Want to motorbike from Chiang Mai to Pai? My trip was one of the most fun adventures I had while visiting the city!
The route often comes up on people’s Northern Thailand bucket lists (I know it was on mine for ages) as a must-do activity when in Chiang Mai.
You’ll get incredible sweeping mountain views and endless forest roads; it’s a dreamy ride. It was magical. Just me, nature and windswept hair… for me, 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.
P.S. Get to know more about me and my blog here.
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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 Chiang Mai to Pai route and ultimate guide so you can plan ahead and know everything before you go.
🌟 My top pick >> In Indonesia, I used BIKAGO, which is a good company. They also operate out of Thailand. From my experience the bikes are reliable and fairly new; customer service is great.
- Details on the Chiang Mai to Pai road, otherwise referred to as route 1095.
- How to find a motorbike in Chiang Mai and the two options for renting one.
- To make sure you’re fully aware of what to expect on the road trip and that it’s right for you, I’m sharing stories from our own adventure.
- 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!
- I’ve also put together some essential travel tips to help you have a safe and comfortable journey.
🏨 Accommodation // Where To Stay In Pai // 8.8+ ratings
Budget-friendly: UP2U Guesthouse | Mid-range: Pai Village Boutique Resort | Luxury: Reverie Siam
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 Chiang Mai to Pai scooter route is as famous for its stunning scenery as it is for its dangerous reputation, though maybe not so much these days.
The Thai government has installed barriers and resurfaced roads in most areas, ensuring a (mostly) smooth, 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.
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How Many Turns From Chiang Mai To Pai
However, with the breathtaking views, so too 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 many 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 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, not just yourself!
🛵 BEST THAILAND BIKE RENTAL!
If you want to rent a scooter in THAILAND as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. I recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Thai-based bike rental company. 🤗
Overall Distance
Overall, you will be travelling 80 miles (129 kilometres) from the Chiang Mai old town to Pai by motorcycle.
The route is made up of two roads: the 107 out of Chiang Mai, and 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 it will generally take 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, you can do this route anytime between November and June.
Stay away from July to November, as the region experiences rainfall, which can make it 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.
I actually visited towards the end of March, which was during the Pai burning season.
Farmers burn their fields every year to allow for regrowth, which can create a smoky environment.
Although the weather was fine, the smoke did obscure our views to some degree; however, the air wasn’t as polluted as we were led 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.
Enjoying this blog? All my content is free, but I do spend a lot of time in coffee shops. If you’re finding my content helpful and would like to buy me a coffee, I’d love that! Thank you 🤗
Finding & Renting The Right Motorbike For You
Now you’re all clued up on the best time to motorbike from Chiang Mai to Pai on Road 1095, the next thing you’ll need is the bike!
There are two ways of doing this trip by motorcycle. The first is a round-trip, and the second is a one-way trip.
Since we were doing a one-way trip, we needed to find a company that allowed us to drop the bikes off in Pai. Luckily, we found a company with an office in Pai where we could drop off our bikes!
🛵 BEST THAILAND BIKE RENTAL!
If you want to rent a scooter in THAILAND as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. I recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Thai-based bike rental company. 🤗
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 that helped 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 4 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.
I 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, many other motorbike rental companies also offer great deals.
⭐ 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:
🌟 My top pick >> In Indonesia, I used BIKAGO, which is a good company. They also operate out of Thailand. From my experience the bikes are reliable and fairly new; customer service is great.
- 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.
- 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 scooters. 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!
Chiang Mai To Pai By Motorbike: What To Expect From The Journey
Something I got wrong when I decided to motorbike from Chiang Mai to Pai was renting one bike for my friend and me.
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 chose 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 one!
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 kept them for 2 days, so we had transport to get around Pai.
We planned for two nights in Pai, which was enough for us, but I’ve heard many people falling down the Pai-hole!
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, which would be really rubbish.
⭐ 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, two nights are enough.
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, a long-sleeved shirt and trousers.
⭐ 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 roughly to ensure you arrive in Pai during daylight hours.
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!
Motorbike From Chiang Mai To Pai: The 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, though slightly obscured 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 it.
It’s a 45-minute journey until you can turn onto the start of route 1095, which you’ll just have to bear with.
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 activities to do along this stretch, like visiting a waterfall, more on that below.
The Windy Roads
Is the road to Pai dangerous? It can be if you’re not careful.
You’ll reach the mountains soon enough, and this is when the fun really 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.
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 to 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.
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 300 THB to enter.
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.
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 we have on this trip, but it’s 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, 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 didn’t get the most amazing sunset because of the smoky skies, but it was still enjoyable.
It’s a great place to hike during the day, with waterfalls and canyon trails. The views are spectacular, and it’s somewhere you shouldn’t miss!
