Chinese Yunnan village is a  new tourist attraction in Pai

Located just 5 kilometers from Pai town in Mae Hong Son Province, Santichon Village—also known as the Chinese Yunnan Village—is a distinctive cultural destination that offers visitors an authentic look into the heritage of Yunnan Chinese immigrants in northern Thailand. Known for its traditional architecture, local cuisine, scenic viewpoints, and family-run cultural activities, the village provides a serene and educational travel experience for individuals, couples, families, and group tours.

🧧 Cultural Significance & Local Heritage

Santichon Village was founded by Chinese Yunnan people who migrated to Thailand during the Chinese Civil War. Today, the village serves as a living heritage site where visitors can witness and engage with preserved elements of Yunnan culture. The residents maintain their language, attire, customs, and culinary traditions, creating a culturally immersive environment that is both respectful and accessible to outsiders.

🏯 Architectural & Visual Highlights

The village features a variety of notable structures and backdrops that reflect authentic Chinese architectural styles. Key attractions include:

• Clay Houses built in traditional Yunnan style

• A replica of the Great Wall of China, popular for photography

• A wooden bridge crossing a pond, with lanterns and floral displays

• Chinese pavilions and archways showcasing cultural craftsmanship

These elements make the village an ideal location for cultural photography and quiet exploration.

🎎 Popular Visitor Activities

📸 Photography

The village contains several designated photo spots featuring traditional architecture, floral gardens, murals, and cultural displays. These locations are suitable for casual snapshots or professional photography.

👘 Traditional Costume Rental

Visitors can rent Chinese Yunnan costumes for approximately 100 baht per person. Outfits are available in various sizes and include accessories such as headpieces and sashes. Costumes can be worn throughout the village and make for excellent cultural photographs.

🐴 Horse Riding

Santichon Village offers safe and enjoyable horse riding options for tourists:

• Short ride: 3 loops around the village area – 50 baht

• Full tour: 1-hour guided ride through scenic trails – 300 baht

All rides are supervised by local handlers, and horses are well-cared for, ensuring a comfortable and ethical experience.

🎠 Wooden Swing

A large, traditional wooden swing is located within the village and is open to both children and adults. It is manually operated and reflects rural play culture from generations past.

🌸 Leisure Walking

Visitors are encouraged to take leisurely walks around the village. Landscaped flower gardens, shaded paths, bamboo groves, and reflective ponds offer a peaceful atmosphere ideal for slow travel and photography.

🍵 Tea & Snack Tasting

Numerous tea shops and snack stalls are located throughout the village. Guests may try Yunnan green tea, sweet Chinese buns, and locally made herbal treats. Many shops offer tea tastings and short cultural demonstrations upon request.

🛍️ Dining & Souvenir Shopping

🍜 Restaurants

Several restaurants operate within Santichon Village, serving a selection of traditional dishes including:

• Braised pork leg with steamed buns

• Black chicken herbal soup

• Stir-fried mushrooms with mountain herbs

• Handmade dumplings and Yunnan noodles

These meals are prepared using authentic Yunnan recipes and ingredients grown or sourced locally.

🛍️ Gift Shops

There are multiple souvenir shops selling:

• Handcrafted fans, tea sets, and wood carvings

• Dried herbs and mushrooms

• Packaged Yunnan teas and herbal health products

• Local snacks and traditional sweets

🌄 Yun Lai Viewpoint

Adjacent to the village, Yun Lai Viewpoint is one of Pai’s most popular sunrise locations. Visitors can access the viewpoint via a short drive or walk from the village. It features:

• Elevated bamboo decks for panoramic viewing

• Hot tea vendors during early hours

• Quiet flower fields ideal for morning strolls

• Views of the mist-covered Pai Valley, particularly from 5:30–6:30 AM

How to get there : The Chinese Yunnan village located in outside of Pai, about 4.5 kilometers. From the walking street area, take the hospital road and follow it until you reach the Bypass Road.

• Private car or rental scooter (10–15 mins)

• Local taxi or songthaew service

• Included as part of various Mae Hong Son Tour Packages or Private Tour Chiang Mai to Pai itineraries

Roads are paved and scenic, passing through farmland and low hills.

Address :  Chinese Yunnan village, Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130

GPS Coordinates Map : 19.3659769,98.405059

Nearby Places

Mor Paeng waterfall is the closest waterfall from Pai center and the most populated one too. It usually ends up a bike ride (challenging if you do not have a mountain bike with gears) or a scooter ride including Wat Nam Hoo, the Chinese village and Lisu village. There are a few pools where you can swim and even a portion that the bravest use as a slide ramp.