Walking along the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge in Pai, Thailand.
More beautiful nature… I could get used to this…
Northern Thailand is a dream!
Walking the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge in Pai turned out to be one of the most peaceful, authentic experiences I had in Thailand.
It’s not hyped, it’s not packed with tourists… and that’s exactly why it stands out.
Just a long, handbuilt bamboo bridge stretching over rice fields, with locals going about their day and monks quietly passing by.
If you’re tired of Pai’s backpacker buzz and want something real, this place is worth your time.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly what to expect, how to get there, the best times to go, and why this walk hit differently than any viewpoint or Instagram stop.
It’s a simple, local spot, ideal to spend an afternoon winding down!
The famous walk.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
What Is the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge?
Before visiting, I didn’t know much about the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge, but it turns out there’s more to it than just a scenic walk.
Our tour guide taught us that the name Kho Ku So roughly translates to ‘Bridge of Merit’ in Thai…
Locals originally built this bamboo bridge to help Buddhist monks cross the rice fields during the rainy season, so they could reach Wat Phu Sama, a small forest temple tucked away in the hills.
The bridge is hand-built, and stretches for over 800 metres.
It was never actually meant to be a tourist attraction, as it was built out of practicality and respect.
As I found with other lesser touristy attractions near Pai, this is what gives it its quiet charm.
Even now, monks still walk this route each morning, and the whole area has a peaceful, lived-in feeling. I noticed several monks near the entrance when we arrived.
If you’re interested in Buddhist traditions in Pai, or just want to see something truly local, this place offers a unique way of relaxing with beautiful nature.
A long hand-built bamboo bridge.
Getting there… How to visit Kho Ku So Bridge.
A well rounded Pai itinerary should include some of the beautiful nature spots of the region, and luckily many of the town’s highlights are close by.
Location: 8 km south of Pai, in Mae Hi, Mae Hong Son Province.
Google Maps: 👉 Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge Location.
The entry point.
How to get there?
Scooter: The easiest and most scenic way, and takes around 20 minutes from Pai town (scooters are very cheap).
Taxi/tuk-tuk: Easy to arrange locally, expect to pay around 150–200 THB each way.
Bicycle: Possible, but hilly and hot. A better option in cooler seasons.
Parking: Free parking available for scooters and cars at the entrance.
Want to skip the hassle?
Join my recommended Pai tour that includes a visit to Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge plus other iconic attractions.
👉 Book the tour here.
Scooter parking is available at all of Pai’s attractions.
What to expect on the walk.
To be honest, it’s only a bridge, so your experience will come down to how you perceive your time here.
Every day during my time in Pai brought new ways to get my steps in, and the bridge walk is fun and a unique way of doing just that.
A handbuilt bamboo bridge.
The Kho Ku So bamboo bridge is around 800 meters long, built entirely from woven bamboo and elevated over the rice fields. It was creaking a little as I walked along it, which adds to the experience. It definitely feels more local than some other spots in Pai I visited.
Nature for days.
Scenic views all around.
I walked through beautiful rice paddies and enjoyed the vast array of bright colours.
It reminded me a lot of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, which I had enjoyed just one week earlier on my Thailand trip, but much more relaxed.
There are plenty of stunning photo opportunities throughout the walks the whole way, whichever time you visit.
Wat Phu Sama Temple.
At the end of the bridge sits Wat Phu Sama, a quiet forest temple.
I found it to be an awesome spot to sit and chill for a while, and enjoy the views. There’s no strict dress code, however, as with the other famous temples in Thailand, you should dress respectfully.
A memorable walk.
Some peace and stillness.
Many of the popular spots in Pai are no longer a secret, therefore, peace is hard to find in peak season.
However, this place actually is very quiet. I enjoyed some moments of solitude at certain parts of the bridge walk, and also enjoyed a quiet 10 minutes on the swings making the most of the beautiful setting.
Visitors love the swings.
Best time to visit.
I planned my South East Asia trip so I was in northern Thailand for the dry season, which runs between December to February.
This is the most pleasant season for international visitors to enjoy Pai, and all of its beautiful outdoor attractions.
During my time in Pai I didn’t experience any rainfall, and the humidity was low enough to make walking bearable.
In terms of time of the day, early mornings, or just before sunset offer the best picturesque views, fewer crowds, and the coolest conditions.
Nature and sunshine, the perfect combo!
Photography tips & best spots.
This is a great spot to grab some Instagram-worthy shots, especially if you visit early or around golden hour.
I found plenty of unique angles without much effort (though having a friend with you definitely helps for the best ones).
Here are a few of my favourite photo spots in the area:
Heart-shaped feature near the windmill – A fun one for couples or symmetry lovers.
