%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(98.442974%2C19.359338)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(99.7282960263894%2C19.8451284582796)%2F99.0856350131947%2C19.6022332291398%2C6%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Chiang Rai sits in Thailand's far north, 156 kilometres (97 miles) from Pai. It's best known for the White Temple, a mirror-covered creation on the edge of town. A private transfer is the quickest way, taking 5h 15m. The cheapest way to get from Pai to Chiang Rai is the bus and minivan on separate tickets at $15 (495 THB). The shared minivan costs a bit more and is quicker.
Distance from Pai to Chiang Rai
Pai and Chiang Rai are about 156 km (97 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 307 km by road. The quickest way to get from Pai to Chiang Rai is by taking the private transport, which takes around 5h 15m.
4 ways to travel from Pai to Chiang Rai
There are four ways to travel from Pai to Chiang Rai. You can choose between the bus + minivan (separate tickets), bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 5h 15m–8h 55m 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 $15 (495 THB).
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Pai to Chiang Rai.
Our favourite places to stay in Chiang Rai
Here are our favourite places to stay in Chiang Rai for every budget.
Treat YourselfMORA Boutique Hotel
If 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.
- Beautiful rooms and grounds
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Amazing bathtubs
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $110 (3,650 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfSooknirund Hotel
A 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.
- Delicious free breakfast
- Beautifully designed rooms
- Perfect location
- Great staff
Private rooms start from $74 (2,440 THB) per night.
Mid-RangeSleepy House
Sleepy 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.
- Beautiful design
- Perfect location
- Amazing staff
- Exceptional free breakfast
Private rooms start from $38 (1,260 THB) per night.
BudgetNa Na Doo Homestay
Not 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.
- Beautiful gardens
- Plunge pool
- Great staff
- Free delicious breakfast
Private rooms start from $28 (930 THB) per night.
BudgetKanlaya Place
Just 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.
- Perfect location
- Friendly staff
- Extremely clean and comfortable
- 2-night minimum stay
Private rooms start at $20 (660 THB) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Chiang Rai?
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Pai to Chiang Rai, roughly 156 kilometres (97 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $15 (495 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 Pai to Chiang Rai?
The distance from Pai to Chiang Rai is 156 kilometres (97 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pai to Chiang Rai?
The fastest way to get from Pai to Chiang Rai is by private transport and takes 5h 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pai to Chiang Rai?
The cheapest way to get from Pai to Chiang Rai is by bus + minivan (separate tickets) with ticket costs starting from 495 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.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
