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If you are planning to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai in 2026 this is the guide for you. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip from Chiang Mai to Pai.
Pai is a dreamy and romantic village located in the rolling hills of north Thailand in the Mae Hong Son province. There are loads of amazing things to do in and around Pai. Pai has Hot Springs, jungles, waterfalls, trekking, a night market and much much more.
Oh yeah AND don’t miss our step-by-step ONE WEEK itinerary for Pai
If you are planning to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai there are several transport options available, however it can be tricky to work out the BEST option for you and to find accurate and up to date information on booking.
The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai by road is around 130 km. This is likely to take 3-4 hours. The first 30 kilometers of the journey follows route 107 Northbound from Chiang Mai. This is a large road with many petrol stations and shops. You then turn off west and follow the 1095 which leads up into the mountains. The mountain section of the route between Ching Mai and Pai has some very bendy roads.
In this article we will compare different methods of transport for getting from Chiang Mai to Pai and also let you know about some great things you can see and do along the way.
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1 Take a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai
The most popular way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is to take a bus. The only buses that go from Chiang Mai to Pai are small mini buses. These buses are fast, affordable and relatively convenient.
During busy periods buses can book up a few days in advance. Therefore we recommend booking your bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Pai as early as possible. There are a couple of bus companies offering bus tickets from Chiang Mai to Pai.
Top tip: These buses can drive quite fast along the winding mountain roads which can cause travel sickness. If you suffer from travel sickness try to sit towards the front of the minibus.
Our favorite bus company is called AYA Services. Here is the AYA Service bus schedule between Chiang Mai and Pai:
| Buses from Chiang Mai to Pai | Buses from Pai to Chiang Mai |
| 9.00am | 8.30am |
| 10.30am | 10.00am |
| 12.30pm | 12.30pm |
| 2.30pm | 2.30pm |
The bus journey from Chiang Mai to Pai takes around 3-4 hours and normally includes one stop. Tickets are impressively cheap at 200 baht per person (this is roughly £4 or $5). Pick up and drop off locations:
- In Chiang Mai: Aya Services are located around 1km north of the Chiang Mai on Srimongkol road
- In Pai: Aya Services are located on the Pai walking street
AYA Services also offer tours and motorbike rental in Pai. The main disadvantage of traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai by bus is that you will need to arrange your own transport in and around Pai. If you are not able to drive or ride a motorbike you can still explore Pai by taxi or arrange tours to see the main attractions around Pai. AYA Services also offer a range of tours to see various attractions around Pai. AYA services drop you off at the office on Pai – which is very central and close to lots of food and accommodation in Pai.
To book a bus with AYA services drop them a message on WhatsApp: +66869208666
2 Rent a motorbike
Another popular way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is to rent a motorbike and drive. This is a very fun, Intrepid and adventurous way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai.
Motorbike rental in Chiang Mai is cheap and readily available. Many places will be willing to rent bikes for around 150 baht per day, especially if you agree on longer rental periods. If you are traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai on a rented motorbike we recommend paying a little more for slightly better specs and a bigger, more comfortable bike.
- Always check the bike carefully for bumps and scratches and take any photographs before you rent a bike.
- If possible, avoid leaving your passport as a deposit. Try to agree on the cash deposit instead. A cash deposit for a motorbike in Thailand should be around 2,000 – 3,000 baht.
- Always check that you are fully qualified and fully insured to ride a bike in Thailand.
- If you’re riding a motorbike in Thailand stay safe and legal – always wear a helmet.
Top tip: If you rent a motorbike from AYA services (the bus company) – you can rent it in Chiang Mai and then drop it off in Pai. Then from Pai you can either take a bus back or travel elsewhere.
One disadvantage of using a motorbike to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is that you will only be able to bring a relatively small bag with you. If you’re traveling with a big bag, you may want to arrange a place to leave this in Chiang Mai (assuming that you are actually returning to Chiang Mai). An advantage of traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai by bike is that you can stop at some of the epic places on the way. Also, once you get to Pai you will have your transport sorted.
3 Rent a car
The most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is to rent a car. Car rental in Chiang Mai is likely to start between 700 and 1,000 baht per day, depending on the season and availability (roughly £13 – £20 or $16 – $25)
If you rent a car in Thailand it is very important to check the contract carefully. You will often be asked to leave passports as a deposit. We recommend avoiding this if possible. Instead ask if you can leave a cash deposit. A cash deposit for a car rental in Thailand is likely to be around 5,000 baht (roughly £100 or $130). Make sure that the deposit amount is also written on the rental contract that you sign.
Before you rent a car in Thailand make sure that you are fully qualified and insured to drive in Thailand. If possible try to obtain an international driving permit. Before you take a car rental, always check the car carefully for any damage or scratches. Make sure that you take photographs of any damage on the vehicle before you take it away. Always try to make a note of the contact details of the car rental company. They will be able to help you if there are any problems with the car. Car rental companies in Thailand can sometimes include a baby seat or booster seat. However, be aware that this may cost an additional fee.
If you are looking for a good car rental company in Chiang Mai check out Chiang Mai wheels car rental.
Although car rental is not the cheapest option there are some big advantages of renting a car in Thailand. For example, you can take the journey at your own pace. You can stop on the journey and see some of the amazing attractions on the way. Also you will be able to take your bags with you on this journey and you will already have transport when you arrive in Pai.
What things can you see on the journey from Chiang Mai to Pai?
If you choose to rent a car or bike to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai we recommend stopping along the way to see some of the amazing attractions.
For example, don’t miss the impressive Mork Fa waterfall. And nearby there is also an amazing coffee shop (Pankled coffee). The Pong Duet geyser and hot spring is also on route. If you are willing to take a detour don’t miss the Sticky waterfall. Oh yeah and don’t miss the novelty themed Aeroplane cafe just on the intersection of route 107 and the 1095.
