A Wine Brotherhood Steeped in History

Established in 1199, under the charter granted by John Lackland, King of England, the Jurade has grown from a local governing body into an international ambassador for the wines of Saint-Émilion. Its story intertwines with the region's identity, shaping not only its winemaking traditions but also its enduring cultural and economic significance.

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Riding through the Valley

Arguably one of the best places in Northern Thailand, the hippy enclave of Pai has been drawing backpackers and alternative types for years. We have spent over a month in Pai, spread out over a couple of years.

When we first checked it out it was when we were riding the Mae Hong Son Loop, one of the best motorbike circuits in Southeast Asia.

We kept coming back again and again, and recently spent another week chilling in our favourite place in Thailand.

There are dozens of incredible activities in Pai, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to these ultimate activities.

From what to do, where to go and even where to stay, here’s our list of the absolute best things to do in Pai, Thailand.

Walking Street

Every night the main street of Pai fills up with food vendors and market stalls selling everything from your quintessential hippie clothing and jewellery, to personalised post cards.

Even if you’re not into shopping though, you still need to spend just about every night making the most of Pai’s Walking Street, especially if you’re hungry.

The selection of culinary delights is quite varied; sushi, Indian food, barbecued meats, fresh fruit smoothies and deep fried everything. You certainly won’t go hungry!

Everyone ends up at the street market most nights so the people watching is great. Just watch out for first-time scooter riders who have no concept of how to drive. Entertaining, but dangerous!

Hot tip – Crashing a scooter is not one of our recommended things to do in Pai!

Waterfalls

There are tonnes of waterfalls in Pai, but two of our favourites are the beautiful Pombok and Mo Paeng Falls.

At Mo Paeng Waterfalls there are great little pools with long, slippery rock faces running into them that you can slide down. The scenery is gorgeous and it makes for a fun place to spend a few hours.

Pombok Waterfall is a little more secluded, and the pool tends to be in the shade most of the time due to the high cliffs around it.

There are also a couple of ledges you can climb to jump off. Be sure to check the water depth before taking the leap!

Our recommendation for what to do in Pai is to rent a scooter from town and spend the exploring these epic little spots on your own.

The Land Crack (Land Split)

Situated on the road to the Pombok falls is this great little place that is definitely worth a stop over.

A small property hidden in the hills had always been a working farm, until a strange natural phenomenon changed everything.

Several years ago, the farmer’s land began to split and crack due to some strange soil erosion. His property became unusable as the land turned into a scene you would see after an earthquake.

The thrifty farmer then decided to turn his property into a bit of a tourist attraction where he now offers you nuts, fruit, sweet potato, fresh rosella juice and alcohol – all by donation!

Once you’ve filled up on food (he constantly brings you more to eat), you can walk up the hill to have a look at the split in the Earth.

The family is very friendly and are just happy to have people stopping by. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Pai.

Check Out The Caves

Not exactly located in Pai, but instead in a town 35km headed towards Mae Hong Son, there is a spectacular limestone system known as Lod (Spirit) Caves.

A river flows through the caves and you can hire a guide to float through them on a bamboo raft.

At certain points you can climb up stairs and ladders to explore the stalactites and stalagmites up close as well as the numerous ancient ceramics and wall paintings that are scattered throughout the complex.

Definitely worth the drive/ride out there



Explore Pai Canyon

Known as Thailand’s answer to the Grand Canyon (a very ambitious claim), Pai Canyon covers a large area that offers some brilliant views and fun hikes.

If you are feeling very active you can scramble all the way down and spend hours climbing and getting lost in the nature.

It’s a bit of an adventurer’s playground too, because some of the paths are quite skinny and sketchy, so make sure you wear good shoes if you are planning on exploring the place properly.

A favourite pastime is enjoying the sunset with a beer in hand, watching the sky change to an astonishing array of colours.

You won’t be alone for sunset, but that just adds to the awesome atmosphere!

Get there by riding your scooter out of town back towards Chiang Mai.

Step into the Heart

of Saint-Emilion

In Saint-Emilion, history isn’t something you read about—it’s something you feel. Wander the winding cobbled lanes, flanked by ancient stone buildings that have stood the test of time.

Introduction

A Legacy Since the 8th Century

Stroll through winding cobblestone streets lined with ancient buildings, each with its own story to tell. Beyond the village, vineyards stretch into the horizon, tended by passionate growers who cherish the land as much as the craft.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Emilion is more than a destination—it’s a legacy shaped by centuries of dedication and care.

