(And Why Nolo Hub Pai Is the Best Place to Experience It)
Written by Nolo Hub Pai
Updated by the Nolo team, November 2026
tl;dr
Over the years, Tipsy Tubing has exploded into a legendary rite of passage for anyone traveling through South East Asia. During Pai’s peak high season, hundreds of backpackers from every corner of the globe come together to drift down the winding Pai River, floating through a breathtaking tropical valley framed by lush green mountains. Part sun-soaked river cruise and part floating festival, it’s the ultimate way to soak in Northern Thailand's scenery while making lifelong friends. If you're coming to Pai, this is the one non-negotiable activity that belongs at the top of your bucket list.
Also known as: Pai tubing · Tubing in Pai
Essential Info at a Glance
- Operating Season
- Friday 30 October – May or June (Closed June or July to late October for rainy season)
- When
- Every Tuesday & Friday
- Departure Time
- 12:00 PM from Nolo Hub Pai (Pre-drinks & meetups start at 11:00 AM)
- Back at the Hostel
- Around 6–7 PM
- Ticket Price
- 450 THB (Book online or at reception)
- Minimum Age
- 18
- What to Pack
- Swimwear, cover-up shirt, ~1,000 THB cash, waterproof pouch
- Hostel After-Party
- 150 THB All-You-Can-Eat Taco Buffet (Chicken & Veggie)
Whether you’re looking to party at full volume or just kick back, float, and soak in the sun sober, Tipsy Tubing is an unforgettable experience.
Operating Season: When Does Tipsy Tubing Run?
Because river safety is the top priority, Tipsy Tubing operates conditionally based on water levels and weather conditions throughout the year:
- Season: Friday 30 October through May or June
- Rainy Season Break: June or July to late October (Tubing pauses during these peak rainy months due to high water levels and swift currents for safety).
If you’re visiting Pai between the end of October and May or June, you're in luck—the river is calling!
What Is Tipsy Tubing?
Imagine floating lazily down a tropical river on a massive inflatable tube, stopping at vibrant riverbank party bars along the way for music, games, volleyball, and drinks. It’s equal parts adventure and social festival.
While it’s famous for its lively party vibe, you don't have to drink to enjoy it. The real magic of tubing is floating through Pai’s breathtaking mountain scenery alongside a giant crew of fellow travelers. Drink alcohol, sip a coconut, or stick to water—it’s 100% your day, your choice.
Tipsy Tubing is locally owned, started by people from Pai, and the team helps clean the river at least once a month.
Your Tubing Day, Stop by Stop
Here’s how a tubing day runs, from the first drink at the hostel to the last stop on the river:
- 11:00 AM, Nolo Hub Pai: Meet your tubing crew for pre-drinks at the bar.
- 12:00 PM, the truck: Pickup from the hostel to the river. Your dry clothes can stay on the truck.
- The first party: A DJ and a bar on the riverbank, where everyone gets together before the float.
- Smile Camp: Around 30 minutes of floating brings you to the second stop, with music and local games.
- River Chillax Bar: Another 30–40 minutes down the river to the final stop, where the real party starts.
- Around 6–7 PM, home: The truck brings you back to Nolo Hub Pai, in time for the taco buffet.
That’s about an hour of floating in all, and the rest of the afternoon at the stops. Drinks stay out of the river, so finish yours before you get back on your tube. There’s a bar at every stop.
What Your 450 THB Ticket Includes
- Your tube for the whole float.
- Transport both ways: the truck to the river and back, from Nolo Hub Pai, Pai Authentic Travel’s shop on Walking Street, or your own hostel in Pai.
- The team: guides and a safety guide, with around one member of staff for every 15 people.
- Life jackets on request. Just ask the team.
- Three riverside stops with live DJs, a slip ’n slide, volleyball and football, water Thai boxing and toilets.
Bring cash for the rest:
- Food and drinks at the stops: around 1,000 THB, on top of your ticket.
