Situated in the Mae Hong Son province of Northern Thailand, the riverside town of Pai has grown into a major tourist stop in Thailand over the last decade.
An improved road, a new airport, and a famous Thai film have transformed the once-sleepy, hippie village into a busier place than it once was. Getting to Pai, Thailand, has never been easier. Despite the new crowds, Pai is still a great place to catch your breath for a few days.
First read about things to do in Pai, Thailand, then use this guide to reach one of Thailand's most pleasant provinces!
The Road to Pai, Thailand
Although it has been paved and greatly improved in the last five years, the steep and winding road (Route 1095) between Chiang Mai and Pai is famously guaranteed to make at least some of the passengers on your bus sick.
If you experience any problems with motion sickness, be prepared on the bus with a plastic bag and motion sickness pills!
Buses and minibuses typically take a quick break halfway to Pai, allowing passengers some fresh air and a chance to buy snacks and drinks.
- Read about ways to prevent motion sickness.
Getting to Pai by Minibus
Minibuses reach Pai from Chiang Mai in a little over three hours, depending on the recklessness of your driver. Speeding along the winding, mountainous roads nearly always makes some people sick. Minibuses to Pai cost around $5 and leave throughout the day.
Arrange a minibus to Pai through any of the travel agencies dotted around Chiang Mai, or your guesthouse can make the call for a small commission.
Getting to Pai by Public Bus
The slower, larger public buses between Chiang Mai and Pai take around four hours, depending on traffic. The ride costs roughly $3 one-way. An average of five buses make the journey; all buses originate at the Arcade Bus Station -- 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 public buses make less people sick because of their slower speed.
- Read about getting around in Chiang Mai.
The Arcade Bus Station is located in the northeastern part of Chiang Mai, well outside of the Old City. You will need a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the bus station. Pay for the bus at the station; if anyone offers to book you a ticket in advance, they are probably pocketing the difference in ticket price.
- Read more about typical scams in Asia.
Flying to Pai
If careening along the mountainous roads in a rattling bus or on a motorbike really is more than you can handle, tiny Kan Airlines operates daily flights between Chiang Mai and Pai for around $50 one-way. The flight takes less than 30 minutes. Reservations can be made through a travel agent or on their website: http://www.kanairlines.com/
- Read more about transport in Thailand.
A Motorbike Adventure
Many backpackers wishing to avoid the public buses opt to rent motorbikes in Chiang Mai to enjoy the drive to Pai on their own terms. The scenery is amazing and having your own transportation allows side adventures such as stopping at the many waterfalls and overlooks along the way.
Most people enjoy having a motorbike on hand in Pai anyway, as many of the attractions such as elephant camps are located just outside of town. The cost of a daily motorbike rental in Chiang Mai can be as cheap as $5 per day.
Follow these guidelines for driving to Pai:
- Only attempt the drive if you are comfortable with driving on steep, winding roads.
- Remember that driving in Thailand follows a simple pecking order: no matter the circumstance, vehicles larger than you -- particularly trucks -- always have the right of way!
- Stop for petrol along the way or take some in a water bottle; Pai is just outside of the maximum range for the rental scooters.
- Know that driving your motorbike outside of Chiang Mai technically violates the rental agreement. While you won't get into "trouble," no one will come to help you if the motorbike breaks down. The rental agency may claim extra wear on the bike as an excuse to ask for more money.
- The ride can get quite chilly at the highest point in the mountains; bring a jacket with you.
- Thailand has a strict helmet law for motorbikes; wear yours so that the local police -- who know that you aren't supposed to have the rental outside of the city -- don't have a reason to stop you!
Driving Directions to Pai, Thailand
Getting to Pai is not difficult to do on your own. Get a free tourist map -- a popular map of Chiang Mai features a small map to Pai on the back. Exit Chiang Mai through the North Gate and drive north on Chang Phuak Road (Route 107). Between Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, you will turn left onto Route 1095; there is a large sign indicating the way to Pai.
Follow Route 1095 through the mountains all the way to Pai. Don't forget to fill up on fuel somewhere along the way!
