Thailand Pai

How to get from Chiang Rai to Pai

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Chiang Rai to Pai. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: April 4, 2024

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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.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Chiang Rai to Pai?

There are 3 ways to travel the 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Chiang Rai to Pai. You can choose between the bus + minivan (Combined tickets)*, private transport and bus + minivan (Separate tickets). The journey takes 5 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes 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 525 THB ($15.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus + Minivan (Separate tickets)

7h 20m - 10h 30m

From 525 THB ($15.50)

Bus + Minivan (Combined tickets)*

8h 50m

From 620 THB ($18.30)

Book Tickets

Private Transport

5h 15m

From 7,077 THB ($210)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Pai?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Pai at the bottom of this page.

Chiang Rai to Pai by Bus + Minivan (Separate tickets)

Duration: 7h 20m - 10h 30m

Costs: 525 THB ($15.50)

Duration: 7h 20m - 10h 30m

Costs: 525 THB ($15.50)

You can book separate minivan and bus tickets for the Chiang Rai to Pai route. You will also have to make a stop at Chiang Mai. The only difference is that you will have to take care of your next transfer upon arrival and time it accordingly so that you don’t miss your connecting bus.

Booking separate tickets from Chiang Rai to Pai allows a later departure and is even slightly cheaper than the combined trip. The travel duration for this option is 7 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes excluding the transfer time.

There are several trips per day so make sure you align your schedules. We have provided a step-by-step guide below for the separate booking.

Step 1: Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Bus

Duration: 3h 20m - 6h 35m

Costs: 278 THB ($8.20)

Duration: 3h 20m - 6h 35m

Costs: 278 THB ($8.20)

Green Bus is one of the most popular bus companies on the Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai route. This company offers several trips from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai daily, with several departures from 08:30 to 16:00.

We recommend booking a morning bus for the trip to Chiang Mai, so you can continue the journey in the afternoon from Chiang Mai to Pai. The bus fares start at 278 THB ($8.20) and the journey takes about 3h 20m - 6h 35m.

Green Bus departs from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, located in the city centre just next to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. Finally, the bus arrives at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. From the terminal, you can easily reach the Old City by taxi in 5 minutes.

Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1

Express

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

07:30

3h 45m

11:15

08:30

3h 45m

12:15

09:30

6h 35m

16:05

12:00

3h 45m

15:45

13:30

3h 45m

17:15

15:00

3h 45m

18:45

16:00

3h 45m

19:45

18:30

3h 45m

22:15

Green Bus

From 278 THB ($8.20)

Chiang Saen GreenBus

Express

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

08:45

5h 10m

13:55

Green Bus

339 THB ($10)

Get Your Tickets

Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1

VIP

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

08:00

3h 20m

11:20

10:00

3h 20m

13:20

12:30

3h 20m

15:50

14:30

3h 20m

17:50

18:00

3h 20m

21:20

Green Bus

416 THB ($12.30)

Get Your Tickets

For more info about this route, check out the page about Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

Step 2: Chiang Mai to Pai by Minivan

Duration: 4h

Costs: 247 THB ($7.30)

Duration: 4h

Costs: 247 THB ($7.30)

Prempracha and Aya Service are the two well-known companies that operate on this route. There are multiple trips per day. The earliest departure is 06:30 in the morning and the latest is at 17:30.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, you can take a 5-minute walk from the terminal to reach Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade Bus Terminal) if your connecting minivan is booked with Prempracha. Head to the minivan parking area to find the next minivan leaving for Pai.

On the other hand, if your connecting trip is booked with Aya Service, you can take a 10-minute taxi ride from the terminal going to Srimongkol Road to board the minivan going to Pai.

The buses arrive at Pai Bus Station for Prempracha and at Aya Service Office for Aya Service.

We highly recommend booking your ride online to assure yourself of a seat. The minivan fare from Chiang Mai to Pai starts at 247 THB ($7.30) and this journey takes about 4h.

Chiang Mai Town Hotel Transfer

Standard

AYA Service Pai

08:00

12:00

09:30

13:30

10:30

14:30

12:30

16:30

13:30

17:30

14:30

18:30

Aya Service

247 THB ($7.30)

Get Your Tickets

AYA Service Chiang Mai

Standard

AYA Service Pai

08:00

12:00

09:30

13:30

10:30

14:30

12:30

16:30

13:30

17:30

14:30

18:30

Aya Service

247 THB ($7.30)

Get Your Tickets

We recommend travelling to Pai during the day as the roads have a lot of twists and turns. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may also want to have your medicine ready prior to departure.

Keep in mind that the drivers do two round trips per day and will drive quite fast. So this trip can be a little scary at times.

You can read more about this route on the page about Chiang Mai to Pai.

Chiang Rai to Pai by Bus + Minivan (Combined tickets)*

Duration: 8h 50m

Costs: 620 THB ($18.30)

Duration: 8h 50m

Costs: 620 THB ($18.30)

The last time we checked (October 2024), there were no available combined buses and minivans from Chiang Rai to Pai. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.

Travelling from Chiang Rai to Pai takes a bus and a minivan ride. You first need to take a bus from Chang Rai to Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, you can transfer to a minivan and continue onward to Pai.

It is convenient to book a combined ticket from Chiang Rai to Pai to avoid tickets being sold out. There is only 1 trip per day departing at 09:00 offered by Prempracha and Green Bus companies.

The total travel duration for this route is about 8 hours 50 minutes including the 1-hour transfer time.

Departure and arrival stations

The Prempracha minivan departs from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, located beside the Pai Night Market in the city centre. The minivan from Chiang Rai completes its journey at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.

From Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, you need to switch bus stations and proceed to Chiang Mai Arcade 2 to board the Green Bus heading to Pai. These two bus stations are just a 5-minute walk from each other.

Note that you have to wait for about 1 hour for the next departure going to Pai. The final bus stop is at Pai Bus Station. From this terminal, you can reach Pai city centre in 5 minutes by taxi.

Bus + Minivan Schedule from Chiang Rai to Pai*

Chiang Rai

Pai

09:00

8h 50m

17:50

Prempracha + Green Bus*

620 THB ($18.30)

Get Your Tickets

*Self-connect trip and includes 1-hour transfer time

In case tickets are sold out, you can also check with the local travel agency in Chiang Rai for a connecting trip. Some companies cover the entire route from Chiang Rai to Pai, which means you don’t need to switch or book two different buses.

Chiang Rai to Pai by Private Transport

Duration: 5h 15m

Costs: 7,077 THB ($210)

Duration: 5h 15m

Costs: 7,077 THB ($210)

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

Rates start from 7,077 THB ($210) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 1,769 THB ($52) per person. Travel time is around 5 hours 15 minutes.

Private Transport option from Chiang Rai to Pai

SUV

SUV Car 4 PAX

Price per person = 1,769 THB ($52)

Tinnakorn

7,077 THB ($210)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Pai

Pai Country Hut - Budget Friendly

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.

Check Available Rooms

The Nest House - Budget Friendly

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

Check Available Rooms

Pai Princess Resort - Mid Range

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

Check Available Rooms

Pai Village Boutique Resort - Treating Yourself

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Rai to Pai

What is the distance from Chiang Rai to Pai?

The distance from Chiang Rai to Pai is 300 kilometers (186 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 5 hours 15 minutes.

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 525 THB ($15.50).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Chiang Rai to Pai. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

Maarten

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.

Abegail

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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