Vans from Pai to Chiang Rai

Vans from Pai to Chiang Rai

Pai
Chiang Rai
Sun, Sep 13
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2 Travelers
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Pai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

LO
Liberty O
Driver was on his phone consistently throughout the journey (TikTok, dating apps, texting, downloaded a game at one point) all through rain, mountains, lots of turns in Pai. Traffic was not an issue but still arrived much later than advertised. Via WhatsApp the company confirmed the route is direct and doesn’t go through Chiang Mai but they do. I’m glad we arrived safely and the van was spacious compared to others and also had last minute availability
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Aug 20, 2026
M
Michelle
Transfer was excellent but had to arrange transfer from the petrol station as it was raining…
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Aug 3, 2026
PC
Paul C
Comfortable van, lots of stops for the rest room, although took us an hour longer than advertised.
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Jul 5, 2026
AB
Alexander B
The coach from Pai - Chiang Mai was nice, spacious etc. however our driver stopped in Chiang Mai and put us onto a different coach to Chiang Rai which was packed, we were put in the very back and had to split 1 seat between 2 of us for several hours as the bags were taking up the boot and the other chair space, very uncomfortable and hot
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Jun 6, 2026
IR
India R
Arrived at the terminal and was immediately told that we wouldn’t be allowed on the bus unless we paid extra for our bags, which we asked for further clarification about due to the fact we’ve taken probably a dozen bus journeys over the last two months, and haven’t had to pay extra once. Then the man in charge came over and begun screaming in our faces, physically intimidating us and accusing us of being liars. He said we were lying about paying for luggage even though we’d never said that, he’d just misunderstood us and immediately gone mental! He told us we weren’t allowed on the bus even when we tried to give him the money and essentially he left us stranded in pai alone. The man most likely wouldn’t have spoken to two men like this but, as we were two young girls he essentially bullied and verbally berated us.
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Mar 21, 2026
ER
Emily R
Pai to Chiang Mai van was good but the second one was so uncomfortable (that doesn’t describe it at all) and there was mold all around the AC vents. So the two stars are because of the first van.
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Feb 26, 2026
KJ
Kelsie J
The first bus coming into chiang mai from pai was extremely comfortable and spacious for the 1.5 hour journey it took. However the second bus we got moved to driving to chiang rai which is longer roughly 3.5 hours was not so comfy and felt very squished. Seats were very verticle and no one had room to recline the seats. The driver was super nice and always made sure to tell us if there was a longer stretch with no stops ensuring everyone to get snacks/ bathroom breaks if needed before. Overall it was a good experience and felt safe. Good cheap option to get from Pai to chiang Rai! Would do it again.
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Feb 24, 2026
RP
Roxanne P
Mini van was really hot. Has a few stops, but felt really dragged out with a change of van halfway, then a fuel stop, plus the original 2 stops… Fine with leaving on time and arrived pretty much on time. Drop off point is a mall in the middle of nowhere on a highway.
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Feb 20, 2026
HW
Huw W
Really good company. They help you through the laos border and was a smooth transition. MAKE SURE YOUR DOLLAR OR CURRENCY YOU PAY FOR IS FLAT AND PERFECT. they will not let you in otherwise. If you can get your hands on dollars it's the best rate. The bus from the border to the train is very bumpy so be prepared but as far as the company they are very good and I would recommend using them. The staff are great and very kind and you get a lunch included, which is never a bad thing.
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Feb 16, 2026
AM
Anna M
We were not on the list, have been putinto another bus which was going to laos instead of chiang rai. They did not tell us so we randomnly got to know, kinda messy organsation
Pai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Feb 16, 2026
4.4
158 customer reviews
5
51%
4
25%
3
16%
2
8%
1
0%

Pai to Chiang Rai Van Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Terminal Green Pai
Minivan
07:00
13:30
$19.75
  4.1
Aya Service
Standard
07:00
14:00
$21.27
Terminal Green Pai
Minivan
07:00
15:30
$24.31

How to get from Pai to Chiang Rai 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 Pai to Chiang Rai 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 Pai to Chiang Rai by van: .

How far is Pai from Chiang Rai?

Pai sits 275 km from Chiang Rai.

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

Vans cover the distance between Pai and Chiang Rai in 6h 35m – 9h 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 Terminal Green Pai. Zhanzhao Tour’s vans travel slower than others.

How much does it cost to get from Pai to Chiang Rai 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 Pai and Chiang Rai expect to pay from USD 19.75 to USD 46.70. The more convenient the ride, the more you pay – either for extra space or for less stops enroute. Terminal Green Pai is the cheapest operator on the route while Zhanzhao 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 Pai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the van from Pai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Van$20
Fastest Van6h 35m
Earliest Van7:00 AM
Latest Van11:30 AM
Daily Van Routes7
Distance275 kilometers
Van CompaniesAya Service, Terminal Green Pai, Zhanzhao Tour