How To Motorbike Chiang Mai To Pai: Road 1095 Guide 2024

Heading to Pai from Chiang Mai on a motorbike is a thrilling adventure. It’s something that often comes up on people’s Northern Thailand bucket list as a must-do activity when in Chiang Mai.

With sweeping mountain views and neverending roads through the forest, it sounds dreamy. It was dreamy. Just us, nature and your windswept hair. For us, it was a wonderful experience.

However, what you might not hear about are the dangers. It can be dangerous, especially if you’re a novice driver! That’s why I’ve put together this Chiang Mai to Pai motorbike guide, so you can know exactly what to expect and decide if Route 1095 is right for you.

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Chiang Mai To Pai Motorbike Guide & The EPIC 1095 Road Trip Adventure

In this post, I’m going to provide you with the ultimate Chiang Mai to Pai motorbike guide. I’m going to cover topics including:

• Details on the Chiang Mai to Pai road, otherwise referred to as route 1095.
• I’ll briefly go over finding a motorbike in Chiang Mai and the two options you have for renting one.
• To make sure you’re fully aware of what to expect from the road trip and make sure it’s right for you, I’m sharing stories from our own adventure.
• I’m also going to talk about the best stops along the way so you can plan the most enjoyable experience.
• If you decide motorbiking from Chiang Mai to Pai isn’t for you, I’ve included other transport options too! 
• And I’ve also put together some essential travel tips so you have a safe and comfortable journey.

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The Chiang Mai To Pai Road: Route 1095

You’ve probably already heard about this journey and how incredibly beautiful it is, but let’s just run over some fun facts that you might not know. There is only one way to reach Pai from Chiang Mai, and that’s by travelling on the famous route 1095.

The route is as much famous for being stunning as it is notorious for being dangerous, although maybe not so many these days. The Thai government has installed barriers and resurfaced the roads in most areas, which now ensures a (mostly) smooth and pothole-free trip. 

The 1095 road leads into the Mae Hong Son mountain region, so of course, the views are breathtaking. Overlooking the mountains and driving through nature is what makes it such an appealing road trip for many backpackers.

How Many Turns From Chiang Mai To Pai

However, with the breathtaking views also come 762 incredibly tight turns and twists as you wind your way up the mountain. These hairpin curves and switchback bends make for an exhilarating journey but they also cause blind spots and uncertainties. 

There are a lot of accidents on this road. Although not always at the hands of tourists there have been fatalities with tourists involved. The weather is changeable and the buzz to soar around these bends at speed is a never-ending concern.

With this in mind, do you have experience on a motorbike? If you don’t you might want to consider other transport options (see below) or alternatively head to Pai first and get some practice in there. The roads are much quieter which makes it a good place to learn before venturing back to Chiang Mai on your scooter!

⭐ Pro tip >> I think this is a great idea if you’re a novice motorcyclist as it means you won’t miss out on an epic adventure and you will have the confidence to enjoy it. Plus it means keeping others safe besides yourself too!

Overall Distance

Overall you will be travelling 80 miles (129 kilometres) from the Chiang Mai old town to Pai by motorcycle. 

The route is actually made up of two roads, the 107 out of Chiang Mai and then after about 45 minutes to an hour you’ll take a left onto road 1095. You will then be on the beautiful road directly to Pai.

Your travel time will depend on how many stops you make (see below) but generally, it will take around 5 to 6 hours. A direct route from Chiang Mai to Pai on a motorbike can be done in 3 hours, although I wouldn’t advise this as you’ll miss out on so much!

The Best Time To Go

Although there is a ‘better time to go’ during this period it’s possible to do this route anytime between November and June. Stay away from the months of July to November as the region experiences rainfall and so it can be more dangerous. 

A better time to go is between November and February as the climate is cooler but the days are still sunny and pleasant. However, this is also the most popular time to visit Pai which warrants higher accommodation and tour prices. 

Keep in mind that December and January can be rather cold after sunset so if you’re zipping around on your scooter it might not be so enjoyable!

⭐ Pro tip >> The best time to plan your Chiang Mai to Pai motorbike adventure is in February. 

We actually visited towards the end of March which was during the Pai burning season. Farmers burn their fields every year to allow for regrowth and it can cause a smokey environment. Although the weather was fine the smoke did obscure our views to a certain degree however the air wasn’t as polluted as we were made to believe. 

Still, if you can avoid visiting at this time…do!

