The steep twisty road between Chang Mai and Pai causes quite a few people to experience travel sickness. Mini-bus is the fastest way to travel between Chang Mai and Pai, taking 4 hours and costing 200Baht. Big buses are the cheapest way to travel, but slower than mini-bus, taking 5-6 hours and costing 100 Baht. There are also flights now.
Mini-bus
The last 60kms of road from Chang Mai to Pai is very steep and
twisty. Mini-buses are able to take these corners more quickly
and easily than big buses, but passengers may experience some travel
sickness. Mini buses will collect you from your guesthouse in
Chang Mai and drop you at the aYa office near the bus station in Pai,
which is centrally located. The journey takes 4 hours and costs 200Baht from almost any travel agent.
Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to travel between Chang Mai and Pai. Buses leave the Arcade Bus station in Chang
Mai, tickets cost 100Baht. The trip takes 5-6 hours and buses
stop at the bus station in Pai, which is centrally located.
Thailand trains
Beer, smoking, good beds. Couples are best to get bunks above and below, so that you share seats.