- The taco buffet back at Nolo Hub Pai: 150 THB.
The Nolo Hub Pai Experience: Why Tube With Us?
Tipsy Tubing is hosted by Pai Authentic Travel, and Nolo Hub Pai is an official partner and ticket seller on behalf of Tipsy Tubing.
Tickets for Tipsy Tubing sell out fast—especially during peak season. When you stay at Nolo Hub Pai, we’ve got your back from start to finish so you can focus entirely on having a good time.
- Guaranteed Ticket Reservation: Every single reserved guest at Nolo Hub Pai gets 1 ticket held for them. No FOMO, no stressing over sold-out spots. It’s held until the truck leaves, so pay at reception, ideally before 12:00 PM.
- All-in-One Essentials: Grab your official tubing ticket (450 THB) online, or right at reception along with waterproof phone cases so your gear stays safe.
- Pre-Game & Door-to-Door Transport: Tubing days start early at Nolo Hub Pai! Grab breakfast in town, then hang out at the hostel around 11:00 AM to meet your tubing crew and enjoy pre-drinks at the bar. At 12:00 PM Sharp, our pickup transport collects everyone directly from the hostel.
- Direct Drop-off: When the floating is done, you don't need to navigate back tired and wet—our drivers pick you up at the river exit and bring you right back home to Nolo Hub Pai.
The After-Party: All-You-Can-Eat Taco Buffet!
After hours of swimming and floating, you’re going to be hungry. As soon as you step off the shuttle back at Nolo Hub Pai, we fire up the feast:
- All-You-Can-Eat Taco Buffet for just 150 THB!
- Loaded with fresh ingredients, including both Chicken and Vegetarian/Vegan options.
- Refuel, swap stories from the river, and keep the good vibes going into the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much cash should I bring?
We recommend bringing around 1,000 THB in cash. This gives you plenty of budget for drinks, snacks, and extra games at the riverbank stops along the way. Keep cash in a small waterproof pouch or dry bag!
What should I wear on the ride to and from the river?
Please bring a shirt, t-shirt, or cover-up to wear on the transport truck. Going shirtless or riding in a bikini through the local town is considered disrespectful in Thai culture. Keep it respectful on the road—once you’re at the river, you can strip down to your swimwear!
Should I bring my phone on the river?
Honestly? We strongly advise against it. Every single week, people drop their phones into the river or submerge them, only to lose them forever. A single river photo isn't worth risking a $1,000 phone that holds your travel photos, banking apps, and flight bookings for the rest of your trip. Leave the phone locked safely in your locker at Nolo Hub Pai, be present, and focus on socializing!
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. You need to be 18 or over to join Tipsy Tubing.
Do I get a life jacket?
Life jackets aren’t handed out to everyone, but you can have one on request. Just ask the team.
Can I take my drink on the river?
No. Finish it before you get back on your tube. There’s a bar at every stop.
Can I book if I’m not staying at Nolo Hub Pai?
Yes. Book online and choose where the truck picks you up: Nolo Hub Pai, Pai Authentic Travel’s shop on Walking Street, or your own hostel in Pai.
Can I get a refund or change my date?
Once your ticket is paid for, it can’t be refunded unless Tipsy Tubing is cancelled, and the date can’t be changed. Getting to your pickup point on time is up to you.
I’m staying at Nolo Hub Pai. Is a ticket held for me?
Yes. Nolo Hub Pai holds one ticket for every guest, for the closest tubing day. Pay for it at reception to claim it.
Does tubing run on Christmas Day?
No. This year it moves to Saturday 26 December instead.
Guarantee Your Tubing Ticket & Your Crew
Ready for the highlight of your Thailand trip? Don't risk missing out on a ticket or floating down the river alone.
Book your stay at Nolo Hub Pai (opens the booking page in a new tab) to lock in your bed, secure your tubing ticket, and guarantee yourself an instant squad of new friends to hit the river with!
Staying somewhere else? Book your tubing ticket online and choose where the truck picks you up.
