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 $5.90 (200 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 30m 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 30m – 4h 20m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by motorbike with tickets starting at $5.90 (200 THB).
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1Hi Andy, many thanks for your addition. From what I see Cat Motors gets indeed excellent reviews on Google Maps (g.page). However, also Bamboo bikes (g.page) is still receiving excellent ratings as well. I had a very good experience with Bamboo bikes myself a couple of years ago and it seems people are still very content with this company. It looks like they are both excellent options. Best, Maarten
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 (780 THB) 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 (710 THB) 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 (1,220 THB) 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 (2,750 THB) 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 $5.90 (200 THB). The quickest trip takes 2h 30m.
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 3-4h, minivan 2h 30m - 4h, bus 2h 30m - 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 200 THB.
Route Update History
- New minivan operators: Terminal Green, K Buddy, Pai Friendly Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, North Ride Go.
- Updated minivan prices.
- Updated minivan departure times.
- New bus operator: Tara Tour and Travel.
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus departure times.
- New private operators: Freedom Tour & Taxi Service, Naiyai 654 Service Co.,Ltd..
- Updated private prices.
- Updated private departure times.
- Minivan operators no longer listed: Terminal Green, K Buddy, Pai Friendly Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, North Ride Go.
- Bus operator no longer listed: Tara Tour and Travel.
- Private operators no longer listed: Freedom Tour & Taxi Service, Naiyai 654 Service Co.,Ltd..
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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