Don’t walk/climb off into the rice field – not only might you damage crops, but there’s also a danger of snakes.
- Pack SPF! Walking along the bridge, you’ll have minimal shade so make sure you’re protected.
- I’d also recommend taking insect repellant, and a bottle of water.
- To visit the temples, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees to be respectful of temple customs in Thailand. If you don’t have anything with you, a small number of coverings are provided free of charge at the entrance to the forest temple. Be respectful of any Buddhist monks if you see them walking around.
Where to stay in Pai
Pai has plenty of hotels to choose from – we stayed at Misfits Hostel, which is great for backpackers on a budget. The vibe is sociable yet chilled out, and the private rooms are comfortable but basic.
The Sylvana (£) – cosy and comfortable hotel rooms and bungalows close to Pai’s Walking Street
Puripai Villa (££) – modern Thai villa with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
The Oia Pai Resort (£££) – Charming resort with Mediterranean theming
Reverie Siam (£££) – stylish, upmarket mountain resort just outside of town
Check out my ultimate guide to Pai for the best things to do, places to eat and where to stay – plus the perfect two day itinerary of the mountain town’s highlights
Planning a trip to Thailand? Discover more of my in-depth travel guides:
- Take a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok to see the temple ruins.
- Everything you need to know about the sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
- Spend two days in Kanchanaburi and visit Thailand’s most spectacular waterfalls with this complete guide to Erawan National Park!
- Learn to cook authentic Thai food with a cookery class at Asia Scenic in Chiang Mai.
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