Taxis

Drivers would preferably be looking for punters for more profitable day hire (Pai sightseeing tours, for example), or longer runs to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and so on, but if they’re not busy, taxis will ferry you out to whatever far-flung resort you’re staying at. Prices vary according to distance, number of passengers and how busy they are.

All long distance fares are clearly advertised on their posters and below are a few examples:

Chiang Khong: 6,500 baht
Chiang Mai: 2,500-3,000 baht
Chiang Rai: 4,500 baht
Mae Hong Son: 2,500 baht
Soppong: 1,500 baht
Sukhothai: 6,500 baht
Tha Ton: 4,200 baht.

We also came across Pai to Chiang Mai by pick-up with your motorbike in the back for 2,500 baht—handy if you can’t face the return ride.

Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai are both easily reached by regular bus, so we can’t imagine hiring a taxi for these runs being necessary except in emergencies. Routes involving changes in Chiang Mai, such as onward travel to Chiang Khong or Tha Ton, for instance, can be a bit fiddly, so they could conceivably be worth a splurge if you’re in a hurry and have a car full of fellow passengers at hand.

Private day hire comes in at between 1,500 and 2,000 baht as long as you don’t plan on going too far from town while a return to Pai Canyon or the hot springs, for instance, is 400 baht per person including waiting time. Shorter rides will vary considerably and are open to negotiation.

The word taxi in Pai does cover a variety of vehicles. It could refer to a pick-up truck, saloon car, minibus for larger numbers or you may even be referred to a moto-taxi for a short ride to an edge of town resort if you’re not carrying too much luggage.