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Pai is a laid-back mountain town about 81 kilometres (50 miles) northwest of Chiang Mai. Travellers come for the hot springs, the waterfalls and the slow riverside pace. A private transfer gets you from Chiang Mai to Pai in 2h 50m - 3h 30m. Riding a motorbike is the cheapest option at $3 (100 THB). The minivan and the bus cost a bit more.
Distance from Chiang Mai to Pai
Chiang Mai and Pai are about 81 km (50 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 123 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h 50m and 4h 20m.
4 ways to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai
There are four ways to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai. You can choose between the motorbike, minivan, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 50m–4h 20m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by motorbike with tickets starting at $3 (100 THB).
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1Chiang Mai to Pai by Motorbike
Many travellers choose to rent a motorbike to drive the scenic road from Chiang Mai to Pai. Driving a motorbike on this road gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom and the opportunity to fully take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
Motorbike rental fee starts at $3 (100 THB) per day and the ride takes 3-4 hours.
Keep in mind that driving experience is required. Maneuvering through the 762 twists and turns from Chiang Mai to Pai can be a lot of fun, but also a challenge for less experienced drivers.
Where to rent a motorbike? Bamboo Bikes Chiang Mai and Aya Service are two well-known motorbike rental shops in Chiang Mai. These shops will offer you directions and safety tips for the journey.
Bamboo Bikes Chiang Mai
We had a very good experience when we rented a motorbike with Bamboo Bikes Chiang Mai. They have a very courteous staff and they let you know which bike is best for you, your budget, and your destination.
Depending on which model you choose, bike prices start from $3 (100 THB) per day.
You can check the Bamboo Bikes Chiang Mai website for more information. Their shop just outside the Old City is also open from 08:00 to 19:00.
Aya Service
Aya Service provides different types of motorbikes with the cheapest starting at $4.20 (140 THB). However, the availability of these bikes is mostly very limited so you'd likely end up paying higher prices. They also offer insurance packages starting from $2.40 (80 THB).
Note that Aya Service requires a $60 (2,000 THB) deposit for the motorbike and a deposit for the helmet for $3 (100 THB). You are required to pick up and return the motorbike at their offices and there is a minimum rental period of one day.
For more information on the rental agreement, you can go to the Aya Service website or visit their office near Wat Pa Phaeng. Their office is open from 08:00 to 21:00.
If you prefer to only drive one way, they also have an office in Pai where you can drop the motorbike off. They charge an extra $9 (300 THB) for the one-way journey, while luggage transport costs $3 (100 THB) per luggage piece.
Own experience: Although they offer bike rental for low prices, the staff can be rude, and don’t be surprised if you have to wait for 30 minutes or longer before they help you. Also, pay attention to the condition of the bike and make a small test ride on their parking lot to check brakes, etc.
Important Things to Remember When Renting a Motorbike
- Thai law mandates wearing a helmet at all times while operating a motorbike.
- The fuel tank will be full when you pick up the motorbike and you are required to fill it up again prior to returning it. Be sure to check the fuel level throughout your trip so you don’t run out along the mountain roads.
- All vehicles larger than a motorbike will always have priority on the road. You may need to pull over to the side to allow buses, trucks, minivans, or cars to pass. Always stay on the left side of the road.
- Drive with care. The twists and turns along this route can be exhilarating but be sure to tone down the adrenaline and prioritize safety. This can be a very dangerous road if you are not careful.
Tips: There have been cases of motorbike theft scams in the past where the renters themselves steal the motorbikes and then demand that you pay for the stolen vehicle. Be sure to only rent from reputable shops, such as Bamboo Bikes and Aya Service.
Aside from motorbike rental shops, you can also try checking motorbike rentals at your hostel in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai to Pai by Minivan
If you don’t feel like driving a motorbike, the best option to get from Chiang Mai to Pai is by minivan. The trip takes 4h and fares start from $7.30 (243 THB).
There are 2 types of minivans heading from Chiang Mai to Pai: government-operated minivans managed by Prempracha Transport and minivans operated by local travel agencies like Aya Service.
There are multiple departures daily from 06:30 in the morning until 17:30 in the evening.
Departure station in Chiang Mai
The Prempracha minivans depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade Bus Station), located 5 km northeast of the Old City. On the other hand, Aya Service departs from Srimongkol Road, 5 km east of Old City.
