Distance 92 km (57.5 miles) | |
Price range US$7-US$172 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h 50m-4h 20m | |
Earliest Departure 03:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
The quickest and most affordable way to get to Pai from Chiang Mai is by minivan. Driving by bus is also affordable, but can be slower and includes more stops. The minivan operates hourly and makes just one stop on the 130km journey. By booking between November and February, you can take advantage of the most pleasant weather conditions. Pack a light jacket during those months as it can get slightly cool at night. Bring some hiking boots and a camera as there are plenty of mountains and incredible views to experience.
Fastest bus: 4h 20m
Cheapest bus: US$7
Getting From Chiang Mai to Pai
When you are ready to leave the rich culture of Chiang Mai for the natural wonders of Pai, it’s a pretty easy transition.
A trip to Pai is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from exploring Pai Canyon and walking across the Bamboo Bridge to taking a dip in Pambok Waterfall.
Thankfully, there’s also no reason to stress the trip between these two popular Thai destinations. The 129-kilometer (80-mile) journey from Chiang Mai to Pai is extremely convenient and affordable.
Bring a camera on the journey and capture the breathtaking landscapes of the jungles and mountains. And see for yourself why so many travelers put Pai near the top of their list of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Pai is known for its cozy environment and laid-back vibe, with a side of adventure if you’re in the mood. Waterfalls, mountains, temples, coffee bars, and impressive viewpoints are sprinkled throughout the city. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Pai gives you just that.
Once you arrive in Pai, you’ll immediately be met with stretches of rice fields, peaceful streams, and rivers passing through the town. It offers a little bit of everything, from Lod Cave’s extraordinary limestone formations to the downtown district, where there’s plenty of delicious local cuisine and nightlife action.
Start your relaxing vacation with a trip to Pai Canyon. Walk the narrow paths along the cliffs and admire the unspoiled views from high above. If you are looking for a little break, there are some restaurants and souvenir shops in the area.
After that, you can walk to Tha Pai Hot Springs, which includes several pools within the river with different temperatures.
Pai isn’t just about scenery; it has its fair share of history to discover.
A walk across the Tha Pai Memorial Bridge is a poignant reminder of the battles the city endured during World War II. As you connect with the past, take in the lush greenery surrounding you and the mountains in the distance.
Additionally, hikers are in for a treat.
Bring your backpack and some water and go hiking through the mountainous region.
Afterward, throw on your bathing suit and take a dip in one of the beautiful waterfalls that add to Pai’s great reputation. Follow it up with a walk across the Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge.
Other places to visit include:
Pambok Waterfall
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Santichon Village
Nam Lod Cave
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen
There are three primary ways to get from Chiang Mai to Pai:
Minivan
Bus
Private car
It can take anywhere from 3-4.5 hours to make the trip from Chiang Mai to Pai. If you’re riding with a large group, going by private minivan is your best option.
If you are on a budget, the bus is for you.
If money isn’t a concern and you’re more about flexibility and luxury, consider getting a private minivan or car. This way, you can leave whenever you want and control your trip more. Prices are also determined by the group, not the passenger.
Taking a minivan is your best option when it comes to saving money and getting there quickly.
There are two types of minivans, each with its own set of amenities.
Air conditioning
Prices start at $7 per person.
Average travel time is four hours.
First departure is 09:30. Final departure is 14:30.
Luggage allowances vary by provider
Starting around $161 per group
Air conditioning
Departs from any Chiang Mai hotel
Average travel time is two hours, 50 minutes
One luggage and one handbag allowed per customer
Stops along the way are upon request
Holds up to 9 passengers
There are many daily departures, especially for private minivans.
There are at least 10 bus departures per day from Chiang Mai to Pai. All buses are standard class.
Start at $6 per person
Air conditioning
The first departure is at 06:30, and the final departure is at 15:30
Departs from Chiang Mai Arcade 2
Average travel time is 4 hours, 20 minutes
One 20 kg luggage plus 7 kg handbag per passenger
If you’re flexible and willing to spend a little more money, a private car is a good option. A private driver can arrange to meet and pick you up at any time during the day. They are split into two different classes:
Starting around $150 per group
Air conditioning
Departs from any Chiang Mai hotel in the city center
Average travel time is 3 hours, 30 minutes
One 20 kg luggage per passenger
Stops along the way upon request
Holds up to 3 passengers
Starting from $109 per group
Air conditioning
Departs from any Chiang Mai hotel
Average travel time is 2 hours, 50 minutes
One 20 kg luggage per passenger plus one handbag
Stops along the way upon request
Holds up to 4 passengers
The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai will take you from the province of Chiang Mai all the way to Mae Hong Son.
Between them, you’ll encounter jungles, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. Most noteworthy is the change of scenery, as during the drive, you’ll come across flat landscapes, hills, mountains, and valleys.
You may experience some traffic leaving Chiang Mai. It’s a popular hub in northern Thailand and tends to be quite busy. Once you pass Chiang Mai, you’ll notice a less touristy vibe, with some rural areas and small towns highlighting the drive.
The drive is one of the most eventful ones you will ever experience and is renowned in Thailand. You will navigate along winding roads and mountainous terrain, encountering over 750 twists and turns before arriving at Pai. It’s quite an adventure.
Being a popular backpacker town, crowds can be an issue, especially from November through February, the peak tourist season. But if beautiful weather is what you’re looking for, these are the best months to visit. You’ll avoid the sizzling hot and humid summers but still get lots of sunshine and drier conditions. Bring a jacket for cool nights.
Early November and the end of February are the shoulder seasons. You’ll see a little less volume and snag lower prices, making this an ideal time to visit.
Pai’s rainy season, or the green season, lasts from May to October.
August is, on average, the rainiest month of the year.
Temperatures are hottest in Pai between March and May, with temperatures soaring over 90°F (32°C). Throw in some serious humidity, and it can get a bit uncomfortable, especially for the hikers out there.
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After arriving in Chiang Mai, a private minivan picked me up at the airport, where I experienced Thailand`s hospitality and kindness. The rest is history.
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