Finally, the hottest months are April and June which can become very humid and sticky. Although it’s still safe to ride a bike during this time it might not be that pleasant. Ultimately, if you can plan for February. 

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Finding & Renting The Right Motorbike For You

Now you’re all clued up on the best time to go and the Chiang Mai to Pai Road 1095 the next thing you’ll need is the bike! There are two ways of doing this trip by motorcycle. The first is on a round trip and the second is on a one-way trip. 

We did the one-way trip which meant we needed to find a company that allowed us to drop the bikes at Pai. Luckily, we did find a company that had an office in Pai where we could drop our bikes!

One-Way Chiang Mai To Pai Motorbike Rental

The only company (that I’ve heard of) that has the option to drop off your bike in Pai is AYA Service. They are a great company which we used to make the trip a one-way adventure. You can read everything you need to know about renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai here. 

But, in summary, for the total cost of 2,540 THB – including a 2,000 THB deposit – you can rent a used 125cc Honda Click bike including all fees (except bike insurance) and helmet from AYA Service. For any additional days, the bike is 140 THB per day.

Top 5 Chiang Mai Motorbike Rental Companies

If your plan is to visit Pai and then head back to Chiang Mai you might want to consider the Mae Hong Son Circular Route. We didn’t do it due to time constraints but I’ve read that it’s amazing!

Nevertheless, you’re going to need a motorcycle which will take you through the whole hog. Although AYA Service is the only company offering a Pai drop-off there are plenty of other motorbike rental companies which offer great deals too.

⭐ Pro tip >> Be sure to let the rental company you plan to take the bike to Pai as sometimes they won’t let you. So, to save any issues just be clear with your intentions.

Top 5 Motorbike Rentals:

• CAT Motors (⭐4.7): The most convenient Chiang Mai rental place as it’s located in the old town meaning you can hop over there and check out their stock. Customers seem to be pleased with the service and quality of the scooter too!

• Zippy Bike Rentals (⭐4.9): With a glowing review score these guys are a great option and not too far from the old city. It sounds like they have a smaller selection of bikes so make sure you plan ahead! 

• Chloe Motorbike Rentals (⭐4.8): It sounds like these guys are really responsive and have great customer care. They have a huge selection of bikes from scoobies to larger bikes which would make any trip to Pai comfortable.

• Mango Bikes (⭐4.8): These guys have great feedback from customers and a large variety of bikes to choose from. Located in Nimman, the staff are said to be very knowledgeable and helpful. 

• Vanessa Motorbikes (⭐4.8): You’ll need a tuk-tuk to reach Vanessa’s Motorbikes but they seem to be a great option for tourists and first-time riders offering the smaller scoobies. I’d like to point out that the scooby might be a little uncomfortable to take to Pai but it’s great to learn on!

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Chiang Mai To Pai By Motorbike: What To Expect From The Journey

The most important part of this guide – the adventure! Something which Jack and I made a mistake about when we decided to do this trip was renting one bike between us. We were trying to save money, which we did, but ultimately it would have been a lot EASIER if we had our own bikes!

We also choose the 125cc Honda Click, which is fine if you’re riding solo but for a pair…it’s a push getting up some of those hills. My point is –  take your own bike and if you can’t, go for a larger bike! 

But then again, if you’re on a budget it’s totally doable and it’s still going to be fun.

Nevertheless, we had an epic journey and even though it took us a little longer than planned we made it to Pai safe and sound with bums intact.

Prepping For The Journey

We decided to grab the bikes the night before we left Chiang Mai and actually took them for 2 days so we had transport to get us around Pai. We planned for 2 nights in Pai which was enough for us but I’ve heard many people falling down the Pai-hole! 

⭐ Pro tip >> You’ll need a bike to get around Pai as everything is out of the way but if you want to see the main sites, 2 nights are enough.

Getting the bikes the night before meant we could leave nice and early and not have to worry about not having a bike. I’ve heard many stories of people booking bikes only to turn up the next morning and there are none left – talk about putting a damper on your plans!

Plan Ahead!

It’s good to plan ahead. Make sure you pack some snacks and take a water bottle. You’ll need sunscreen, closed shoes (don’t do this in flip-flops), a helmet with a visor and if you can wear a long-sleeved shirt and trousers do.

⭐ Pro tip >> We weren’t given a helmet with a visor and it was horrible. They didn’t have any left so we had to use our sunnies but it’s still not great. Bugs flying into your mouth and eyes is not fun!

