How to Get to Pai, Thailand:
Everything You Need to Know

The ultimate guide to reaching Pai: Insider tips and essential info

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Pai, a small town in the mountains of North Thailand, is famous for its laid-back hippie vibe and stunning natural beauty. There’s a reason people make the twisting, winding journey up here – it has a special atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. However, getting here can be an adventure in itself! Here’s our ultimate guide on how to get to Pai – everything you need to know.

From Chiang Mai

The nearest airport to Pai is in Chiang Mai, located around 135km away. This is the main entrance route to Pai. You can read more about Getting to Chiang Mai here. It’s well connected with daily flights from Bangkok, major cities in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Once in Chiang Mai, you have a few options to reach Pai:

Minibus/Shuttle
Shuttle buses run frequently between Chiang Mai and Pai, and this is one of the most accessible, affordable and popular ways to get there. It takes around 3-4 hours with a restroom and refreshment break included. If you want to book tickets online, we recommend 12GoAsia. Otherwise, you can find many travel agencies, hostels and tour operators in Chiang Mai itself who can arrange the journey for you.

Private Transfer
If you want more flexibility and your budget allows, you can find private drivers who can take you to Pai. Depending on your budget, some may even be able to stay in Pai and take you to surrounding sights and attractions there. The journey length is around 3-4 hours and is great if you’re travelling with a group or have lots of luggage with you.

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Scooter Rental
If you can ride a scooter, the drive up to Pai is one of the most scenic you can take. It’s important to stress that this is only for experienced riders. As we’ll discuss shortly, the road to Pai involves many tight twists and turns, with minibuses and shuttles on the road. It’s not uncommon to see travellers in Pai covered in bandages from falls and scrapes on the road here. Choose this option with caution! But hiring your own scooter provides you complete flexibility, allowing you to stop as much as you want and take any detours to explore hidden gems.

The Road To Pai

The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is as notorious as it is scenic, a winding adventure with over 700 hairpin turns that take you through the lush mountains of northern Thailand. Yes, over 700 hairpin turns! Known for its dizzying switchbacks and stunning views, the 3 hour journey covers 135km of road that coils through dense jungle, green valleys and misty peaks. The journey comes at a price though, and it’s infamous for causing motion sickness. Especially for those who catch the shuttle bus/minivan to Pai, it’s recommended that you take motion sickness tablets before the journey – even if you don’t usually suffer with it! There is a rest stop about halfway that serves food, drink and souvenirs, but it’s the final stretch from here to Pai where things really get interesting! Part of the charm of Pai is in fact this adventure to get there. The peaceful, beautiful town is worth every nauseating turn, as you tackle a challenging and beautiful passage into one of Thailand’s most beloved destinations.

Tips for Travelling to Pai

Book in Advance
During peak travel seasons, transportation to Pai can get busy. This is a popular route for backpackers and travellers, so book your tickets in advance if you aren’t flexible with dates.

Prepare for the Road to Pai!
As we’ve covered, the road to Pai is steep and winding. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s absolutely essential you take medication or use motion sickness bands. Even if you don’t usually suffer, it might be worth taking some just in case. Carry water with you and some sugary snacks to help with any nausea you might get. Try and get a seat in the centre of the bus and avoid the back – this is where you’ll experience the swaying of the minibus the most. If you’re travelling on your rented scooter, be prepared for the many switchbacks and a high volume of minibuses and shuttle buses on the road.