Pai Day Trip From Chiang Mai: Minivan Times and Costs
Pai is 130 km from Chiang Mai, 3.5 to 4 hours each way by minivan. Vans leave Arcade from 06:30. Pai works as a day trip by van and an overnight by car: the last van back leaves Pai at 17:00 or 17:30, before the Walking Street opens at 18:00. Fares run about THB 150-220 at the counter.
Pai is 130 km from Chiang Mai on Route 1095, the road of 762 curves. By minivan it takes 3.5 to 4 hours each way, so a day trip is mostly road. The last van back leaves Pai at 17:00 or 17:30, and the Walking Street opens at 18:00. A private car lets you stay for the evening.
Pai Canyon from a viewpoint.
Pai day trip: minivan times, costs and the last van back
Minivans from Chiang Mai
Prempracha vans leave Chiang Mai’s Arcade bus terminal every hour from 06:30 to 17:30. They reach Pai’s bus station on the main street in 3.5 to 4 hours. The station is in Wiang Tai, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130. Fares are about THB 150-220 at the counter or THB 270-330 booked online.
Route 612 runs from Chiang Mai Arcade through Pai, Pang Mapha and Mae Hong Son. Timetables, fares, stops and conditions may change, so confirm with staff before travelling.
Minivans back to Chiang Mai
The first van from Pai is at 07:00, hourly in between with an extra 11:30. The last van is 17:00 or 17:30: be at the bus station for 17:00 and count the 17:30 as a bonus. In the cool-season peak, December to January, the vans sell out.
Some booking-site tickets drop you in the Old City, at Tha Phae Gate or at Chiang Mai airport instead of Arcade.
Private car
A private car takes about three hours and costs about THB 2,000-4,000, depending on the car.
The road itself
Route 1095 has 762 bends and curves. Take a motion-sickness tablet 30 minutes before you leave, a seat near the front and a light breakfast.
What to see in Pai on a day trip
Pai Canyon
It is in Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130.
Pai Walking Street is open 18:00-22:00, seven nights a week. Bring cash, since plenty of vendors won’t take cards. The last van back leaves at 17:00 or 17:30, so the street is out of reach on a van day.
Pai Walking Street by day.
Who a Pai day trip suits (and who should skip it)
Good for early starters. The first van from Chiang Mai leaves at 06:30.
Good with a private car. It takes about three hours and costs about THB 2,000-4,000.
Skip it for the Walking Street. The street opens at 18:00, and the last van back leaves at 17:00 or 17:30.
Skip the van without a plan for the curves. Take a motion-sickness tablet 30 minutes before you leave.
Pai town centre is compact and best explored on foot.
By private car
A private car takes about three hours and costs about THB 2,000-4,000. With a private car you are not tied to the last van.
By motorbike
Rental shops differ. Cat Motors lets you ride to Pai. Chiang Mai Bicycle does not allow its small scooters to be taken to Pai. To drive a motorbike, you need a valid motorcycle licence, and some rental companies will tell you otherwise.
1Book the minivanBook ahead in December and January, when the vans sell out.
2Board at ArcadePrempracha vans leave Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal every hour from 06:30 to 17:30.
3Ride to Pai bus stationThe van reaches Pai's bus station on the main street in 3.5 to 4 hours.
4Catch the last van backBe at the Pai bus station for the 17:00 van; the last van may leave at 17:30.
Not confirmed: Prempracha publishes no timetable or fares on its own site, and sources split on the last van (17:00 or 17:30); confirm at the Pai bus station. Rental shops differ on whether scooters may go to Pai.
By van, yes, but only for daylight stops: the last van back leaves Pai at 17:00 or 17:30, and the Walking Street opens at 18:00. A private car lets you stay for the evening.
How far is Pai from Chiang Mai?
Pai is 130 km from Chiang Mai on Route 1095.
How long does the minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai take?
Prempracha vans reach Pai's bus station in 3.5 to 4 hours.
How much is the minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai?
Fares are about THB 150-220 at the counter or THB 270-330 booked online.
What time is the last minivan from Pai to Chiang Mai?
The first van is at 07:00 and the last at 17:00 or 17:30, hourly in between with an extra 11:30. Plan on the 17:00.
How many curves are on the road to Pai?
Route 1095 has 762 bends and curves.
Do Chiang Mai rental shops allow rides to Pai?
Shops differ: Cat Motors lets you ride to Pai, while Chiang Mai Bicycle does not allow its small scooters to be taken to Pai. A valid motorcycle licence is needed.
General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