Make sure you leave early and plan your stop, more or less, to ensure you arrive during daylight hours at Pai. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a destination for the first time and trying to find your accommodation in the dark while completely knackered. 

✔️ Therefore, it’s also a good idea to book your accommodation in advance.

⭐ Pro tip >> Fill up your tank before you reach road 1095. Although there are small shops selling fuel in plastic bottles, we didn’t see any other petrol station until we reached Pai. The good news is that it’s unlikely you’ll use a whole tank!

Chiang Mai To Pai Motorbike Route

What can I say other than it was wonderful. Apart from the bugs down my throat and my raw bum by the end of the trip, everything else was great. As expected, the views were stunning even though obscured slightly by the smoke.

On the other hand, the 107 road out of Chiang Mai was not so pleasant. There’s a lot of traffic and air pollution on this road but there’s nothing to be done about this. It’s a 45-minute journey until you can turn onto the start of route 1095 which you’ll just have to bear with it.

Yet once you turn onto road 1095 your Chiang Mai to Pai motorbike adventure really begins. You’ll find a long road with yellow flowering trees lining the roadside which are like little bursts of sunshine and the mountains in the distance calling you to them.

However, before you begin ascending the windy roads, you’ll find restaurants and food stalls scattered along the roadside close to Huai Nam Dang National Park. There are a few activities to do along this stretch like visiting a waterfall, more on that below!

The Windy Roads

You’ll reach the mountains soon enough and this is when the fun begins. You’ll swerve around the corners and twist into bends only to lean the other way and repeat the whole experience, over and over again. Make sure you slow down on each turn as this is how the accidents happen, slow and steady is best.

Enjoy the ride, soak up the scenery and make as many stops as you want. As magical as the views are there weren’t any viewpoints – including the Kong Gnam Viewpoint – that we thought were crucial for stopping at, so just whenever you feel like stopping, make a stop.

Reaching Pai

After you’ve come out the other end, hopefully unscathed, and full of adrenaline the road will flatten out and you’ll begin your approach into Pai. The hippie laidback town of Pai is beautiful as dusk, if you time this right your last leg into the town will be during golden hour.

It’s the perfect way to unwind after an exciting day of road-tripping and exploration. 

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Chiang Mai To Pai By Motorbike: Stops Along The Way

Now you know what to expect from the journey it’s time to start thinking about the stops along the way. There are many and you shouldn’t try to do them all but you can plan for your favourites. 

Here’s the best of the bunch…

1. Huai Nam Dang National Park

You’ll pass Huai Nam Dang National Park towards the start of your trip. It’s on the left if you’re travelling from Chiang Mai to Pai and is a small but lovely national park. You’ll find scenic mountain viewpoints, waterfalls, and hot springs but you will have to make a detour into the park to find them. 

 ✔️ I believe you have to pay to enter 300 THB.

2. Mok Fah Waterfall

One of the waterfalls in Huai Nam Dang National Park is Mok Fah Waterfall where we made a stop. We were lucky to have it (almost) to ourselves.

Once you’ve turned off route 1095 and after a short distance you’ll come up to the entrance with car parking on the left. The waterfall is small and you’ll reach it by walking along the river but it’s great for a refreshing dip. 

There is also a cave which you can hike up to although it wasn’t anything spectacular and smelt really bad – bat droppings Jack tells me – so maybe not something you want to waste your time on!

✔️ The entrance fee is 150 THB and you’ll need around an hour for the detour. 

3. Make Time For Coffee Stops 

Before you reach the winding roads you will find lots of restaurants dotted around the roadside. There are plenty of places to choose from and they make a great stop for grabbing a coffee with forest vibes. 

✔️ Any coffee lover or nature enthusiast will find it hard to resist! 

4. Pong Deud Geyser

We didn’t stop at the Pong Deud Geyser but I’ve read it’s an interesting place to visit. I think it might need a bit more time than possible on this trip but it’s something worth looking into. It’s about a 10-minute ride from route 1095 and you’ll need to turn off before the climb gets snakey.

✔️ Something to keep in mind is that the entrance fee is also 300 THB and the road is said to be a bit sketchy along a dirt road.

5. Pai Hot Springs

Another one we missed due to the price is the Pai Hot Springs.

✔️ It’s 200 THB, which is reasonable but we were budget travelling and so we just couldn’t. But… if you can, they sound great with stunning views!

