Pai to Chiang Mai

Pai to Chiang Mai

Pai
Chiang Mai
Nov 20, 2027
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Pai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

MM
Mark M
We traveled during the 3rd day of the Songkran festival. We started with one driver in Pai who had the good sense to take back roads out of town to avoid the celebration traffic jam; he then picked up a 2nd driver just outside Chiang Mai who drove us right into the heart of the celebration; it took us one hour to drive a quarter mile. It was a foolish mistake that could have been avoided.
Pai to Chiang Mai, taxi Economy 2pax, Torch (ทอช), Apr 17, 2026
LB
Lori B
12go has a sneaky way of charging you unwanted travel insurance by making you "uncheck" the option which is buried in the booking process. I did not see the unwanted fees until the payment was made.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Apr 10, 2026
NS
Nina S
The Driver was driving a bit wild, but the rest was completely fine
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Apr 1, 2026
DJ
Didier J
missing space for legs.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Mar 30, 2026
DM
Danielle M
On Time, driver was smooth considering the road.
Pai to Chiang Mai, Bus Minivan, Prem Pracha (เปรมประชาขนส่ง), Mar 20, 2026
LS
Lena S
Driver was very tired and nearly felt asleep - drive was dangerously. But anyway: We made it.
Pai to Chiang Mai, taxi Economy 2pax, Torch (ทอช), Mar 15, 2026
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
4.4
1990 customer reviews
5
56%
4
26%
3
12%
2
6%
1
0%

Pai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Go2Trip
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
$101.21
  4.0
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
07:00
10:55
$4.91
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
08:00
11:55
$4.91
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
08:30
11:50
$5.21
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
09:00
12:55
$4.91
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
09:30
12:50
$5.21
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
10:00
13:55
$4.91
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
10:30
13:50
$5.21
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:00
14:55
$4.91
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
11:30
15:25
$4.91
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
12:00
15:55
$4.91
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
13:00
16:55
$4.91
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
13:30
16:50
$5.21
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
14:00
17:55
$4.91
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
14:30
17:50
$5.21
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
15:00
18:55
$4.91
  4.3
Van
Aya Service
Standard
15:30
18:50
$5.21
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
16:00
19:55
$4.91
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:00
20:55
$4.91
  4.3
Bus
Prem Pracha
Minivan
17:30
21:25
$4.91
  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

Travelling between Pai and Chiang Mai 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 190.29 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a van which will set you back mere USD 7.97.

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

It can take you anywhere between 2 and 4 hours to travel between Pai and Chiang Mai depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Pai and Chiang Mai. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 1h 25m. Taxi does a much slower job and take about 4h to reach Chiang Mai.

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

Travelling between Pai and Chiang Mai can be as cheap as USD 7.97 if you opt for a Aya Service van and as expensive as USD 190.29 if you buy a Jed Yord (บริษัท เจ็ดยอดบราเตอร์ จำกัด) 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 Pai and Chiang Mai ?

  • 49 from Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 07:00 AYA Service Pai until 16:00 Waykeeper Van Station Pai
  • 12 from Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 07:00 Pai until 17:30 Pai
  • 6 by Bus+Van from Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Pai Bus Terminal until 16:30 Pai Bus Terminal
  • 71 from Pai to Chiang Mai starting from 00:00 Pai Hotel Transfer until 00:00 Pai Hotel Transfer

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

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

Bus

Travelling from Pai to Chiang Mai 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 Pai and Chiang Mai

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 Pai and Chiang Mai

Andaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service (Freedom Tour and Taxi Service), Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport (โกเซฟ ทรานสปอร์ต), Jed Yord (บริษัท เจ็ดยอดบราเตอร์ จำกัด), Khamkhun Tour And Travel (ค้ำคูณ ทัวร์ แอนด์ ทราเวล), Lanna Expert Driver (หจก.ลานนา เอ็กเปอร์ท ไดร์เวอร์), North Ride Go, Smart En Plus (สมาร์ท เอ็น พลัส), Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Than Car Service (ธาน คาร์ เซอร์วิส), Torch (ทอช)

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 Pai and Chiang Mai, 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 Pai and Chiang Mai

Aya Service, Pai Friendly Tour

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

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

  • 69% opted for a bus
  • 15% bought a taxi ride
  • 15% took 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 day138
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, Pai Friendly Tour, Prem Pracha, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Tara Tour and Travel, Than Car Service, Torch