Midpoint of the bridge – Offers wide shots of the rice fields in both directions.
Wooden house with the Buddhas – Snap from outside, then go upstairs for a different angle.
A popular section.
Wat Phu Sama – The forest temple at the end of the bridge gives you an elevated view over the fields.
Early morning monks – Quietly capture local life; just be respectful and keep some distance.
Drone-friendly – Perfect for aerial shots of the bridge, rice paddies, and surrounding mountains
Beautiful views.
Local life and culture.
Although Pai is growing in tourism, this site still feels very local.
On my walk along the bridge, I passed a local man just chilling and having a smoke, cows grazing nearby, and a small wooden house on the bridge filled with Buddha statues.
No one was trying to sell things, which was a welcome surprise for Thailand.
Local life.
Nature is one thing that is free in Thailand!
It felt like I was stepping into everyday life, not a curated attraction.
That quiet, authentic vibe is what made the walk so memorable. It reminded me that some of the best travel experiences are often these peaceful spots.
Two Huts, Pai Canyon, Pai Springs — Pai still holds onto its tranquillity, if you know where to look.
Two new friends.
A cultural stop on the bridge.
Practical travel tips.
Entrance fee: Donation-based (20–30 THB is typical).
Opening hours: Generally open all day — best visited early morning or late afternoon.
What to bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, camera, and good walking shoes (it can get hot and dusty).
Best time to go: Dry season (Dec–Feb) for comfort; green season (Jun–Oct) for lush rice fields.
Facilities: Small snack stalls and toilets near the entrance.
Clothing: No strict dress code, but modest clothing is respectful — especially if visiting Wat Phu Sama.
Navigation: Search Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge Pai on Google Maps for easy directions.
Getting there: Best by scooter or taxi from Pai (about 15–20 minutes).
A map of the area… Allow enough time.
Always a money making activity at the sites in Thailand.
Other nearby attractions.
If you’re heading out to Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge, it’s easy to combine it with a few other great stops around Pai:
Wat Phu Sama – Quiet forest temple at the end of the bridge with great views.
Pam Bok Waterfall – Small, shaded waterfall great for some photos (swimming is difficult in dry season).
Bamboo Bridge Café – Chill spot near the entrance with views over the fields.
Pai Canyon – Popular for sunset with dramatic views and ridge walks.
Tha Pai Hot Springs – Natural mineral pools surrounded by forest.
Two Huts Café – Chill local coffee spot with rice field views and hammocks.
White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) – Iconic Pai viewpoint with a giant seated Buddha and panoramic views.
You can easily see a few of these with this awesome tour.
Sunset at Pai Canyon
Pam Bok Waterfall.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge.
Got questions about visiting the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge in Pai?
You’re not alone. Whether it’s figuring out the best time to go, how long the walk takes, or what the name actually means, here are the most common questions visitors ask, with everything I learned first hand on my visit:
Where is the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge located?
It’s about 8 km south of Pai town in northern Thailand. You can easily reach it by scooter, bicycle, or taxi. It’s pinned on Google Maps. I just searched for Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge Pai.
What does Kho Ku So mean?
Kho Ku So roughly translates to ‘Bridge of Merit’ in Thai. I learnt that it was built so Buddhist monks could cross the rice fields during the rainy season to reach Wat Phu Sama, the temple at the far end.
Is there an entrance fee for the bamboo bridge in Pai?
As of my visit, the entrance was by donation (usually 20–30 baht is appreciated). There’s a small stall at the entrance for tickets and local snacks.
How long is the walk?
The bridge is about 800 meters long, and the full walk (there and back) took me around 30–40 minutes, but I stopped to take photos and admire the scenery.
What’s the best time to visit Kho Ku So bamboo bridge?
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal, as it is cooler, so easier to walk around without getting too hot. I captured some awesome photos in the later afternoon.
Is Kho Ku So touristy or quiet?
It’s still relatively off the beaten path, especially compared to Pai’s main attractions. I shared the bridge with just a few other visitors and locals.
A cultural spot.
On reflection, a beautiful travel experience in Northern Thailand.
On reflection, this was one of the most beautiful travel experiences I had in northern Thailand.
I loved every second of my time in Thailand, especially the hectic city breaks in Bangkok, to island hopping across the south.
However, there is something extra special about the peace of the north.
Chiang Mai and Pai are true highlights of Thailand, and the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge fits perfectly into the calm, laid-back vibe that made this region so memorable on my Asia trip.
If you’re planning a northern Thailand itinerary, don’t skip this spot, as it’s everything you would want…
Beautiful nature, peace and quiet, and truly unique.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.