If you’re traveling from the peaceful mountain town of Pai back to the bustling city of Chiang Mai, a private minivan transfer is one of the most convenient and stress-free options available—especially compared to the more common shared vans that can be quite cramped and intense on the winding mountain roads.
Vehicle Comfort
- Provided with a modern air-conditioned minivan (Toyota Commuter or similar).
- Spacious seats with plenty of legroom—seating for 6 to 9 people but we had it to ourselves.
- Clean interior, bottled water provided
The Journey
- The ride took approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
- The driver was professional and drove carefully, which is important given the 762 curves between Pai and Chiang Mai.
- Being able to stop on request—either for restrooms, snacks, or scenic photos.
- No motion sickness this time! The private setting made a big difference in comfort.
Final Thoughts
The private minivan from Pai to Chiang Mai was one of the best travel decisions we made in Northern Thailand. It gave us flexibility, comfort, and a chance to enjoy the scenic route without the stress of packed shared transport. If your budget allows, we highly recommend upgrading to a private transfer—you’ll arrive in Chiang Mai feeling refreshed instead of queasy!
