Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai
Pai
Tue, Jul 22
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Chiang Mai to Pai Destination Reviews

JL
The road to Pai has a lot of twists and turns and the driver was akting like he was in a race, always trying to overtake other vehicles, making a lot of harsh braking. I didn’t feel safe and started to get carsickness, something I usually don’t do. In short - the ride was bad!
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 19, 2025
LB
Experienced driver, very safe. Left on time and arrived on time. One stop one the way, comfortable and clean van.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 18, 2025
SB
The driver drove too fast attend the curves resulting in a very uncomfortable experience. It was very unnecessary. We were also crammed in the back with the luggage.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 17, 2025
OA
Drive.very fast
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 14, 2025
SS
Very good
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 7, 2025
EH
It was a great ride. We got there faster than expected.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 4, 2025
MD
First, I was lightly hit, I think by our driver. Then, our driver threw our luggage out of the car because he wanted to rearrange things! And then threw it back in. I do expect some respect from other people's property... Finally, he drove like crazy down the road to Pai. No wonder so many people get sick.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 2, 2025
CT
On time, friendly staff, and easy hotel pickup
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Jun 29, 2025
LS
Had a great experience on this van! The driver was nice and the van only had 5 people on so we had so much room to lie down and spread. Took one sickness pill but didn’t feel sick at all- slept the whole way. I got the 3:30pm bus and I think this was good for being empty. Also we got there one hour early which I’ve heard from a lot of people.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jun 28, 2025
LC
The driver was friendly and polite, the van was pretty comfortable although my husband and I are tall so not loads of legroom (but better than many public transport used in Asia), AC worked, nice place to stop midway. We were the last ones on the bus and it was about 40 mins after the bus time as it had collected all other passengers. They picked us up from our hotel, after it was sent as a special request because it was not listed on the drop down menu for hotels.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Jun 24, 2025
4.4
2426 customer reviews
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54%
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Chiang Mai to Pai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Firstplan Transport Services
Economy 3pax
Any time
+4h
$90.88
  4.8
Van
Firstplan Transport Group Booking
Van 8pax
05:00
17:00
$302.52
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
06:30
10:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:00
11:20
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:30
11:50
$4.94
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:00
12:00
$5.25
  4.4
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:30
12:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:30
13:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:30
14:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:30
16:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:30
17:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:30
18:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:30
19:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:30
20:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:50
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
18:03
22:23
$4.94
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
18:30
22:50
$4.94
  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.

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Pai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Pai

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport2h 40m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure5:30 PM
Departures per day75
Distance134 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAEC 168 Transport and Travel, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Firstplan Transport Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Glassflower, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Jed Yord, Kim Transfers Thailand, Lanna Expert Driver, Naiyai 654 Service, NNS Luxury Limousine, Prem Pracha, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Taxi, Than Car Service, Torch

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 406.11. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 7.41.

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 84 miles (134 km). The flying distance is 84 miles (134 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 3 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 Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 7.41 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 406.11.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 7.41 to USD 7.41;
  • Van price : USD 7.72;

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 78.99 to USD 406.11.

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.
  • Vans from Chiang Mai to Pai depart during the day - there are approximately 12 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 78.99.

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:

  • 76% decided to go for a bus.
  • 12% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 12% opted for a van.