Pai to Chiang Mai

Pai to Chiang Mai

Pai
Chiang Mai
Fri, Aug 14
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2 Travelers
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Pai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

A
Annette
Careful driver, clean and new vehicle
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Aug 10, 2026
GD
Gloria D
The driver drove like a maniac. Way too hard. My kid had too pure. Dangerous as hell, so half way I got out and found another driver who drove responsible.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Aug 9, 2026
EB
Elena B
safe driving, comfortable car
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Aug 6, 2026
LA
Lucas A
A respectful and save driver
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Aug 4, 2026
DV
Daniel V
Comfortable and timely All perfect Thanks Daniel
Pai to Chiang Mai, taxi SUV 4pax, Torch (ทอช), Aug 3, 2026
RW
Robert W
On time, in fact ahead of time arriving which always feels good. Seats are comfy and spacious enough for the short Chiang Mai to Pai route, I’m skinny 6ft.. Drivers were safe and fast
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Aug 1, 2026
H
Hayat
It was very good. Nice people they made contact one day ahead.and the ride was great.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Jul 30, 2026
JS
Joe S
Brilliant. Smooth driving, whilst still getting to Chiang Mai very quickly! Considerate and kind driver
Pai to Chiang Mai, taxi Economy 3pax, Than Car Service (ธาน คาร์ เซอร์วิส), Jul 21, 2026
SR
Samantha R
Someone had thrown up on the seat next to me. They had tried to clean it but they still put a lady in it, she complained the seat was wet and when she went to put her seatbelt on she came in contact with the vomit which confirmed where the smell of the vomit was coming from. They promptly moved both of our seats. The driver then proceeded to drive very fast and unsafely through all the mountain turns, I didn’t feel well and I had even taken a travel sick tablet. Connecting the dots between the driver and the vomit
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Jul 5, 2026
GA
Guy A
Although the drive itself is a bit rough, the driver was extremely friendly and understanding. He even bought us water and took breaks when we needed and didn't when we needed to continue. He was on time, car was ok.
Pai to Chiang Mai, taxi Economy 2pax, Torch (ทอช), Jun 23, 2026
4.4
2033 customer reviews
5
58%
4
25%
3
11%
2
6%
1
0%

Pai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Go2Trip
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
$99.59
  4.0
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:00
10:55
$4.83
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:00
11:55
$4.83
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:30
11:50
$5.13
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:00
12:55
$4.83
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
09:30
12:50
$5.13
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:00
13:55
$4.83
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
10:30
13:50
$5.13
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:00
14:55
$4.83
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:25
$4.83
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:00
15:55
$4.83
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:00
16:55
$4.83
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
13:30
16:50
$5.13
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:00
17:55
$4.83
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
14:30
17:50
$5.13
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:00
18:55
$4.83
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
15:30
18:50
$5.13
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:00
19:55
$4.83
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:00
20:55
$4.83
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:25
$4.83
  4.3

Public transportation: Pai or Chiang Mai?

Pai has limited public transportation options, primarily relying on scooters and bicycles for getting around. Scooter rentals typically cost around 150-200 THB per day ($4.50-$6).

Chiang Mai, on the other hand, offers more extensive options, including red songthaews (shared taxis) with fares starting at 30 THB ($0.90) within the city. Tuk-tuks are also available, with negotiated fares usually around 60-150 THB ($1.80-$4.50) depending on distance. Additionally, Chiang Mai has a limited bus system with fares around 20-30 THB ($0.60-$0.90).

Both cities have rental car services, but Chiang Mai's larger scale offers more choices. For longer distances, buses and vans connect Chiang Mai to Pai, with fares approximately 150-200 THB ($4.50-$6), and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.

Is it cheap to visit Chiang Mai right now?

Visiting Chiang Mai can be budget-friendly. Accommodation ranges from 300-1,000 THB per night ($8-$28) for budget hotels or guesthouses. Street food is affordable, with meals around 40-80 THB ($1-$2). Restaurant dining might cost between 150-300 THB ($4-$8) per meal.

Public transport is inexpensive; songthaews (shared taxis) charge about 30-50 THB ($0.80-$1.40) per ride, while tuk-tuks can range from 60-150 THB ($1.70-$4.20) depending on distance. Entrance fees for popular attractions, like temples, are usually under 100 THB ($3).

Overall, travelers can experience Chiang Mai economically by choosing local food and accommodations and using public transport.

What is famous in Chiang Mai to drink?

Chiang Mai is known for its distinctive café culture and locally grown coffee. The region's high-altitude climate supports coffee plantations, making Arabica coffee a popular choice. Additionally, try the local herbal teas, such as butterfly pea tea, known for its vibrant color and health benefits.

For something unique, sample Cha Yen, a traditional Thai iced tea made with black tea, spices, and condensed milk. Local craft beers are also gaining popularity, with several microbreweries offering tastings. While tap water is not recommended for drinking, bottled water is widely available and affordable.

How to get from Pai to Chiang Mai

When you want to get from Pai to Chiang Mai, 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 Van. 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 187.23. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a van as a van ticket costs as low as USD 7.85.

How far is Pai from Chiang Mai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Pai to Chiang Mai. Your trip will be a total of 78 miles (125 km). The flying distance is 78 miles (125 km).

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

The travel time from Pai to Chiang Mai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 3 to 4 hours.

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

The cost of the trip from Pai to Chiang Mai 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 7.85 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 187.23.

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

  • Van price : USD 7.85 - USD 27.46;
  • Bus tickets - USD 9.96 to USD 9.96;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 21.43 - USD 22.78. From Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Pai Bus Terminal until 16:00 Pai North Ride Go office

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 63.16 to USD 187.22.

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

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

  • Vans from Pai to Chiang Mai depart during the day - there are approximately 58 departures a day.
  • Buses start plying the route from 07:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 17:30. There are 12 available bus trips every day.
  • 7 by Bus+Van from Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Pai Bus Terminal until 16:00 Pai North Ride Go office
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Pai to Chiang Mai any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Pai to Chiang Mai 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 Pai to Chiang Mai. 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 63.16.

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 Pai to Chiang Mai. 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 Pai to Chiang Mai.

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 Pai to Chiang Mai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Pai to Chiang Mai? 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:

  • 68% decided to go for a bus.
  • 16% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 15% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Pai to Chiang Mai

Facts about the transport from Pai to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport2h 30m
Earliest Departure7:00 AM
Latest Departure5:30 PM
Departures per day153
Distance125 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Jed Yord, K Buddy, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Lanna Expert Driver, LaoLuang Travel, North Ride Go, Pai Friendly Tour, Prem Pracha, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Tara Tour and Travel, Than Car Service, Torch, Torch X