Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai
Pai
Sat, Dec 6
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Chiang Mai to Pai Destination Reviews

DM
I was dreading this having read some reviews but it was really good. Spacious comfortable van (we paid a bit extra for an upgrade). Left Chiang Mai at 1pm and arrived Pai at 4 30pm - a full 50 minutes ahead of published time. Sensible driver, no motion sickness and a wee stop half way.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Dec 3, 2025
FB
The driver's driving was smooth, and yet it only lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Dec 3, 2025
SS
Angry driver, horrible aggressive passenger (I think Israeli)... I think there was something wrong with the bus too, grateful he got us there safe but everyone on the bus felt stressed. Hopefully everyone involved is now ok.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Dec 1, 2025
SL
The driver was 30 minutes late with the pickup.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Dec 1, 2025
BH
The driving was very aggressive and dangerous. Someone on our bus has been doing this journey for 20 years and never seen such reckless driving! Very dangerous overtaking and too many close calls! Felt unsafe on this journey.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Nov 30, 2025
JZ
We traveled for an hour and then had to return because they forgot someone. Very disorganized.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Nov 29, 2025
กโ
Good
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Nov 28, 2025
SS
Excellent driver. Very nice car
Chiang Mai to Pai, taxi Economy 2pax, Torch, Nov 25, 2025
ML
Got on bus ok was fairly empty so got to move seats. Was worried as I get travel sick but it was literally fine. Driver did overtake but they know the roads so didn’t once feel unsafe
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Nov 24, 2025
M
Classic Minibus to get from Chiang Mai to Pai. We had the front row and enough space for feet and baggage :) the ac could have been a little bit colder. Overall good trip
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Nov 21, 2025
4.4
2740 customer reviews
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56%
4
28%
3
11%
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Chiang Mai to Pai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Firstplan Transport Services
Economy 3pax
Any time
+4h
$100.44
  4.8
Van
Firstplan Transport Group Booking
Van 8pax
05:00
17:00
$307.59
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
06:30
10:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:30
11:50
$5.02
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:00
12:00
$5.34
  4.4
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:30
12:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:30
13:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:30
14:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:30
16:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:30
17:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:30
18:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:30
19:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:30
20:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:50
$5.02
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
18:30
22:50
$5.02
  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 Transport1h 25m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure5:30 PM
Departures per day93
Distance71 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAEC 168 Transport and Travel, Andaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Firstplan Transport Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Glassflower, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Jed Yord, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Kim Transfers Thailand, Lanna Expert Driver, Naiyai 654 Service, 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, 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 410.24. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 7.48.

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 Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 7.48 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 410.24.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 7.48 to USD 9.20;
  • Van price : USD 7.80;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 24.32. From Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 08:30 McDonal star avenue Chiang mai until 15:00 McDonal star avenue Chiang mai

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 74.25 to USD 410.24.

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 15 available bus trips every day.
  • Vans from Chiang Mai to Pai depart during the day - there are approximately 12 departures a day.
  • 4 by Bus+Van from Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 08:30 McDonal star avenue Chiang mai until 15:00 McDonal star avenue Chiang mai
  • 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 74.25.

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:

  • 75% decided to go for a bus.
  • 12% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 12% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other