How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai

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.

There are 4 ways to travel the 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Chiang Mai to Pai. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transport and Motorbike. The journey takes 2 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by motorbike with tickets starting at 100 THB ($3).

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 100 THB ($3) per day and the ride takes 3 to 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 100 THB ($3) 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 140 THB ($4.10). 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 80 THB ($2.40).

Note that Aya Service requires a 2,000 THB ($59) deposit for the motorbike and a deposit for the helmet for 100 THB ($3). 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 300 THB ($8.90) for the one-way journey, while luggage transport costs 100 THB ($3) 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.

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 4 hours and fares start from 247 THB ($7.30).

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.

The bus is an affordable way to get from Chiang Mai to Pai. Bus fares start from 250 THB ($7.40) and the journey takes around 4 hours 20 minutes.

Prempracha Transport is the company that operates on this route.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Chiang Mai to Pai.

Rates start from 3,654 THB ($110) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 913 THB ($27) per person. Travel time is around 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.