Knowing how to get to Pai can be a little tricky for first-time visitors. Besides, it’s high up in the north of Thailand and very close to the Myanmar border.
Almost all visitors coming to Pai are travelling from Chiang Mai, so that is the travel route on which this blog post is based.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know in regards to travelling to Pai so that you can get on the road ASAP!
Is Pai Worth Visiting?
Pai is an absolute backpackers paradise in the north-west of Thailand. There are tonnes of activities to enjoy, loads of great hostels, and don’t get me started on the food!
Not to mention, this spot is ultra-cheap and you can truly find yourself some banger bargains. There are loads of beautiful stores to shop and plenty of beautiful souvenirs.
Pai gives off an ultra-hippy vibe and the atmosphere in this charming town is enough to make you stay for weeks… or months on end.
Read more: Nolo Hub Pai: Thailands Best Hostel
How to Get to Pai
There are a few ways in which you can reach Pai and for the most part, it’ll take around 3 hours of travel when coming from Chiang Mai. Let’s dive into some of the most popular methods for travelling to Pai.
Tip: If you get carsick, I’d highly recommend taking some motion sickness medication before taking this route. There are 762 turns to reach Pai and you will be taken in and around the mountains.
Minivan
First up, the most popular option is to travel via minivan. I typically recommend booking tickets via 12go! Asia as they have loads of vans available and there are usually a few times you can choose from.
Moreover, tickets are around 230 Thai Baht per person, and this is one of the most affordable ways to reach Pai. It’ll take about 3.5 hours to travel this way and there is one stop in the middle for a toilet break.
This is one of the safest and most convenient ways to reach Pai. It’s a great option and the ride is comfortable and smooth.
You will be dropped off into the heart of Pai and from here you can easily get a lift to your accommodation, or if it’s within walking distance, simply wander there. There are loads of hostels and hotels near the drop-off point, so you might be in luck!
Tip: Arrive early at the bus terminal to avoid missing the van. Be sure to check in at least 15 minutes before departure.
Scooter
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can take matters into your own hands and ride a scooter there. The way to go about this is to head to Aya Service in Chiang Mai and have a chat with them about hiring a scooter to go to Pai.
Aya can also deliver your luggage to Pai which will cost 100 Thai Baht. Moreover, scooter rental prices start at 140 Baht per day, but you can also get a nicer / faster scooter if you wish.
Scoopys are always a nice and reliable option. They’re easy to ride, small and great for first-time or learners. If you’d like to see some of the scooter options available, you can have a look at Aya’s website and get in contact with them.
As fun as it is riding a scooter, please take note that wet weather makes this road incredibly slippery and many people have had stacks while riding. You may want to reconsider riding there if there is a lot of rain incoming.
Tip: I’d avoid driving this route if it’s your first time on a scooter. There are a lot of vehicles that take this route and many trucks and vans drive by at very fast speeds. Not to mention, there are loads of turns to take, so it’s not the best road to learn how to ride.
Hitchhiking
Alternatively, if you’re on an ultra-tight budget, you might be able to get away with hitchhiking your way to Pai. Now, this method isn’t always guaranteed and isn’t exactly the safest method in the grand scheme of things.
However, hitchhiking is a fun experience and I can happily say that I managed to safely hitchhike my way to Pai.
Hang out on the side of the road heading towards Pai and stick your thumb out to cars going by. Once someone pulls over have a chat with the driver and see if they’re willing to take you to Pai.
The advantage of hitchhiking to Pai is that it’s one main road and most people tend to be travelling to the town. It’s pretty easy to do and will save you some $$$!
Finally, before jumping into the vehicle, be sure to confirm a price. Sometimes, people might want you to chip in a little money for fuel, or you may just get lucky and they’ll take you for free!
Where to Stay in Pai
If you’re a backpacker, solo traveller or wish to stay in a dorm, then I highly recommend staying at Nolo Hub Pai. It’s the best spot to be for the ultimate ‘home away from home’ vibe.
Nolo Hub runs activities and daily tours, and each night the hostel heads out to a different bar to party the night away. Keep in mind, it’s not a party hostel, but it has fantastic social aspects.
Additionally, there are private rooms available at Nolo Hub 2 if you wish to have a little privacy or want a little bit of luxury. Besides, these rooms are a dream and it displays beautiful Moroccan architecture; I highly recommend them!
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Pai is nice and easy to reach and there are a few methods you can use to visit the beautiful little town. I think there is a great array of options so you can really choose which one suits you best.
All in all, the most reliable and safest way to reach Pai is to travel via the minivan services. There are multiple vans that run daily and they take you directly into the heart of Pai.
Nonetheless, be sure to choose the method that suits you best to have an enjoyable journey to Pai. Finally, be sure to check out this section of my blog for all things Thailand-related.
Read more:
4 Waterfalls in Pai: The Best Places to Swim in Pai
Tipsy Tubing in Pai, Thailand: Everything You Need to Know
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