Learn More About the Region

Introduction

Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage wine region renowned for its limestone-rich soils, small family-run vineyards, and commitment to organic practices. Known for producing elegant Merlot-dominant blends, it is a place where tradition and terroir combine to create wines of exceptional depth and character.

Discover more about the Region

The
Jurade de
Saint Emilion

  

Since 1199, the Jurade de Saint-Emilion has been the guardian of the region’s winemaking heritage. Beyond being custodians of the past, the Jurade celebrates the enduring spirit of Saint-Emilion wines, sharing their story with the world.

Learn more About the Jurade de Saint-Emilion
Savoring the Taste of Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion’s dining scene is as enchanting as its vineyards. The village is home to an array of charming restaurants where Michelin-starred chefs and local bistros alike celebrate the region's culinary heritage.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients from the fertile lands of Bordeaux are paired with Saint-Emilion’s exceptional wines, offering visitors a true taste of the terroir.

From intimate courtyards to terraces overlooking the vineyards, every meal becomes an unforgettable experience, steeped in the flavors and traditions of the region.

See Our Dining Recommendations

Discover the
Appellations of Saint-Emilion

Saint-Émilion stands apart within Bordeaux as a region where heritage, diversity, and accessibility converge in extraordinary ways. Unlike other appellations in Bordeaux dominated by large estates, Saint-Émilion thrives on its intimacy and tradition. With over 800 small, often family-run wineries, it’s a region where the connection between grower and land is deeply personal, and every bottle tells a unique story.

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Saint-Emilion
Lussac Saint-Emilion
Puisseguin Saint-Emilion

What sets Saint-Émilion apart is its classification system, which is dynamic and reassessed every decade. This adaptability reflects the region's dedication to innovation while honoring its history.

800+
wineries in Saint-Emilion
8ha
average size of vineyard

A Landscape of Diverse Stories and Styles

Saint-Émilion stands apart within Bordeaux as a region where heritage, diversity, and accessibility converge in extraordinary ways. Unlike other appellations in Bordeaux dominated by large estates, Saint-Émilion thrives on its intimacy and tradition. With over 800 small, often family-run wineries, it’s a region where the connection between grower and land is deeply personal, and every bottle tells a unique story.

Above ground, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of clay-rich slopes, nurturing bold and velvety Merlot, while sandy foothills lend elegance and softness to each bottle. No two vineyards are alike, yet all share a spirit of craftsmanship honed through centuries of winemaking.

Saint-Émilion is a place where diversity thrives—each soil, slope, and vine contributing to a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of its UNESCO-listed village or savoring a glass of its famed Grand Cru, you’ll find a region that’s as vibrant and complex as the wines it creates.

The Cultural and Architectural Heritage of the Region

Saint-Émilion isn’t just a wine region; it’s a living museum steeped in centuries of culture and craftsmanship.
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The Monolithic Church is particularly iconic—its underground sanctuary, carved directly into the limestone, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Above, the bell tower offers sweeping views of vineyards that stretch to the horizon. Nearby, the Collegiate Church and its cloister provide a tranquil escape, while the catacombs beneath the village hint at mysteries of the past.

But Saint-Émilion’s heritage isn’t only in its architecture—it’s in its traditions. Festivals like the Ban des Vendanges breathe life into the village, with processions, music, and ceremonial toasts. Every event, every monument, and every vineyard is a chapter in a story that spans over a thousand years.

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The Landscape and Terroir of Saint Emilion

Discover the secrets behind Saint-Émilion's renowned wines and explore the unique terroir that shapes their exceptional character.

A Landscape Built for Great Wines

The essence of Saint-Émilion’s wines lies in its terroir—a rich interplay of limestone plateaus, clay-rich slopes, and sandy soils, each contributing to the region’s exceptional diversity. The limestone plateau, renowned for its superior drainage, infuses wines with a refined minerality and freshness, while the clay soils enhance richness and structure, particularly for Merlot. Elevated sites benefit from cooler temperatures, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes.

This intricate geology, combined with centuries of winemaking expertise, allows Saint-Émilion to produce wines that range from powerful and long-lived to elegant and immediately inviting. Each glass is not only a reflection of the land but also a testament to the growers’ ability to harness the full potential of their vineyards.a

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