Pang Tong Palace
Pang Tong Palace is a royal development project set in the mountains of Mae Hong Son Province, serving as both a working agricultural centre and a site of historical significance to the Thai royal family. Rather than a grand palace structure, the grounds encompass gardens, experimental greenhouses, flower exhibits, and small farms where visitors can see horses, sheep, and other animals roaming freely near the roads. A helipad on the property hints at its continued royal use, lending the site a quietly distinctive character. Visitors can expect a relaxed, open-air experience spread across a sizeable rural property. The atmosphere leans more toward educational exploration than formal sightseeing — walking the grounds reveals ongoing agricultural projects, local fauna displays, and a genuine connection to the royal initiatives aimed at supporting surrounding communities. It appeals most to travellers who enjoy nature, animals, and an unhurried pace rather than those seeking ornate architecture or temple culture. Good to know: There are no food or drink vendors on the grounds, so visitors should bring their own refreshments before arriving. Personal transport or a local taxi is strongly recommended, as the rural location is not easily reached by public transport from Pai. Opening hours and any entrance requirements are not widely published online, so checking with local accommodation or asking around in Mae Hong Son town beforehand is advisable.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Pang Tong Palace, round out your day in Pai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Nice place looks amazing here for cute animals
It's an interesting place, more of an agricultural learning center than palace. Really cool to see the local fauna and flower exhibits though. They also have a few horses and it looks like they're breeding sheep, which was random. I guess the previous King of Thailand really liked sheep.
Came here to see some animals, there is lots to see and it feels like we are in Australia, horses, sheep are near the roads, others you have to park and walk, end of the road is helipad for royalty to visit, as its a project for them. Tips: entry is free, drive is steep and one point, don't go in a 1.2litre car.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Pai
Elephant Nature Park
Elephant rescue & rehabilitation center with volunteer opportunities, jungle tours & rafting.

Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint
A roadside viewpoint on the Mae Hong Son Loop with mountain panoramas, a café, food stalls, and toilet facilities.
Nature Life @ PAI
Pai's lively evening walking street with diverse street food, local crafts, and a relaxed mountain-town atmosphere.
Pai Walking Street
Pai's lively nightly walking street market blending handmade crafts, street food, and a laid-back bohemian atmosphere.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.

Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves — take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre