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How to get from Chiang Mai Airport to Pai?
It is possible to get from Chiang Mai Airport to Pai by bus, minibus, plane, and taxi. You can also rent a car without a driver. The cost of a ticket on a bus is 2,5 dollars, on a minibus - 6 dollars, and on a plane - 60 dollars. By bus and minibus, you will get to your destination on average in 5 hours including the way to a public transport stop and wait time. A flight to Pai lasts only 25 minutes, however, there is only one flight a day. By taxi, you can leave the airport as soon as your flight arrives, travel time will be 3 hours 20 minutes, and the trip price will make no less than 138 dollars. The distance from Chiang Mai to Pai is 130 km.
A trip from Chiang Mai to Pai by bus or minibus along the mountain serpentine road may become a real test for people with a weak vestibular system. It is possible to get to the place by plane very quickly, however, the plane takes off only once a day and only three times a week during a low season. Besides, the flights are performed on a light aircraft Grand Cessna Caravan, the cabin of which rather reminds a minibus. Thus, if you need to travel to Pai after 17.30, a taxi or transfer remains the only options.
Order a transfer from Chiang Mai Airport
Pai — Thai sleepy hippie village
Pai is a small town, rather a village located in the mountains, at a height of 650 m above the sea. Pai is famous for its pastoral landscapes and a quiet and calm atmosphere. The first foreign tourists here were hippies who felt in chime with such a lifestyle, and their communes can still be found in the surroundings of Pai. It does not mean, however, that there is nothing to do in the town. Although there are no noisy night clubs here, but there are a plenty of bars and cafes. There is even its own Walking Street where you can find souvenirs with Pai symbolics. The fans of active holidays may take a ride on an elephant, raft down the river or set off on the excursion to the settlements of the mountain tribes.
Bus to Pai
$2,5
2-19 h
4h
Ind.tourist
The price of a bus trip from Chiang Mai to Pai is approximately 2,5 dollars. You will spend 3,5 hours en route. This is the least popular way to get to Pai, as it is at a disadvantage in all respects, except for the trip price.
Bus to Pai:
regular buses
Timetable:
07:00, 09:00, 12:30
Route:
Chiang Mai Airport — Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station — Walking Street (Pai)
Travel time:
approx. 4 hours including the way to the bus station
Wait time:
from 2 to 19 hours
Comfort level:
low: old buses; ventilators, and widely opened windows replace air-conditioners
Price:
$2,5
Clients:
young people traveling light
How to find the bus stop:
The bus departs from the Arcade Bus Station. It is possible to get from the airport to the bus station by taxi.
Minibus to Pai
$6
1h
3,5h
Ind.tourist
You can also get from Chiang Mai to Pai by minibus. It reaches the destination in 3 hours. The cost of a trip is around 6 dollars. You can also buy a ticket on the minivan of the AYA Service company. Tickets are sold through travel agencies and at hotels. Their price is slightly higher — 7,5 dollars, but it includes a shuttle to the departure bus station. It is better not to take the back seats on a minibus because the road in the mountains is serpentine (this route is also known as 762 turns) — all the passengers are given plastic bags in case someone feels motion sick. By the way, there is usually very little space in the last row.
Minibuses to Pai:
regular buses
Timetable:
from 6:30 to 17:30
Route:
Chiang Mai Airport — Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station — Walking Street (Pai)
Travel time:
approx. 3,5 hours including the way to the bus station
Wait time:
1 h
Comfort level:
average: air-conditioner, holding devices on the roof for large luggage
Price:
approximately 6 dollars
Clients:
for travelers not suffering from motion sickness
How to find the minibus stop:
Minibus departs from the Arcade Bus Station. You can get from the airport to the bus station by taxi.
Plane to Pai
$60
1 day
25min
Couple
The fastest way to get to Pai is travel by plane which will take only 25 minutes. A ticket costs around 60 dollars. The plane is small and looks very similar to AN-2.
Plane to Pai:
Kan Air
Timetable:
10:25 *during a low tourist season, the plane flies only 3 times a week
Route:
Chiang Mai Airport — Pai Airport
Travel time:
25 min
Wait time:
1 day
Comfort level:
low: small like a minibus; the ceiling is low; seats are uncomfortable without head cushion; no toilet on board; very noisy inside
Price:
around 60 dollars
Clients:
for those who are in a hurry
How to get from Pai Airport to the town:
Pai Airport is located just 1,5 km away from the town center. It is possible to get there by taxi.
Taxi and transfer to Pai
from $138
5min
3 h 20 min
Family
Taxi from Chiang Mai Airport will take you to Pai in 3 hours 20 minutes. The cost of a trip starts from 138 dollars. If you suffer from motion sickness, a taxi is a great choice as you can ask for a stop at any moment. An individual transfer can provide competition to the plane, as not everyone may dare to fly in a tiny aircraft at the height of 4000 km.
Timetable:
24h
Route:
to any address in Pai
Travel time:
3 h 20 min
Wait time:
taxi: average waiting time is 5 min transfer: arrives at the specified time
Comfort level:
High taxi: travel only with your company, enough space for luggage transfer: an air-conditioner is guaranteed, a car can be chosen according to the capacity and comfort level
Price:
from 138 dollars
Clients:
elderly people; families with small children; businessmen; travelers who value comfort
How to order a taxi to Pai:
You can order a taxi by phone or via the Internet. The transfer should be booked in advance on Kiwitaxi website.
Car rental in Chiang Mai
from €29
from 1 day
from 1 year
To rent a car without a driver to get from Chiang Mai to Pai, you’ll need a driving license and a passport. Most of the companies ask to provide a credit card. Choose big international companies not to become a fraud victim. Insurance covering carjacking and accidents is included in the price of car rental per day. A deposit of $100 is charged. You can rent a car at Chiang Mai airport.
How to get from Chiang Mai Airport to Pai?
The transport connection between Chiang Mai and Pai is quite good. The cheapest way to get to Pai is by bus, and the fastest — by plane. It is possible to avoid the inconveniences of these modes of transport by ordering a Kiwitaxi transfer.