Chiang Mai to Pai: minivan, scooter or private car — times, prices and the 762 curves (2026)
Pai is 130 km from Chiang Mai on Route 1095, a mountain road with 762 curves. There are no flights and no trains: the cheapest way is the Prempracha minivan from Arcade bus station (hourly 06:30–17:30, about ฿150–220 at the counter, 3.5–4 hours, big bags on the roof). A private car takes about 3 hours door to door, can stop at Mok Fa waterfall, the Pong Deuat geysers and Pai Canyon, and lets anyone prone to motion sickness sit in front. RideTHA: $150 per car (sedan), $290 for a Toyota Alphard, from your Chiang Mai hotel or the airport. checked .
- Distance: 130 km, Route 107 → 1095
- Curves: 762, the second half is a mountain pass
- By car: about 3 h; minivan 3.5–4 h
- Private car: from $150 per car
How long does it take from Chiang Mai to Pai?
About 3 hours by private car, 3.5–4 hours by minivan including one rest stop, and 3.5–5 hours by scooter with stops. The first half to Mae Malai is easy; the second half is a continuous mountain pass.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
All ways from Chiang Mai to Pai
| Way | Time | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prempracha minivan (Arcade, Terminal 2) | 3.5–4 h · hourly 06:30–17:30 | ฿150–220 (online ฿270–355) | big bags on the roof, 15 kg |
| Aya Service van (hotel pickup) | 3.5–4 h · 08:30–14:30 | ฿250 | often sells out a day ahead |
| Private car / taxi (market) | ≈ 3 h | ฿2,100–4,000 | |
| Scooter (one-way rental) | 3.5–5 h | ฿200–500 / day | licence + IDP needed |
| RideTHA private car | ≈ 3 h | $150–$290 | door to door, stops included |
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
Is there a flight or a train to Pai?
No. The last scheduled flights to Pai ended in 2017; a planned 12-seat service announced in July 2026 was suspended in August before it started. The railway ends in Chiang Mai. There is also no shared van from Chiang Mai Airport to Pai — take a Grab to Arcade or book a car.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
Is the road to Pai bad for motion sickness?
It can be: 762 curves with few straights. Take a motion-sickness tablet about 30 minutes before you leave, sit in front, eat lightly and look out of the window. In a private car you choose the seat and stop whenever you need.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
What is worth stopping for on the way?
Mok Fa waterfall (about 54 km out, 1 km off the road), the Pong Deuat Pa Pae geyser field (about 84 km out, open 08:00–17:00, ฿300 for foreign adults) and Pai Canyon, 8 km before town (free, best at sunset). Stops are included in our price; tickets are not.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
When is the best season to drive to Pai?
November to February: dry road, cold mornings and the busiest vans — book a day or two ahead. Mid-February to April brings smoke from the burning season; from May to October rain makes the road slick, landslips can close lanes and trips take longer.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
Can I do Pai as a day trip from Chiang Mai?
It is not a good idea: 7–8 hours of driving for a few hours in town. Stay at least two nights. If you want the car for the whole day anyway, a car with driver by the day is the better product.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
How much is a private transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai?
$150 for a sedan (up to 3 people), $180 for an SUV, $195 for a 9-seat van and $290 for a Toyota Alphard — per car, door to door, stops on the way included, the same price at any hour. Honest note: market taxis charge about ฿2,100–4,000; you pay us for a fixed booking, a checked driver and no surprises. Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or pay 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24h+ before pickup (multi-day trips: 7+ days before the start).
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
Chiang Mai to Pai: price per car
| Route | Sedan | SUV | Van (9) | Premium (Alphard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai to Pai 135 km · 3 h | $150 | $180 | $195 | $290 |
Questions
How far is Pai from Chiang Mai?
130 km on Routes 107 and 1095, about 3 hours by car.
How many curves are on the road to Pai?
762, most of them on the second half of the road.
How much is the minivan to Pai?
About ฿150–220 at the Arcade counter, ฿270–355 online.
Can we be picked up at Chiang Mai Airport?
Yes — the private car starts at the airport or any Chiang Mai hotel.
Can we stop at Pai Canyon?
Yes, stops are included; Pai Canyon is free.
Is the road open in the rainy season?
Usually yes, but May–October it is slick and landslips can close lanes; allow extra time.
Sources and checks
- visitthailandtoday.com — Chiang Mai to Pai (unofficial source) · published 19 October 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
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Checked by the RideTHA team on 27 October 2026. Bookings operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).