6. Pai Canyon

Pai Canyon is incredible. We visited it on our final night and actually didn’t get the most amazing sunset due to the smokey skies but it was still enjoyable. It’s a great place for hiking during the day with waterfalls and canyon trails. The views are spectacular and it’s somewhere which shouldn’t be missed!

✔️ It’s freeeeee, but you can arrange for guided tours!

7. Mari Pai Resort 

I’ve read Mari Pai Resort has a tree swing which is famous! With views overlooking the rolling hills and green valleys, it’s definitely somewhere worth checking out while you’re in Pai.

✔️ Heads up – it’s not a secret spot and it’s free, so expect queues!

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Resources For Thailand

Is it your first time visiting Thailand? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Thailand Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:

• Find out why we think Thailand is a fantastic country to visit.
• If you love wildlife, head north to Chiang Mai, check out the elephant sanctuaries, go on a bike tour or hike into the wilderness!
• Is history your thing? Kanchanaburi is filled with war history, the Death Railway and the stunning Erawan National Park.
• Ayutthaya is also worth a visit. It’s an ancient capital with ruined temples and some beautiful riverside locations to visit.
• For more nature, head to Khao Sok National Park and spend the night in the middle of the lake!
• Don’t forget to check out Phuket’s old town, go snorkelling on the nearby islands, or head out on an ATV adventure.

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Just In Case: Other Ways To Reach Pai/Chiang Mai

Are you having doubts about riding a motorbike from Chiang Mai to Pai? If it’s not for you, there are other ways to get there so don’t worry!

Here, I’m quickly going to run through the best options and remember, it’s easier to learn to ride a motorbike in Pai than it is in Chiang Mai!

✔️ One thing I just want to mention is that it’s common for travellers, including locals, to get travel sick during this journey. On winding roads, it can get especially bad and even somebody (me) who doesn’t get travel sick can start feeling woozy.

⭐ Pro tip >> Get some travel sickness tablets and take them, even if you don’t usually get sick! The people throwing up around you might just send you over the edge…

Quick Look At Best (Alternative) Options

✅The Cheapest Option. Minibus at 150 THB
✅The Easiest Option. Take A Taxi starting from 2,500 THB
✅The Best Option. Rent A Car starting from 1,200 THB per day.

Chiang Mai To Pai Bus

There are two options which come under ‘the bus’. If you’re backpacking around Thailand on a budget trip you might want to look into jumping on a bus to Pai too.

There are two companies that I know run this service. The first is AYA Service, mentioned above and the second is Prem Pracha. The latter is who we went with when we returned to Chiang Mai.

✔️ AYA Service: 200 THB one-way; 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 13:30pm and 14:30 pm

✔️ Prem Pracha: 150 THB one-way, from 6:30 am to 17:30 pm every hour.

Although you can book these tickets direct with the company you might find it easier to book online via a reputable company. The best online company to book transportation is 12Go Asia. 

They will book you on the Prem Pracha service although they will add a service charge so it becomes a little more expensive. But, it’s hassle-free, so it depends on how you’re feeling I guess!

⭐ Pro tip >> Whatever you do, don’t arrange for the bus to pick you up from your accommodation as this will double your ticket cost. Catch a tuk-tuk or walk to the bus stop!

I have also read that there is a local bus to Pai, although I can’t verify this. However, if it does run it’s one of the cheapest options but also the longest. 

The good news is that since it’s slower, you’re less likely to get travel sick. If you don’t fancy spending 5 hours on the journey you can catch an arranged minibus. 

✔️ Local Bus: 100 THB one-way, departs from Arcade Bus Station (New Terminal).

Chiang Mai To Pai Private Taxi

Another option if you feel like splurging or you’re travelling with a large group is to hire a private taxi. AYA Service also offers this service starting from 2,500 THB per car. Don’t let their website confuse you the price is per car, not per person.

There are also private transfers which you can arrange online through reputable tour companies like Viator. They normally show up as private airport transfers but you’ll be able to arrange a transfer to Pai.

Chiang Mai To Pai Self-Drive

It’s possible to rent a car instead of a motorbike to make the Chiang Mai to Pai journey. This is going to be the best alternative and most comfortable option. It will be similar to the motorbike as in you’ll get the freedom to explore at your own pace plus the benefits of aircon, radio and comfort. 

The downside, obviously it’s going to be more expensive! However, if you’re travelling in a group or you can afford it I would opt for the car over the taxi. You’ll have a lot more fun self-driving route 1095!

