About the journey from Pai to Chiang Mai
When traveling in the north of Thailand, a highly recommended location to visit is Chiang Mai. After visiting Pai, Chiang Mai offers plenty of cultural exploration through its traditional festivals such as Songkran (Thai New Year) in April when lanterns fill the night sky like glowing stars. The city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by jungle regions where you can enjoy activities such as zip lining through the trees or visiting the hill tribe villages where you can get to know the people who live there and their way of life.
The trip from Pai to Chiang Mai can be taken by car or minivan. These options of transport allow for good travel flexibility as many offer the possibility to book departure and arrival locations. Departure times of your choosing from Pai to Chiang Mai are also possible. Car and minivan providers differ mainly in price and number of possible passengers that can be taken, so you can choose what works best for your budget and travel group.
When you arrive in the Chiang Mai region, you are entering a destination filled with stunning hilltop temples, tropical jungle wildlife, and lots of traditions and cultural history to explore.
What to see when traveling from Pai to Chiang Mai
The 92-kilometer (57 mile) journey from Pai to Chiang Mai is a relatively quick trip on roads surrounded by farmland, jungle, and mountains. Some journeys traverse through twisting mountain roads that can give you better views into the valleys below. This region is filled with lots of natural beauty such as the Mork Fa waterfall as well as many national parks. Man-made sights along the way include Buddhist temples and shrines such as the mountainside temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which sits very close to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai in comparison to Pai is a much larger and a more frequently visited city that can feel quite busy with traffic as you enter. However, once you have settled in, the city will feel more contained and easier to get around than first expected. The surrounding jungle and mountain enclose the city, making it feel cozier.
How to get from Pai to Chiang Mai
Taking a minivan
Minivan travel from Pai to Chiang Mai is a cheap option with plenty of seats for larger groups of between 9 and 12 people. If you are traveling in a smaller group, your journey may be shared by other travelers. This can be a good way to meet other people, but can sometimes feel cramped, especially with lots of luggage onboard.
Bringing extra luggage can cost extra, so it is always best to check with each operator to find out their limits. Minivans have several class options, but are relatively similar in what they offer. Most minivan services can take you to and from your accommodations of choice in Pai and Chiang Mai, although this may cost a small amount more with certain providers.
Taking a car
Car travel from Pai to Chiang Mai is the pricier but more private travel option for smaller groups from between 2-6 people. Cars are a convenient way to get from Pai to Chiang Mai as they offer accommodation pick ups and drop offs as standard.
You can request toilet and food stops from your driver, while some operators also allow rest stops along the way if you would just like to stretch your legs and take some pictures of the countryside scenery. Tuk Tuks, taxis and motorcycles make it easy to traverse the area once you arrive in Chiang Mai.
What is the best time of year to visit Pai?
The best time of year to visit Pai is in the dry season between December and February when temperatures average at around 66°F (19°C). The high season is between November and February and gives a lively atmosphere to this often quiet region.
What is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai?
The best time of year to visit Chiang Mai is in the cool, dry season between December and February. Temperatures reach a maximum of 86°F (30°C) during the day with cold, pleasant nights. If you want to take part in a lantern festival at this time, arriving slightly earlier in the year in November will allow you to enjoy the lunar Yee Peng festival.
