A beautiful view from within central Pai-mobile

How to get from
Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai to Pai Trip Overview

Distance87 km (54.4 miles)
Price range$7-$167
Ride Duration Range2h 50m-4h 20m
Earliest Departure23:30
Latest Departure23:30

The quickest and most affordable way to get to Pai from Chiang Mai is by minivan. Driving by bus is also affordable, but can be slower and includes more stops. The minivan operates hourly and makes just one stop on the 130km journey. By booking between November and February, you can take advantage of the most pleasant weather conditions. Pack a light jacket during those months as it can get slightly cool at night. Bring some hiking boots and a camera as there are plenty of mountains and incredible views to experience.

Travel Schedule Options from Chiang Mai to Pai



























































































Taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai

Fastest bus: 4h 20m

Cheapest bus: $7

The fastest: 4h 20m

The cheapest: $7

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 2h 50m

The cheapest: $7

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 2h 50m

The cheapest: $111

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Pai

About the journey from Chiang Mai to Pai

When visiting Chiang Mai, you may be intrigued to explore more of this jungle region of Thailand that is so densely filled with fantastic natural sights. Pai, to the north of Chiang Mai, holds much of the same wild beauty, but with a stronger sense of having a peaceful, rural landscape. Pai is filled with lots of natural wonders to investigate such as the hot springs, Pam Bok waterfall, and Lod cave which consists of intriguing limestone formations.

When you are finished exploring the nature of Pai, a must-see man made structure is the huge White Buddha which also offers a great viewpoint. Of course, a trip to any Thai town would not be complete without visiting the markets and food stalls, while the nightlife scene is also vibrant.

A few options for traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai is with a minivan or by private car. Minivan services are good for larger groups and those on a budget. Cars can depart whenever suits you best, but some minivan operators also provide this option, although sometimes for a fee. Whatever way you choose to travel, the short 92-kilometer trip won’t take up the whole day so you can have time to enjoy your final hours in Chiang Mai and still have plenty of time to explore Pai the same day. 

As you enter the town of Pai, you will be met by the wonderful stretches of rice fields and peaceful rivers and streams that pass through and around the town - a wonderful setting for relaxation and cultural exploration.

 

 

What to see when traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai

When traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai, you will pass from the province of Chiang Mae to Mae Hong Soon. Both regions are rich with jungle, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. The dramatic landscape is not just a flat jungle, as it also contains hills, mountains, and valleys.

The road leading out of Chiang Mai can often be busy, as it is one of the most popular hubs in northern Thailand. The regions of Chiang Mai and Pai feels less touristy and more genuine than other parts of Thailand, offering a great density of wildlife and rural areas interspersed by small towns. 

 

How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai

 

Taking a minivan

Traveling by minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai is a quick and cheap option for larger groups. Depending on the operator you can book for up to 9 or 12 passengers. There are lots of minivan operators to choose from, with lots of departure times throughout the day. You can also book to leave at a time you choose, while some operators also offer accommodation pick up and drop off which may cost a little extra.

For additional amenities such as child car seats, it is best to check with the operator before booking. Keep in mind that the more passengers there are in the vehicle, the less space there is for luggage, and extra bags may incur a charge.

Taking a car 

There are a few car operators to choose from when traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai. Depending on the operator, cars can take from 2 to 6 passengers. All cars have air conditioning and charging ports may also be available in some vehicles. Car operators can be flexible with pick up and drop off locations as well as departure times. Different operators offer different cancellation policies, so it is best to check this before booking. Once you arrive in Pai, you can easily traverse the area by scooter rental. 

 

 

When is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai? 

A great time of year to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February. Temperatures will reach a maximum of 86°F (30°C) while evenings can become chilly. This is also around the peak season for tourists, which creates lots of bustle in the markets and bars in the city. 

 

 

When is the best time of year to visit Pai?

Like Chiang Mai, the best months to visit Pai is between November and February. The northern region is particularly cool but pleasant at this time of year, particularly great for activities like hiking. In March, farmers in Pai burn their fields to encourage regrowth, so it is best to visit before this time to enjoy clear air and rural beauty.

Companies Operating from Chiang Mai to Pai

Average time

3h 30m

Average price

$153 - $167

(68)

Average time

4h

Average price

$7

(80)

Average time

4h 20m

Average price

$7

(100)

Average time

2h 50m

Average price

$111

(142)

Popular stations and stops in Chiang Mai and Pai

Departure stations in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade Bus Terminal)

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade Bus Terminal)

Chiang Mai - Any hotel in the city center

Chiang Mai - Any hotel

AYA Service Chiang Mai

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Arrival stations in Pai

Pai

Pai Bus Station

Pai - Any Hotel

AYA Service Pai

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