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Pai is a mountain town in a green valley, about 156 kilometres (97 miles) west of Chiang Rai. Travellers come for the hot springs, the waterfalls and the slow riverside pace. A private transfer is the quickest way to get from Chiang Rai to Pai, taking 5h 15m. Buying the bus and minivan legs on separate tickets is the cheapest at $16 (510 THB). One combined ticket for both legs costs a little more.
Distance from Chiang Rai to Pai
Chiang Rai and Pai are about 156 km (97 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 310 km by road. The quickest way to get from Chiang Rai to Pai is by taking the private transport, which takes around 5h 15m.
3 ways to travel from Chiang Rai to Pai
There are three ways to travel from Chiang Rai to Pai. You can choose between the bus + minivan (separate tickets), bus, and private transport. The journey takes 5h 15m–8h 50m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + minivan (separate tickets) with tickets starting at $16 (510 THB).
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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 (760 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 (690 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 (1,200 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 (2,700 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 Rai to Pai, roughly 156 kilometres (97 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $16 (510 THB). The quickest trip takes 5h 15m.
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 Rai to Pai?
The distance from Chiang Rai to Pai is 156 kilometres (97 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Chiang Rai to Pai?
The fastest way to get from Chiang Rai to Pai is by private transport and takes 5h 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Chiang Rai to Pai?
The cheapest way to get from Chiang Rai to Pai is by bus + minivan (separate tickets) with ticket costs starting from 510 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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