These bus terminals are easily accessible by either a songthaew, taxi, or by Grab. Coming from the Chiang Mai Old City, it will just take a 15-minute ride to reach either departure point.
Minivan schedule from Chiang Mai to Pai
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Arrival station in Pai
Prempracha minivans arrive at the Pai Bus Station in the city centre. Meanwhile, Aya Service’s last stop is at Aya Service Office along Chalsongkram Road also within Pai city centre.
Prempracha is a well-known and trusted transport company for this route. However, some travellers complain that drivers drive too fast. The road is full of hairpin turns and it can be quite scary so be sure to wear your seat belt at all times.
Be sure to plan ahead and book tickets in advance. Tickets can be difficult to get or even sell out during the peak season from November to February.
Tip: Because of the endless number of turns on this route, some people suffer from motion sickness. Be sure to have your anti-motion sickness tablet with you.
Chiang Mai to Pai by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai. Bus fares start from $7.40 (246 THB) and the journey takes around 4h 20m.
Prempracha Transport is the company that operates on this route.
Bus schedule from Chiang Mai to Pai
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Chiang Mai to Pai by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Chiang Mai to Pai.
Rates start from $110 (3,590 THB) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $27 (897 THB) per person. Travel time is around 2h 50m - 3h 30m.
Private Transport options from Chiang Mai to Pai
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Pai
Here are our favourite places to stay in Pai for every budget.
BudgetPai Country Hut
It's hard to believe the price of this place. Having your own cottage with a private balcony and hammock, yet it's still a budget option! The cosy cottages boast thatched roofs and traditional wooden furnishings.
Set amongst a tropical landscape, you'd never know that you're only 100 metres from the lively Pai Walking Street. You're also only a short walk from Pai River. And as if it couldn't get better, a delicious breakfast is included in the price.
- Great location
- Cosy cottage
- Private balcony and hammock
- Free delicious breakfast
Cottages start at $23 per night.
BudgetThe Nest House
If you want to be at the centre of the action, you can't get a much better location than here. The Nest House is only 300m from Pai Night Market.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, you won't even realise you're this close. Every morning you can sit on your private terrace, enjoying your delicious breakfast, and take in the quietness.
- Ideal location
- Surrounded by nature
- Delicious breakfast included
- Wonderful staff
Private room starts at $21 per night
Mid-RangePai Princess Resort
Peace, tranquillity and serenity are what Pai Princess Resort is all about. Every room has its own private balcony with a hammock.
Sit back and admire the mountain views as the sun rises. A tasty breakfast is also included in your stay, made by the incredibly friendly owners.
- Perfect location
- Stunning natural surroundings
- Private patio
- Peace and quiet
Private rooms start at $36 per night
Treat YourselfPai Village Boutique Resort
Pai Village Boutique Resort is one of the most popular places to stay in Pai. It's pretty easy to see why! There's a beautiful swimming pool, flourishing gardens, an incredible onsite restaurant and even a Koi pond for you to sit and relax around.
The rooms vary from luxury wooden bungalows with private balconies to huge rooms designed with every little detail in mind. This is the kind of place that you don't want to leave.
- Swimming pool
- Beautiful rooms
- Amazing onsite restaurant
- Exceptional free breakfast
Private rooms start from $82 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Pai?
Pai is a backpacker’s paradise in the North of Thailand. It boasts a laidback hippie vibe that makes you want to slow down and explore at a relaxed pace. If you ride a motorbike, you'll have a great time driving through its winding roads backdropped by lush greens everywhere you look.
For a small town, there are a lot of exciting things you can do in Pai. You can enjoy spectacular views from Pai Canyon and the White Buddha, explore the bamboo Boon Ko Ku So Bridge, trek to hot springs and waterfalls, and go white water rafting or river tubing. When the sun sets, Pai's quiet streets come alive with music, dance, and a vibrant night market.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Chiang Mai to Pai, roughly 81 kilometres (50 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $3 (100 THB). The quickest trip takes 2h 50m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Chiang Mai to Pai?
The distance from Chiang Mai to Pai is 81 kilometres (50 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?
Journey times from Chiang Mai to Pai overlap: motorbike 3-4 hours, minivan 4h, bus 4h 20m, private transport 2h 50m - 3h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?
The cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai is by motorbike with ticket costs starting from 100 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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