Pai From Chiang Mai: The Road, Buses and Scooter Rules

Pai is an easy trip from Chiang Mai if you take bus route 612, which runs buses and minivans on the winding mountain road. If you plan to ride a scooter, carry an international driving permit or a Thai licence and wear a helmet.

The road from Chiang Mai to Pai

It is a climb of about 120 km from Chiang Mai city via Mae Taeng and Mae Rim, though the province’s own table gives 135 km on Highway 1095.

The road is mostly two lanes wide, with steep, winding sections, damaged stretches and obstacles in the lane. Drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road ahead.

Bus and minivan to Pai

Bus route 612 from Chiang Mai bus station is the simplest way in, running via Mae Rim and Ban Mae Malai, then onto Highway 1095. Prempracha Transport is the one company on the route, with ordinary buses, air-conditioned buses and minivans. Pai has a single bus station.

Scooter rules and risk

Rent a scooter only if you are ready for the risk, because motorcycle accidents are common and cause most road deaths, and rental bikes are often poorly maintained. Read the laws and fines guide before you rent.

You must carry an international driving permit or a Thai driver’s licence. Riding without a motorcycle licence could also get an insurance claim denied.

Helmets are where the fines bite: riders and passengers must both wear one, and the fine is up to THB 2,000. If your passenger has no helmet, you as the rider are fined double.

Check the scooter too, because hire scooters in tourist areas are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road. Keep your passport and do not hand it over as a guarantee. Some renters who left passports as collateral had them withheld.

Smoke season and the burning ban

Mae Hong Son province banned all open burning from 1 February to 30 April 2026, with an exception only for areas under the fuel management plan. If you spot a fire, report it on 199.

Before an outdoor day, check the readings on Air4Thai. Burning in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries carries 4 to 20 years in jail. For the Chiang Mai side of the smoke season, see the Chiang Mai guide.

Huai Nam Dang National Park

This park spans the border between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and includes Pai district. The park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

A child here is anyone aged 3 to 14 or no taller than 140 cm. Children under 3 are exempt.

Among the popular spots is the Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint, and the park also lists Pong Dua Hot Springs, Tha Pai and Mae Haad Waterfall.

Pai Canyon and the hot spring

Pai Canyon, known locally as Kong Lan, is about 7 km out of Pai town on Highway 1095 toward Mae Malai, with the entrance on the left. A short uphill walk takes you from the parking area to the main viewpoint, and sturdy shoes help on the dusty, uneven sections.

Go early morning or late afternoon, as midday is much hotter. Some sections are narrow and steep with sharp drop-offs, so watch your footing near the edges.

Mueang Paeng Hot Spring is worth a stop too, with water at around 95 degrees Celsius. From Pai town, follow Highway 1095 toward Mae Malai for about 28 km, then turn right onto Highway 1265. The last stretch is a mix of concrete and rough road.

Emergencies

Save 1669 for any medical emergency. For a serious injury, Chiang Mai’s big hospitals keep their emergency rooms open 24 hours. Mae Hong Son also has a tourist police station, and the Thailand emergency numbers page has more contacts.

Before you go

Carry an international driving permit or a Thai licence before you hire a scooter, and wear a helmet, as the fine is up to THB 2,000. Hold on to your passport, check Air4Thai before outdoor days, and keep 1669 and 199 saved.

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Not confirmed: Minivan fares and journey time from Chiang Mai are not confirmed: ask the operator. The fees and hours of Pai Canyon, the Tha Pai hot springs and Tham Lod are not confirmed, nor whether the park fee covers Tha Pai: ask at each gate.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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