Pai is one of those dreamy backpacker towns in northern Thailand where Grab doesn’t exist and everyone seems to be zipping around on mopeds. It’s almost a rite of passage — except what if you don’t know how to ride one, or you don’t have a license? That was me.

When I visited Pai, I didn’t rent a moped because I’d never ridden one before and I don’t have a motorbike license. And while that doesn’t exactly stop people from riding in Thailand, here’s the reality: if the police stop you (which does happen in Thailand but rarely Pai), you’ll get fined. The fine is usually small, but still, it’s not the most stress-free way to travel. There are also places in Pai that offer moped lessons. A friend of ours we made whilst travelling had a lesson included with his moped rental and off he went.

However, if like me, you’re not so keen on the dangers of mopeds (and trust me in Pai you’ll see a lot of backpackers with moped injuries) the big question is: can you still enjoy Pai without a moped?

The answer is yes — here’s how I did it.

🚕 Getting Around Pai Without a Moped

Instead of renting a moped, I relied on the red truck taxis. These are shared pick-up style taxis that act almost like a private driver. They’ll take you out to the sights and wait (or return to pick you up later).

I used them to visit:

• Pai Canyon during the day, but it is also popular at sunset.
• Two Huts Café for another incredible sunset view

Both trips were absolutely fine. The drivers dropped us off, and when we were ready to leave, we simply rang them to come back. Easy.

✅ Pros:

• Safe if you don’t know how to ride.
• No risk of fines or accidents.
• Comfortable and stress-free.
• Great if you’re in a group and can split the cost.

❌ Cons:

• More expensive than renting a moped.
• Less flexibility (you can’t just stop at random viewpoints along the way).
• You’ll need to plan a little ahead and arrange pick-ups.

💸 How Much Do Taxis in Pai Cost?

Prices vary depending on where you’re going and whether you’re sharing, but generally:

Short trips around town: 50–100 THB per person. Out-of-town attractions (Pai Canyon, waterfalls, etc.): 200–400 THB return.

It’s definitely pricier than renting a moped (which costs around 150–200 THB per day + petrol), but still manageable if you’re not on the tightest budget.

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🌄 Do You Miss Out Without a Moped?

Honestly, a little. Having a moped in Pai means you can explore freely — chasing waterfalls, stopping at viewpoints, and finding hidden cafes on the way. Without one, you’ll need to be more selective about what you see, unless you’re happy to pay more for taxis.

But here’s the thing: I still had an amazing time. Pai Canyon at sunset was unforgettable, and Two Huts was the perfect chill spot. Even without a moped, I never felt like I “missed” Pai. And actually I loved it.

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So, can you get around Pai without renting a moped?

👉 Absolutely. It’s not the cheapest or most flexible option, but it’s doable and still very enjoyable.

If you don’t ride (or don’t want to deal with the risk of police fines), don’t let that stop you from visiting Pai. Just factor in the extra taxi costs, plan your days a little more carefully, and you’ll still fall in love with this little mountain town.

Because honestly? The sunsets and small town vibes hit just as hard — moped or not.

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

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