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Getting to Pai from Chiang Mai (& the Winding Road)

How to get to Pai — the famous 762-curve mountain road from Chiang Mai, by minivan or scooter.

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Pai sits in the mountains north of Chiang Mai.

From Chiang Mai

The 762-curve mountain road takes about 3 hours by minivan; it is very winding, so take motion-sickness precautions. Confident riders do it by scooter over a couple of days.

From further afield

From Pattaya, fly to Chiang Mai first, then take the minivan.

Getting around

Pai is small and walkable; scooter rental reaches the canyon, waterfalls and viewpoints.

See also: the full Pai travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Pai?

From Chiang Mai by minivan along a famously winding mountain road, about 3 hours. Fly to Chiang Mai first from elsewhere.

Is the road to Pai really that winding?

Yes — 762 curves; it is scenic but bumpy, so bring motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to it.

Part of our Pai guide.