Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai
Pai
Fri, May 22
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Chiang Mai to Pai Destination Reviews

EP
Emily P
Pickup was delayed by an hour, no direct contact was made, they just left a message with the hostel who only informed us 10 minutes before we were meant to leave. Driver then proceeded to continuously fall asleep at the wheel, swerving in and out of both lanes and into oncoming traffic but insisted he was fine when we asked him.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, May 19, 2026
MM
Miki M
Good driver. Feel safe and comfortable.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), May 19, 2026
GV
Geertruida V
it was as to be expected. Driver was fine
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), May 17, 2026
EL
Ella L
Comfortable vehicle, smooth ride. You have to 100 baht pay extra if your bag is too big but still a very reasonable price altogether!
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), May 5, 2026
PR
Patrick R
Excellent experience. The driver carefully maneuvered us from Chiang Mai to Pai, with one stop halfway. The car was luxurious, making the drive quite comfortable. None of us had any real trouble with nausea.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, May 2, 2026
GP
Gabriela P
Driver was efficient but not too efficient, typical SE Asia driving. I thought I was about to vomit at the end but that was just because I was seated in back and the turns got to be too much. I took one 50 mg dimenhydramine and should have taken two.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Apr 30, 2026
VK
Venla K
Rude staff and seating thing sucks
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Apr 23, 2026
MM
Mark M
Some passengers were allowed to bring large excessive luggage into the extremely tight quarters of the van. The air conditioning barely worked leaving 12 passengers sweating in the tight quarters. My worst experience in a van transport. No water was offered. My return tickets were cancelled with no explanation. Unacceptable.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Apr 16, 2026
SS
Sophia S
Got me there and back but the staff were very unhelpful/rude
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Apr 7, 2026
MF
Mary F
The driver was early and the communication before the trip via WhatsApp was excellent. We felt in very safe hands despite the road from Chiang Mai to Pai being mountainous. I would highly recommend
Chiang Mai to Pai, taxi Economy 2pax, Khamkhun Tour And Travel (ค้ำคูณ ทัวร์ แอนด์ ทราเวล), Apr 5, 2026
4.4
3214 customer reviews
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57%
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27%
3
11%
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Chiang Mai to Pai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Firstplan Transport Services
Economy 3pax
Any time
+4h
$98.06
  4.8
Van
Firstplan Transport Group Booking
Van 8pax
05:00
17:00
$300.30
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
06:30
10:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:30
11:50
$4.90
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:00
12:00
$5.21
  4.4
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:30
12:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:30
13:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:30
14:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:30
16:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:30
17:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:30
18:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:30
19:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:30
20:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:50
$4.90
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
18:30
22:50
$4.90
  4.3

When should I go to Pai?

The best time to visit Pai is from November to February, during the cool and dry season. Temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring attractions like Pai Canyon and the hot springs. This period also coincides with the peak tourist season, so expect higher accommodation prices.

The rainy season, from June to October, brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds but also higher chances of road disruptions due to landslides. March to May can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F), and is less popular with tourists.

Consider planning your visit around November when the Loy Krathong festival takes place, offering a unique cultural experience.

Is it safe to arrive in Pai at night?

Arriving in Pai at night is generally safe, but plan your travel carefully. The road from Chiang Mai to Pai features winding mountain paths, which can be challenging to navigate in the dark. If traveling by bus, choose a reputable company with experienced drivers. Taxis or private transfers are also available but confirm arrangements in advance.

In town, Pai is considered safe, but like any destination, stay aware of your surroundings. Most accommodations and restaurants remain open until late, so you'll find places to eat and stay. It is advisable to inform your accommodation of your late arrival to ensure a smooth check-in. For additional safety, carry a flashlight and ensure your phone is charged.

How many passengers are allowed in a Pai taxi?

Taxis in Pai typically follow the same guidelines as those in other parts of Thailand, with most standard taxis accommodating up to four passengers. However, in Pai, many travelers opt for songthaews or tuk-tuks, which are common forms of transport. Songthaews can generally carry six to eight passengers, while tuk-tuks are more suitable for two to three passengers. When planning a trip, it is advisable to confirm passenger limits with the driver before starting your journey.

How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai

When you want to get from Chiang Mai to Pai, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Bus
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Taxi. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Taxi ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 458.10. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a van as a van ticket costs as low as USD 7.97.

How far is Chiang Mai from Pai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Mai to Pai. Your trip will be a total of 45 miles (71 km). The flying distance is 45 miles (71 km).

How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?

The travel time from Chiang Mai to Pai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 2 to 11 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?

The cost of the trip from Chiang Mai to Pai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Aya Service: travelling by van expect to pay as low as USD 7.97 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 458.10.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Mai to Pai:

  • Van price : USD 7.97 - USD 20.68;
  • Bus tickets - USD 10.11 to USD 10.11;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 22.06. From Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 08:00 Chiang Mai Tara Tour and Travel office until 15:00 Chiang Mai Tara Tour and Travel office

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 69.96 to USD 458.10.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Mai and Pai?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Buses start plying the route from 06:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 17:30. There are 12 available bus trips every day.
  • 8 by Bus+Van from Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 08:00 Chiang Mai Tara Tour and Travel office until 15:00 Chiang Mai Tara Tour and Travel office
  • Vans from Chiang Mai to Pai depart during the day - there are approximately 8 departures a day.
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Chiang Mai to Pai any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 69.96.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Chiang Mai to Pai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Mai to Pai? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 72% decided to go for a bus.
  • 13% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 12% opted for a van.
  • 3% chosen Bus+Van

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Pai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Pai

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport1h 25m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure5:30 PM
Departures per day101
Distance71 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAndaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Jed Yord, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Kim Transfers Thailand, NNS Luxury Limousine, North Ride Go, Prem Pracha, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Tara Tour and Travel, Thailand Travel Taxi, Than Car Service, Torch