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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 300 kilometre distance from Pai to Chiang Rai. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 4 ways to get from Pai to Chiang Rai. You can choose between the bus + minivan (separate tickets), shared minivan, private transport, bus + minivan (combined tickets)*. The most affordable option is by bus + minivan (separate tickets), starting from $15. The fastest route is by private transport (5h 15m).
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5h 15m
$209
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6h 30m
$16
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6h 40m
$15
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8h 55m
$510
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Booking separate bus and minivan tickets for the Pai to Chiang Rai route can be a really good option, especially if you want to have a little trip in Chiang Mai or want to save some bucks.
The total travel duration for this option is , excluding the transfer time. The combined fare starts at .
There are multiple trips per day so best to align your schedules. We have provided a step-by-step guide below.
A minivan ride from Pai to Chiang Rai costs around . The minivan journey takes about , depending on traffic.
operates on this route.
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Pai to Chiang Rai.
Rates start from $209 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about per person. Travel time is around 5h 15m.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Chiang Rai is a great place to escape from the more touristic Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Home to the iconic Wat Rong Khun or White Temple, this city is a fusion of two countries that captured and recaptured Chiang Rai for centuries: Thailand and Myanmar.
Adventurers will not run out of amazing things to do in Chiang Rai. With its lush green mountain landscape, you can hike or trek to a number of hot springs and waterfalls. Within the city, you can find interesting shopping finds and traditional Thai food at the lively street market and night bazaars.
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The last time we checked (October 2024), there were no available combined buses and minivans from Pai to Chiang Rai. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
The advantage of booking a combined ticket is that you won’t worry about missing out on tickets for the next part of your journey. The disadvantage is that there are very limited seats, so you have to book tickets well in advance.
There used to be a direct trip from Pai to Chiang Rai operated by Terminal Green. However, the last time we checked (October 2022), this direct trip has been unavailable since the pandemic.
Instead, you can book combined bus and minivan tickets in 12GoAsia for $510. The whole travel takes about 8h 55m, which includes the 1-hour layover time.
The combined tickets from Pai to Chiang Rai are offered by Prempracha and Green Bus companies. There is only one trip per day departing at 09:00 in the morning.
Note that this is a self-connect trip and you have to wait for about an hour for the next departure going to Chiang Rai. The final bus stop is at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. From this terminal, you can reach the Chang Rai city centre in just a 5-minute ride.
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Carbon Footprint
This 300 km journey produces approximately 27 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Latin America
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Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Treat YourselfIf you really want to treat yourself, Mora Boutique Hotel is the place to do that. You can go for a relaxing swim in the beautiful swimming pool or chill in the huge bathtub in your own room. This is where we'd spend most of our time!
There's a great onsite gym, free bicycles and a complimentary breakfast — essentially anything you could possibly need from a hotel. And if you need something else, the staff are more than willing to help.
Treat YourselfA day of temple hopping can be exhausting, and there's nothing better than coming back to a comfortable and luxurious room. Sooknirund Hotel is the epitome of luxury. The uniquely designed clock-themed rooms come with robes and incredibly comfortable beds.
There's also a wonderful courtyard surrounded by plants for you to relax in too. But you won't have to walk far to get back to the hotel, as it's situated in the perfect location in Chiang Rai.
Mid-RangeSleepy House is simply beautiful. Stepping into one of their rooms instantly puts you at ease just because of the way they're designed. They're clean, modern and spacious, with a cat theme.
The house has resident cats that are super friendly and loving. It's hard to beat the location of Sleepy House. You'll be within walking distance of a number of Chiang Rai's top sites. Plus, their cutely packaged free breakfasts are great at filling you up for a day of exploring.
BudgetNot many budget accommodations in Chiang Rai come with a swimming pool, but Na Na Doo Homestay has a small but beautiful outdoor pool. This is a great place to stay if you're a family. There's plenty of space for the kids to run around and even rabbits to play with.
The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff are always there to help. It's impossible not to smile when you see their smiling faces! A delicious free breakfast is served every morning.
BudgetJust a 1-minute walk to the Clock Tower and a 2-minute walk to the Night Market, Kanlaya Place is all about location!
The rooms are spacious and very clean, offering a good night's sleep after a day of temple hopping. The staff are very friendly and there to help with anything you could need. There is a 2-night minimum stay.
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