| Type | Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxi | Firstplan Transport Services | Economy 3pax | Any time | +4h | $89.75 | |
Van | Firstplan Transport Group Booking | Van 8pax | 05:00 | 17:00 | $298.75 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 06:30 | 10:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 07:00 | 11:20 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 07:30 | 11:50 | $4.88 | |
Van | Aya Service | Standard | 08:00 | 12:00 | $5.18 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 08:30 | 12:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 09:30 | 13:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 10:30 | 14:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 11:30 | 15:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 12:30 | 16:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 13:30 | 17:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 14:30 | 18:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 15:30 | 19:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 16:30 | 20:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 17:30 | 21:50 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 18:03 | 22:23 | $4.88 | |
Bus | Prem Pracha | Minivan | 18:30 | 22:50 | $4.88 |
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.
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.
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.
| Cheapest Transport | $8 |
| Fastest Transport | 2h 40m |
| Earliest Departure | 6:30 AM |
| Latest Departure | 5:30 PM |
| Departures per day | 55 |
| Distance | 134 kilometers |
| Transport Companies | Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Kim Transfers Thailand, Prem Pracha, Shine Exclusive, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Taxi, Than Car Service |
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:
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 Bus 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 400.07. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 7.30.
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 84 miles (134 km). The flying distance is 84 miles (134 km).
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 3 to 5 hours.
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 Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 7.30 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 400.07.
Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Mai to Pai:
You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 82.08 to USD 400.07.
Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.
Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:
Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 82.08.
Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.
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..
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: