Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai
Pai
Mon, Dec 8
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Chiang Mai to Pai Destination Reviews

SE
Very good organisation and perfect driver on this winding road.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Dec 4, 2025
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
4.4
2747 customer reviews
5
56%
4
28%
3
11%
2
5%
1
0%

Chiang Mai to Pai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Firstplan Transport Services
Economy 3pax
Any time
+4h
$99.98
  4.8
Van
Firstplan Transport Group Booking
Van 8pax
05:00
17:00
$306.19
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
06:30
10:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:30
11:50
$5.00
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:00
12:00
$5.31
  4.4
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:30
12:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:30
13:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:30
14:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:30
16:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:30
17:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:30
18:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:30
19:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:30
20:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:50
$5.00
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
18:30
22:50
$5.00
  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

Travelling between Chiang Mai and Pai is possible by Bus, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Taxi is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 411.05 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 7.50.

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

It can take you anywhere between 2 and 11 hours to travel between Chiang Mai and Pai depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Chiang Mai and Pai. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 1h 25m. Taxi does a much slower job and take about 10h 30m to reach Pai.

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

Travelling between Chiang Mai and Pai can be as cheap as USD 7.50 if you opt for a Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง) bus and as expensive as USD 411.05 if you buy a Kim Transfers Thailand (Thailand Taxi Airport and Travel) taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

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

  • 15 from Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Arcade 2 until 17:30 Chiang Mai Arcade 2
  • 12 from Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 08:00 Chiang Mai Town Hotel Transfer until 14:30 Chiang Mai Town Hotel Transfer
  • 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
  • 62 from Chiang Mai to Pai starting from 00:00 Chiang Mai Town Hotel Transfer until 00:00 Chiang Mai Town Hotel Transfer

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Chiang Mai to Pai.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Chiang Mai to Pai overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Chiang Mai and Pai

Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง)

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Chiang Mai and Pai

AEC 168 Transport and Travel (เออีซี 168 ทรานสปอร์ต แอนด์ ทราเวล), Andaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Firstplan Transport Services (เฟิร์สแพลน ทรานสปอร์ตเซอร์วิส), Freedom Tour Taxi Service (Freedom Tour and Taxi Service), Glassflower, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport (โกเซฟ ทรานสปอร์ต), Jed Yord (บริษัท เจ็ดยอดบราเตอร์ จำกัด), Khamkhun Tour And Travel (ค้ำคูณ ทัวร์ แอนด์ ทราเวล), Kim Transfers Thailand (Thailand Taxi Airport and Travel), Lanna Expert Driver (หจก.ลานนา เอ็กเปอร์ท ไดร์เวอร์), Naiyai 654 Service, NNS Luxury Limousine, North Ride Go, Smart En Plus (สมาร์ท เอ็น พลัส), Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Taxi (ไทยแลนด์ ทราเวล แท็กซี่), Torch

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Chiang Mai and Pai, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Chiang Mai and Pai

Aya Service

What is the most popular transport to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 75% opted for a bus
  • 12% bought a taxi ride
  • 12% took a van
  • 1% Other