Vans from Chiang Mai to Pai

Vans from Chiang Mai to Pai

Chiang Mai
Pai
Sat, Nov 14
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2 Travelers
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Chiang Mai to Pai Destination Reviews

HX
Han X
Advertised as 2,5 hours, while any other source says at least 3/4 hours. So I already anticipated that. After 15 mins, we got dropped off at a gas station where we had to wait another 30 mins to transfer to a different van. At least the van was bigger than the first one. Good that there was a break halfway for those who needed it. This should also be mentioned in the booking. In the end, we left Chiang Mai at 12pm, and arrived in Pai at 5pm. Also not exactly as the intended arrival location. The drive itself was ok, as I slept through most of it because of a travel pill.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Nov 11, 2026
BM
Brian M
Hi we booked the vip service & got picked up from a pick up point, driver was polite funny & very tentative to how he drove through the mountain roads taking great care of us. First class.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Nov 8, 2026
MV
Malte V
On time, no problems, very good trip to Pai
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Nov 7, 2026
TU
Theo U
In time. Relaxed way of driving
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Nov 5, 2026
MM
Marianne M
Great and smooth driver despite the numerous curves. Comfortable van with AC. Would recommend :) Be prepared to pay an additional 200 bahts for any suitcase larger than a carry-on.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Nov 3, 2026
RD
Ritchie D
Great driver. Did an extra stop for toilet. Overal good and no problems
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Nov 2, 2026
MA
Manuel A
It's a curvy road by minivan. Good driver and normal minivan. Arrived in Time. Short 15min break during Trip. Very fair price.
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Nov 1, 2026
SK
Sam K
Communication was excellent and she is very polite and understanding! You pay more compared to low budget, but this worth every penny!
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Van + Bus, North Ride Go (North Ride Go), Oct 24, 2026
L
Laura
Everything was perfect! Driver was nice
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Oct 18, 2026
J
Jade
The journey is honestly not as bad as people told me! The driver went a steady speed and I took travel sick tablets just incase. Air con could have been better but super easy and cheap. Definitely recommend
Chiang Mai to Pai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Oct 17, 2026
4.5
477 customer reviews
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64%
4
23%
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Chiang Mai to Pai Van Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Firstplan Transport Group Booking
Van 8pax
05:00
17:00
$291.31
Aya Service
Standard
08:00
12:00
$5.05
  4.4
Aya Service
Standard
09:30
13:30
$5.05
  4.4
Aya Service
Standard
10:30
14:30
$5.05
  4.4
Aya Service
Standard
12:30
16:30
$5.05
  4.4
Aya Service
Standard
13:30
17:30
$5.05
  4.4
Aya Service
Standard
14:30
18:30
$5.05
  4.4

How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai by van

Vans are a faster alternative to buses; vans usually offer more scheduled departures than buses or other means of transport over the same route; vans may serve the routes not served by buses, trains, or flights. What other reasons do you need to opt for a van? Ah! Very often, they are much more affordable than any other means of transport. Van from Chiang Mai to Pai departs regularly according to the schedule and is a decent option to get to your destination at a reasonable price. Now van tickets can be booked online what makes planning of your trip more convenient. Before you book your van ticket, remember to read other travellers’ reviews on your operator’s service to ensure it meets your expectations.

Currently the following operators can help you to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai by van: .

How far is Chiang Mai from Pai?

Chiang Mai sits 140 km from Pai.

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

Vans cover the distance between Chiang Mai and Pai in 2h 30m – 4h hours. Do note that though vans usually stick to their schedule, your journey can take longer if traffic is excessive or the weather is bad. The worst periods in the sense of violation of the timetable is long weekends, national holidays, school vacations and peak season. With roads stuck with traffic do expect delays. Stormy weather with heavy rains or snowfalls can also cause your arrival time to change. Yet in general you can rely on the timing declared by the operator.

The fastest service on this route is provided by Pai Friendly Tour. K Buddy (เค บัดดี้)’s vans travel slower than others.

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

Opposite to, say, buses, normally vans do not offer a great variety in the sense of ticket class hence the price of the ticket is the same for all seats in a van. Note that some seats offer more comfort during the ride. E.g. in some vans the passenger seat by the driver is also available. If you are lucky enough to get it, you may have more space and definitely a better view there. Similarly, in some vans seats in the back row may be a disappointment as they do not recline due to the trunk filled with travellers’ luggage.

To hop onto a van between Chiang Mai and Pai expect to pay from USD 7.73 to USD 20.87. The more convenient the ride, the more you pay – either for extra space or for less stops enroute. Aya Service is the cheapest operator on the route while Pai Friendly Tour is the most expensive one.

Travelling by van essentials

  • Ensure to check carefully from where your van departs. In many cases vans are stationed not at the city main bus station but elsewhere. Individual van operators may have their own van stops located anywhere, and one and the same operator may sell tickets to their vans from different stops. If you are planning a bus-van connection, be sure you understand where to catch your van as it is easy to assume that vans leave from the same station where buses arrive. No, it is not necessarily so!
  • There are different types of vans accommodating from 9 to 15 or more passengers. While on certain routes you have no alternative, on others you can choose. The rule of thumb – fewer seats mean more leg space and more comfort. As well as more money for your ticket. But this is probably the case when it is worth investing into your seat a bit more.
  • Vans accommodating more passengers are often cramped and do not provide any additional space for your luggage. In many cases your ticket will include only one piece of luggage, often with limited weight. If you travel with huge suitcases or backpacks you may want – or even need – to buy an extra seat for your luggage. Before booking an extra seat for your luggage though do check with the operator if they allow it. If you did buy a separate seat for your luggage, and the driver during the way tries to pick up an extra passenger to put on a “vacant” seat, insist on right to use it as you paid for it.
  • There are obviously no on board toilets in vans but if your journey lasts over two or three hours there will normally be one or more bathroom stop(s) enroute. During the bathroom stop, take a note of your van number plate when you get off. It will make it easier for you to find the van among similar vehicles and in an unhappy case (hypothetically!) of van leaving without you, you can at least report it to the operator.
  • Van drivers are notorious for their driving style. Though many companies enforce strict speed limits on their vehicles they are often not observed. This is probably a major downside of van travel in some countries. Anyway, if speed limits are violated do not be shy to ask the driver to go slower. Normally there will be an information plate with the telephone numbers to call if your driver violates traffic rules – report each such case without hesitation. Also, do leave your review if not satisfied with the service to warn other travellers.
  • It is compulsory to use belts for all the van passengers. Even if your driver does not insist on it, use the belt for your own safety. Belts are sometimes fixed behind your seat – do not hesitate to release them and use as they are intended to be used.
  • Many vans do not have scheduled departures but depart when full. Sometimes waiting periods can be long, especially if you happen to come immediately after the previous van has departed or just in the end of the day when there are not so many passengers. Always make sure you understand whether your ticket is for a scheduled trip or otherwise. Normally operators who allow online booking of their tickets, provide scheduled service meaning your van will depart on time no matter how many passengers show up for the trip.

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Pai

Facts about the van from Chiang Mai to Pai

Cheapest Van$8
Fastest Van2h 30m
Earliest Van8:00 AM
Latest Van3:00 PM
Daily Van Routes0
Distance140 kilometers
Van CompaniesAya Service, K Buddy, North Ride Go, Pai Friendly Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, Terminal Green Pai