Pai to Chiang Mai

Pai to Chiang Mai

Pai
Chiang Mai
Sun, Sep 13
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Pai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

GG
Grace G
We found the pickup location easily and checked in totally fine. Service was on time and the driver was speedy but safe. We made a stop halfway for the toilet, drinks and snacks. I think we were a little late arriving but that was jut traffic arriving into Chiang Mai at rush hour, so keep that in mind when booking at particular times and if you’re coming into a busy city. The van was old but comfortable enough for the journey, a newer van would be nice to offer on these services.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Feb 26, 2026
GŠ
Gabrielė Š
All the way through the mountains I felt really badly. Every turn I felt like I was going to puke. The driver was driving very fast in turns
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Feb 19, 2026
SC
Shazia C
Okay, now that I know better I woulf highly advise not using this app. It is so much better and more affordable to just purchase tickets from local vendors or directly from thr bus station. Knowing how much others paid for the exact same trip as us feels like robbery - 200 baht vs 1500 baht. If you have no other way of getting to your destination then fine but rather plan and book in advance using other methods. We were also delayed. The van was supposed to leave at 15:30 and we only left Pai after 16:00.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan + Bus, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Feb 15, 2026
VL
Valentin L
I didn't get drop to the right place, I was supposed to bed dropped to Chiang Mai arcade 2, I getting dropped to place 15mn away from arcade 2
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Feb 13, 2026
IP
Irina P
It was ok. If you have the possibility to take a scooter, do that. The road is very windy and brutal and the driver goes quite fast. A woman on my bus had to throw up and asked him to stop but he just kept going and told her to use a bag. I also had to throw up when we took a quick stop for toilet break, despite me taking travel sickness medication beforehand.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Feb 13, 2026
FC
Flavia C
The website tricks you into buying insurance. Support was helpful and refunded but the problem it’s the reservation process.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Feb 12, 2026
J
Jerome
Because our hotel was far away of the starting point we had to book another taxi to this place. Trying to contact them in person was not possible because it was to crowded with people in their office. Most of them were renting a motorcycle which takes a long time.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Feb 11, 2026
ZT
Zarylbu T
The ride itself was good, but motion sickness medication and nasal inhalers are highly recommended. The road from Pai to Chiang Mai is very winding, and some passengers felt sick during the trip. The driver was driving quite fast.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Feb 10, 2026
HJ
Hannah J
Good amount of stops.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Feb 10, 2026
JD
Jan D
Overall rather good experience. Driver was mostly driving safely, despite the occasional reckless maneuver that seems so typical for Thai drivers.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Feb 9, 2026
4.4
1949 customer reviews
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56%
4
26%
3
12%
2
6%
1
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Pai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Go2Trip
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
$104.74
  4.0
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:00
10:55
$5.08
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:00
11:55
$5.08
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:30
11:50
$5.40
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:00
12:55
$5.08
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
09:30
12:50
$5.40
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:00
13:55
$5.08
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
10:30
13:50
$5.40
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:00
14:55
$5.08
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:25
$5.08
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:00
15:55
$5.08
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:00
16:55
$5.08
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
13:30
16:50
$5.40
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:00
17:55
$5.08
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
14:30
17:50
$5.40
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:00
18:55
$5.08
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
15:30
18:50
$5.40
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:00
19:55
$5.08
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:00
20:55
$5.08
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:25
$5.08
  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 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 196.92. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 7.62.

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 45 miles (71 km). The flying distance is 45 miles (71 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 2 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 Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 7.62 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 196.92.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 7.62 to USD 9.36;
  • Van price : USD 7.93 - USD 11.11;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 23.80. From Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Pai Bus Terminal until 16:30 Pai Bus Terminal

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 72.65 to USD 196.91.

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 36 departures a day.
  • Buses start plying the route from 07:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 17:30. There are 14 available bus trips every day.
  • 6 by Bus+Van from Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Pai Bus Terminal until 16:30 Pai Bus Terminal
  • 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 72.65.

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:

  • 71% decided to go for a bus.
  • 14% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 14% 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 Transport1h 25m
Earliest Departure7:00 AM
Latest Departure5:30 PM
Departures per day120
Distance71 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAndaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, Jed Yord, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Lanna Expert Driver, North Ride Go, Prem Pracha, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Tara Tour and Travel, Than Car Service, Torch