Chiang Mai To Pai Tour

Finally, you can take a Pai Tour. There are numerous companies offering excursions and multi-day trips online.

AYA Service yet again offer Pai day tours from Chiang Mai which are great if you’re short on time!

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Motorbike Chiang Mai To Pai Travel Tips

To make sure you are fully prepared for your trip I’ve put together some essential travel tips and things to think about before you make the trip. I’ve got even more tips on my Chiang Mai Motorbike rental guide here.

✔️Fuel Costs

It will cost you no more than 140 THB for a full tank. That will get you to Pai and then some, keep in mind there are no petrol stations once you leave Huai Nam Dang National Park. There’s one at the end which can be more expensive, I suggest you fill it up at the end of road 107.

✔️Plan In Stops

It goes without saying that you’ll have the best experience if you plan your stops. Make sure you don’t try and pack too much in and give yourself plenty of rest time but also do plan to get to Pai before it gets dark.

✔️Leave Early

To make the most of your adventure plan an early start. You might get stuck in some traffic coming out of Chiang Mai, morning rush hour is between 7 am and 9 am, but it’s worth it to get a good start on the day!

✔️Travel Light

If your plan is to visit Pai for a couple of nights as we did then there is no point taking your large bags. Pack a weekend backpack and leave your main ones with your hostel in Chiang Mai.

Ours at Enjoy Hostel let us leave them for free but others might charge you. Either way, it’s worth not having to lug them around.

✔️Have Insurance

The most important thing is to ensure you have Medical insurance for your trip. This is different to bike insurance and something you should never travel without. If any accident happens you have to be covered. We use SafetyWing which has great travel medical insurance for nomads!

✔️Carry A Water Bottle

Keeping hydrating during the long drive is very important. We always travel with our refillable bottles for our own health but also for the environment. You should always carry a reusable water bottle when travelling.

✅ I use the Grayl Water Purification Bottle: It’s a top-rated and best-selling water filtration and purification bottle for backpacking, hiking, camping, emergency prep and global travel. Basically great for using in southeast Asia and helping the planet, one plastic bottle at a time!

✔️Take Some Cash

Although most restaurants take cash the smaller roadside stalls are less likely too. If you fancy some fresh fruit or picking up a souvenir you might not be able to if you’re not carrying cash!

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs, and download a digital data pack.

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Where To Stay In Pai

You’ll also be happy to know that because Thailand is generally considered a cheap country to visit, you’ll be able to find really great affordable accommodation in Pai!

Budget Suggestion: UP2U Guesthouse

Guest at UP2U Guesthouse are saying it’s an amazing place to stay in! It’s said to feel like staying in a treehouse and has a wonderful garden and chill-out area with hammocks and swings. It’s located by the river, with friendly staff and fruit and coffee provided in the mornings.

However, the location was a bit far from the main area, around a 15-minute walk to the main area so something to keep in mind.

Mid-Level Suggestion: Pai Village Boutique Resort

Pai Village Boutique Resort is in a perfect location surrounded by beautiful gardens with a lovely pool close to the centre. Guests are saying the accommodation was relaxing with excellent services and an amazing restaurant! They provided a great breakfast, free treats, and drinks daily.

However, the loud music from the main street at night and the lack of sun around the room/balcony could be problematic. Overall, it is great value for money.

Luxury Suggestion: Reverie Siam

The Reverie Siam hotel has a great design that makes it feel like the 1920s. It boasts two pools, one saltwater, and one chlorine. The landscaping and river areas are serene and otherworldly, making it an absolute paradise! Guests are happy with the staff and service and say there is even a tuk-tuk shuttle into town, is a great convenience.

It’s a must-visit hotel when in Pai, despite being a 10-minute walk from town. That said, apparently, they now offer a free on-demand shuttle service, making everything even easier.

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Motorbike Chiang Mai To Pai FAQs

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Conclusion: Motorbike Chiang Mai To Pai 

Are you ready for your Chiang Mai to Pai Motorbike trip? I hope we’ve answered all your questions and you’re rearing to go, if not shoot me a message and I’ll happily answer any other questions. 

The journey from Chiang Mai to Pai by motorbike is not just about the destination, but also the incredible places to see and visit along the way. I just want to leave you with these thoughts… the views are stunning, the breeze inviting and the trees surround you in nature. Although the road is challenging at times it’s nothing that can’t be conquered. 

No matter what your reasons are for wanting to do this ride, it’s a trip of a lifetime that will leave you with magical memories. So I say, go for it!