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Is it safe and enjoyable to drive from Chiang Mai to Pai?

Driving in Thailand Chiang Mai Pai Road conditions Travel tips Motorbike Scenic routes Road safety

Feb 27, 2022

3 years ago

Michael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello has anyone driven a car to Pai from Chiang Mai?  Feedback on experience is appreciated. Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Driving from Chiang Mai to Pai has received mixed feedback, with many highlighting the road's curvy nature and the importance of being an experienced driver. Some travelers have enjoyed the drive, noting excellent tarmac roads and beautiful scenery, while others warn about the challenges posed by sharp bends and potential loose gravel. Navigation can be tricky in Chiang Mai, but with the right tools, the journey can be enjoyable.

John ********

It's a great drive now! Good road, lots of bends. Take it easy and enjoy. Far better than several years ago.

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Nese ***********************

We went from Chiang Mai to Pai. The traffic was a bit tricky in Chiang Mai, and was difficult to follow the signs, but with the MapsMe Navigation we could drive very easy. Be careful, a lot of curves. Safe journey

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Vance *********

Oh and watch out for Thai since of humour as they drive around bends on the wrong side of the road . Was there last week on my motorbike

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John *****

Great twists n turns, 180 deg spin bends drive. If you are experienced driver, no problem. Watch out for loose gravel and sand at bends

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Grant *************

We drove our own car there a couple of years ago...it's a great drive.

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Nigel ********

I drove CM to Pai, then the Mae Hong Son a few weeks ago. Excellent tarmac roads all the way, many dual carriageways, with a few twisties.

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Jeff *********

a few twisties?? Lol 😆 great road but many many "twisties" as you call them.

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Jeff *********

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Mike *******

I plan on driving the Pai loop next month. It’ll be my first time, however several of my friends recommend it as a beautiful, scenic road trip. Enjoy. 🖖

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Mike *******

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Mike *******

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Naomi ******

It's a very bendy road so go carefully. If you're an experienced and confident driver and understand Thai road habits you'll be fine

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Garrett ***********

CM to Pai really isn't that bad, after Pai going to maehongson it gets a lot more curvy.

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Naomi ******

@Garrett **********

true. But some people aren't comfortable driving on all those curves, either way

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Naomi ******

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Nicolas ********

I just did it on motorbike two weeks ago… It's fantastic

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Roger ********

That route is crazy! Blind bends, it's a roller coaster 😝 drive carefully and stay safe 👍

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Shayne **********

Don't take any wrong turns.

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Roger ********

@Shayne *********

yep, a wrong turn will send you down into a deep ravine 🤔

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Roger ********

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Garrett ***********

I don't think there are roads all the way up there in the jungle. Pretty sure only option is to hike through the treacherous jungle over a 5 day period. It's recommended to take a tour guide since they know how to fight off the lions and tigers.

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Giorgio ******

@Garrett **********

Going through the jungle you'll also have to watch out for all those unknown spirits, ghosts , dinosaurs , dragons beasts etc.....

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Roger ********

@Garrett **********

where did you hear there weren't roads all the way between CM and Pai? 🤣

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Garrett ***********

Tiktok, so I know it's true.

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Roger ********

@Garrett **********

of course, that's my source of truth too haha

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Roger ********

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Michael *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

up for that

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Michael *******

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