It’s freeeeee, but you can arrange for guided tours!
7. Mari Pai Resort
I’ve read that Mari Pai Resort has a famous tree swing! 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!
Where To Stay In Pai
Pai is small, but where you stay really shapes your experience. Choosing between lively town energy and laid-back jungle calm will make all the difference to your stay.
Pai Town Centre is best for first-time visitors, social travellers, and anyone wanting everything on their doorstep. The drawback is that it can be noisy at night and feels less peaceful than staying out in nature.
The riverside / just outside town (Pai River area) is best for a relaxed, nature-focused stay with easy access to town. These areas offer lush views, bamboo bungalows, and a slower pace. You’ll likely need a scooter or a short walk to get around.
Alternatively, the countryside and hot springs area (5–15 minutes out) is great for couples, long-stay travellers, and anyone seeking total tranquillity. You’ll need a scooter or taxi for everything, and evenings can feel very quiet.
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.
Travel Tips: Motorbike Chiang Mai To Pai
To make sure you are fully prepared for your trip, I’ve put together some essential travel tips and things to consider before you go.
✔️ 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 to pack too much in, give yourself plenty of rest time, and plan to get to Pai before it gets dark.
✔️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.
🚑 DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE!
SafetyWing is a fantastic travel medical insurance that is super affordable and great for backpackers. You can purchase a policy before or after your travels begin. 🤗
✔️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 in taking your large bags. Pack a weekend backpack and leave your main ones with your hostel in Chiang Mai.
✔️Take Cash
Although most restaurants take cash, the smaller roadside stalls are less likely to. If you fancy some fresh fruit or picking up a souvenir along the way, you might not be able to if you’re not carrying cash!
✔️Carry A Water Bottle
Keeping hydrated during the long drive is very important. I always travel with my refillable bottles for my health and the environment.
I recommend always carrying a reusable water bottle when travelling.
💧 THE BEST WATER PURIFIER BOTTLE!
When I’m travelling off-the-beaten-path, I hardly ever drink tap water. To solve this, I have a Grayl Purification Water Filter bottle. It’s great and also super environmentally friendly, as it saves hundreds of plastic bottles being thrown away. 🤗
Resources For Thailand
Is it your first time visiting Thailand? I’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on my 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.
⭐ 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. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.
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. Remember, it’s easier to learn to ride a motorbike in Pai than 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 taking a bus to Pai too.
I know of two companies that 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, 13:30 pm 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 directly 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.
Book Transport with 12GO
A great company to use for travel is 12Go. They aim to help travellers from around the world get from point A to point B, trouble-free, with a high-quality service guarantee!
They will book you on the Prem Pracha service, though they will add a service charge, which will make it 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.
✅ BOOK: The private airport transfers you find online also 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!
End Note: Motorbike From Chiang Mai To Pai
Are you ready for your Chiang Mai to Pai Motorbike trip? I hope I’ve answered all your questions and you’re ready to go; if not, shoot me a message, and I’ll happily answer any other questions.
For me, the journey from Chiang Mai to Pai by motorbike was not just about the destination, but also about the incredible places to see along the way.
The views are stunning, the breeze is 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!
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FAQs: Motorbike from Chiang Mai to Pai
How many turns are on the road from Chiang Mai to Pai?
A lot. The road is famously twisty, with 762 hairpin bends winding through northern Thailand’s mountains. It’s scenic and memorable, but also steep and relentless if you’re prone to motion sickness.
What’s the best route from Chiang Mai to Pai?
Route 1095 is the go-to and most recommended option. It’s the main road connecting Chiang Mai to Pai, cutting through beautiful mountain scenery, small villages, and viewpoints along the way. It’s not the fastest, but it’s the most straightforward and by far the most scenic.
What is there to see between Chiang Mai and Pai?
Quite a lot, which is why this drive is more of a journey than a transfer. Highlights include Mok Fah Waterfall for a refreshing swim, Pong Dueat Geyser bubbling away in the jungle, and Huai Nam Dang National Park for big mountain views. Closer to Pai, stop at the Mari Pai Resort tree swing, soak at the Pai Hot Springs, and finish with sunset at Pai Canyon.
How long is the 1095 road from Chiang Mai to Pai?
The road is around 129 kilometres, but don’t let the distance fool you. Thanks to the endless bends, the drive usually takes 3–4 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and how confident the driver is on mountain roads.
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Phuket?
Yes, generally speaking, Chiang Mai is noticeably cheaper than Phuket. Accommodation, food, and activities are far more budget-friendly, while Phuket’s prices are pushed up by resort tourism and island logistics. Chiang Mai is a solid choice if you’re travelling on a budget but still want plenty to see and do.
