Visit Chinese Yunnan Cultural Village and Experience way of life

Pai day tour to Chinese Yunnan cultural village visit clay houses, eat pork hocks, and experience Yunnan culture.

Just outside Pai in Mae Hong Son Thailand, Chinese Yunnan cultural village also know as Santichon Village stands as a model for mindful, low-impact tourism. Originally settled by Yunnan Chinese migrants, this quiet community has preserved its cultural roots while welcoming respectful visitors. With earthen homes, tea gardens, and lantern-lined streets, the village is a peaceful and authentic Attraction in Pai for those seeking more than just sightseeing.

🌿 Living Traditions, Not Performances

The essence of the village lies in its authenticity. Daily life carries on as it always has—residents cultivate herbs, prepare traditional meals, and engage in cultural practices without the feel of a staged performance. Local eateries offer delicacies like Moo Pang Pee (braised pork leg with buns), black chicken soup, and mountain mushroom stir-fries. These are time-honored recipes handed down through generations, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and cooked in traditional Yunnan style.

​🐴 Respectful Experiences: Horse Rides & Cultural Dress

Visitors can participate in culturally immersive but respectful activities. Traditional Chinese outfits are available for rent at just 100 baht, allowing travelers to photograph themselves in authentic dress amid the village’s clay homes and decorative archways. Horseback riding is another calm and scenic experience. A short ride (3 village loops for 50 baht) offers a quick tour, while a 1-hour guided ride (300 baht) explores the surrounding countryside. All animal handling is done under local care and with consideration for the horses’ wellbeing.

🛍️ Supporting Local, Living Simply

The Chinese Yunnan village marketplace is small but filled with handmade products crafted by local families. Items include herbal teas, natural soaps, Yunnan mushrooms, and artistic woodwork. Supporting these vendors ensures that tourism remains beneficial to the community. The entire space is walkable, with shaded seating, flower gardens, and minimal plastic waste—reflecting an intentional approach to sustainability.

🌄 Yun Lai Viewpoint: A Gentle Morning with Nature

North of the primary viewpoint area is the Chinese Yunnan village that is famous for emulating a Chinese village far away from Mainland China, that we call Yun Lai Viewpoint. If you’re in Pai, waking up for Yun Lai Viewpoint is a must. This hilltop vista offers one of the best sunrise scenes in Mae Hong Son. Arrive before 6 AM to catch the sky transforming into gold while a misty sea rolls over the valley. Hot tea and Chinese buns are sold at the top to keep you warm while you watch the clouds drift by. Don’t forget your camera—this is sunrise perfection.

🚙 How to get there?

To reach the Chinese Yunnan Cultural Village, from Pai town center, start by heading west from the walking street area and follow the hospital road until you reach the Bypass Road. Cross the Bypass Road and continue driving uphill. After approximately 1 kilometer past the Thai Cultural Center, you’ll encounter a large Chinese gate spanning a bridge. Cross the bridge to enter Santichon Village, located just 5 kilometers from Pai town center, making it an easily accessible destination for a short trip. Many responsible Mae Hong Son Tour Packages include both Santichon and Yun Lai, making it easy to plan a low-impact half-day trip that balances culture with nature.