Pai to Chiang Mai Trip Overview

Chiang Mai to Pai
Distance
10821 km (6763.1 miles)
Price range
US$7-US$177
Ride Duration Range
2h 50m-4h
Earliest Departure
02:00
Latest Departure
23:00
Most Popular Operator

If you’re looking for the most affordable and comfortable way to get from Pai to Chiang Mai, taking a minivan is the way to go. Minivans make the departure every two hours, so plan accordingly. Chiang Mai is the perfect destination for sightseeing and hiking. Not only does it offer glorious scenery in the mountains, but it is known for its ancient temples and historic architecture. If you want to enjoy the Chiang Mai festivals while enjoying the best weather, book your trip between October and December.

Travel Schedule Options from Pai to Chiang Mai



























































































Taking a bus from Pai to Chiang Mai

Fastest bus: 3h 55m

Cheapest bus: US$7

The fastest: 3h 55m

The cheapest: US$7

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 2h 50m

The cheapest: US$7

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 2h 50m

The cheapest: US$118

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

routes_hero-image-alt Chiang Mai

About the journey from Pai to Chiang Mai

When traveling in the north of Thailand, a highly recommended location to visit is Chiang Mai. After visiting Pai, Chiang Mai offers plenty of cultural exploration through its traditional festivals such as Songkran (Thai New Year) in April when lanterns fill the night sky like glowing stars. The city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by jungle regions where you can enjoy activities such as zip lining through the trees or visiting the hill tribe villages where you can get to know the people who live there and their way of life.

The trip from Pai to Chiang Mai can be taken by car or minivan. These options of transport allow for good travel flexibility as many offer the possibility to book departure and arrival locations. Departure times of your choosing from Pai to Chiang Mai are also possible. Car and minivan providers differ mainly in price and number of possible passengers that can be taken, so you can choose what works best for your budget and travel group.

When you arrive in the Chiang Mai region, you are entering a destination filled with stunning hilltop temples, tropical jungle wildlife, and lots of traditions and cultural history to explore.

 

What to see when traveling from Pai to Chiang Mai

The 92-kilometer (57 mile) journey from Pai to Chiang Mai is a relatively quick trip on roads surrounded by farmland, jungle, and mountains. Some journeys traverse through twisting mountain roads that can give you better views into the valleys below. This region is filled with lots of natural beauty such as the Mork Fa waterfall as well as many national parks. Man-made sights along the way include Buddhist temples and shrines such as the mountainside temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which sits very close to Chiang Mai. 

Chiang Mai in comparison to Pai is a much larger and a more frequently visited city that can feel quite busy with traffic as you enter. However, once you have settled in, the city will feel more contained and easier to get around than first expected. The surrounding jungle and mountain enclose the city, making it feel cozier.

How to get from Pai to Chiang Mai

Taking a minivan 

Minivan travel from Pai to Chiang Mai is a cheap option with plenty of seats for larger groups of between 9 and 12 people. If you are traveling in a smaller group, your journey may be shared by other travelers. This can be a good way to meet other people, but can sometimes feel cramped, especially with lots of luggage onboard.

Bringing extra luggage can cost extra, so it is always best to check with each operator to find out their limits. Minivans have several class options, but are relatively similar in what they offer. Most minivan services can take you to and from your accommodations of choice in Pai and Chiang Mai, although this may cost a small amount more with certain providers.

Taking a car 

Car travel from Pai to Chiang Mai is the pricier but more private travel option for smaller groups from between 2-6 people. Cars are a convenient way to get from Pai to Chiang Mai as they offer accommodation pick ups and drop offs as standard.

You can request toilet and food stops from your driver, while some operators also allow rest stops along the way if you would just like to stretch your legs and take some pictures of the countryside scenery. Tuk Tuks, taxis and motorcycles make it easy to traverse the area once you arrive in Chiang Mai.

 

What is the best time of year to visit Pai?

The best time of year to visit Pai is in the dry season between December and February when temperatures average at around 66°F (19°C). The high season is between November and February and gives a lively atmosphere to this often quiet region.

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

The best time of year to visit Chiang Mai is in the cool, dry season between December and February. Temperatures reach a maximum of 86°F (30°C) during the day with cold, pleasant nights. If you want to take part in a lantern festival at this time, arriving slightly earlier in the year in November will allow you to enjoy the lunar Yee Peng festival.

Companies Operating from Pai to Chiang Mai

Average time

2h 50m

Average price

US$118

(148)

Average time

3h 30m

Average price

US$162 - US$177

(76)

Average time

3h 55m

Average price

US$7

Average time

3h 20m - 4h

Average price

US$7

Popular stations and stops in Pai and Chiang Mai

Departure stations in Pai

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