about 80km
Pai is a small, hippie town with a relaxed vibe about 80km from Chiang Mai, and most tourists who visit Chiang Mai also go to Pai. There are only two ways to get there, by road or by air. If you decide to fly it is the fastest option but also the most expensive.
Can you do a day trip to Pai from Chiang Mai?
The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai takes around 3-4 hours. Although the short journey does make it one of the favoured day trips from Chiang Mai, to make the most of your visit, we do not recommend visiting there and back in one day.
How many curves Pai to Chiang Mai?
762 road
It takes three hours winding the 762 road curves by bus to get from Chiang Mai to Pai – a vibrant, quirky mountain valley in Northern Thailand that is close to the Myanmar border.
Where should I stop between Chiang Mai and Pai?
Leave Chiang Mai for Your Epic Road Trip to Pai.
Is Pai worth visiting?
The Pai Canyon (Kong Lan as it’s known in Thai) is also worth a visit and, as an added bonus, entry is free. A walk through the canyon is not for the faint-hearted though, with steep 30-metre drops on either side of narrow paths, but the panoramic peak-filled views are completely worth it.
Is Pai expensive?
In the grand scheme of things, Pai is not expensive compared to other places in Thailand. You can expect to spend around $25 per day on accommodation and food.
Is Pai Thailand safe?
It is quite safe in Pai. The locals are quite friendly and the towns as safe as other tourist towns in Thailand. That said, the road in Pai can be quite curvy and for those who aren’t used to driving mountainous roads, be sure to be extra careful while driving, especially if it rains.
How to get from Chiang Mai to Pai?
When travelling the 130km distance from Chiang Mai to Pai, you have 2 options: you can take the van for 3 hours ($6.50) or take the public bus for 4 hours ($3). Alternatively, you can also rent a motorbike and drive this scenic journey in about 3-4 hours. Motorbike, Van or Public Bus?
What is the road to Pai in Thailand?
The Road to Pai. Although it was repaved and greatly improved in 2015, the steep and winding road (Route 1095) between Thailand’s northern capital of Chiang Mai and Pai is famously guaranteed to make at least some of the passengers on your bus sick.
Where do buses start and stop in Chiang Mai?
All buses originate at the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai — also called the “New Terminal” — with departure times at 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. The Arcade Bus Station is located in the northeastern part of Chiang Mai, well outside of the Old City.
What is the best time of year to visit Pai?
An ideal time of year to visit Pai is during the cooler and less rainy season from approximately late November to February. Though December may be busy, in January there are fewer tourists.
