Mountain town in Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Getting around Pai
How to get around Pai
The centre is walkable; rent a bicycle or scooter for waterfalls, canyons and hot springs. Minivans are the usual way in from Chiang Mai.
Ways to get around Pai
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter | 150–300 THB a day | Most common way around; the roads are winding and crash-prone |
| Bicycle | About 50–100 THB a day | Fine for the town and nearby rice fields |
| Songthaew | Agree a price | Hired for waterfalls and viewpoints; no regular routes |
Taxis in Pai
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. Use walking, bicycle or scooter; hire a songthaew or motorbike taxi for set trips and agree the price first.
Arriving in Pai
Via Chiang Mai (CNX)
Minivan from Chiang Mai, about 3–4 h and 150–300 THB; 762 curves, so take motion sickness pills. Book at Arcade bus station.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented widely; licence checks happen at highway checkpoints and crashes are common.
- Driving: on the left. Drive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Onward travel in Thailand: Cheap domestic flights link main cities; overnight sleeper trains run Bangkok–Chiang Mai and south; VIP buses, minivans and ferries cover the rest.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Pai?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. Use walking, bicycle or scooter; hire a songthaew or motorbike taxi for set trips and agree the price first.
What's the best way to get around Pai?
The centre is walkable; rent a bicycle or scooter for waterfalls, canyons and hot springs. Minivans are the usual way in from Chiang Mai.
How do I get from the airport to Pai?
Minivan from Chiang Mai, about 3–4 h and 150–300 THB; 762 curves, so take motion sickness pills. Book at Arcade bus station.
Is Pai walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Pai
Going to Pai solo?
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Sources
- State Railway of Thailand e-ticketing
- Airports of Thailand
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.