Minivan / bus
Cheap, direct and the most popular option
Private car / taxi
Comfortable door-to-door transfer
Motorbike
Scenic mountain route for experienced riders
Extra transfers
Direct transport is faster and easier
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is by tourist minivan or private car. Minivans are the cheapest and most popular choice, while private transfers offer the highest comfort. There are no trains or direct flights on this route. Motorbike travel is also possible for experienced riders with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 240 km by road via Pai.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Minivan ~6 hours | Private car 5–7 hours.
- 💰 Price: Minivan from US$9/pp | Private car from US$150/vehicle.
- 🚍 Minivans: Frequent daily departures from Chiang Mai.
- 🚕 Private Car: Door-to-door transfer from the city or airport.
Last updated in April 2026
From Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son you can travel by minivan, private taxi or motorbike.
Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son covers about 240 km via Pai. The most popular option is a tourist minivan, taking about 6 hours with tickets from around $9 per person. There are no trains or direct flights on this route.
Private taxis and cars offer the most comfortable transfer, taking about 5–7 hours and costing around $150–300 per vehicle. Experienced riders can also travel by motorbike via Pai.
Mae Hong Son is a beautiful mountain province near the Myanmar border, known for its scenic roads, temples and hill tribes. You can also travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai or explore more destinations across Thailand.
| Transfer modes from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Van / Minibus | 6 hours | $9–10 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi with a driver | 5–7 hours | $150–350 per car |
| Motorbike (without loop) | 8–10 hours | $10–15 per person |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
1. VAN / MINIBUS from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
👉 Minivan is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.
- ✔️ Best for: Budget and solo travelers
- ✔️ Travel time: About 6 hours
- ✔️ Price: From $9 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: Standard seats in modern minivans
- ✅ Recommended: Prem Pracha from Chiang Mai Arcade 2
- 💡 Tip: Book online and arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check departure and arrival stations before your trip.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is by tourist minivan. These services are operated mainly by Prem Pracha and are ideal for budget travelers. As seats are limited, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance.
Minivans depart from Chiang Mai Arcade 2 and arrive at Mae Hong Son Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 6 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.
BOOK TICKETS to Mae Hong Son ➜
Tickets cost about $9 per person, making this the most affordable transport option. Arrive at the departure point at least 30–60 minutes before departure and check all booking instructions before your trip.
| Type | Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van | Prem Pracha | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| Van | Prem Pracha | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| Van | Prem Pracha | 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Van | Prem Pracha | 12:30 | 18:30 |
| Van | Prem Pracha | 13:30 | 19:30 |
| Van | Prem Pracha | 14:30 | 20:30 |
2. TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.
- ✔️ Best for: Families, groups and private travel
- ✔️ Travel time: About 5–7 hours
- ✔️ Price: $150–350 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: Modern cars, SUVs and minivans
- ✅ Recommended: Private minivan for groups
- 💡 Tip: Share the fare to lower the cost per person.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose your preferred pickup and drop-off location.
Private taxi or car is the most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. Companies such as Jed Yord, Smart En Plus, Joy Taxi and others operate modern cars, SUVs and spacious minivans.
Private transfers offer door-to-door service from your hotel or Chiang Mai Airport directly to your accommodation in Mae Hong Son. The journey takes about 5–7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Prices range from $150–350 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Groups can save money by sharing a minivan. Book your private transfer online in advance, especially during the high season.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Smart En Plus | 05:50 | From $200.00 |
| Kim Transfers | 05:00 | From $150.00 |
| Freedom Tour Taxi Service | 05:00 | From $195.00 |
| T Buddy Service | 06:00 | From $160.00 |
| Jed Yord | 06:50 | From $260.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 06:30 | From $195.00 |
| GB Limousine | 05:00 | From $220.00 |
| Than Car Service | 05:00 | From $150.00 |
| Easyride Services | 06:30 | From $190.00 |
❓ FAQ — Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
How to book tickets or a private car from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
Book minivan tickets and private cars online via 12go.asia ➜. You can also book other routes across Thailand.
What is the travel time from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
Minivans take about 6 hours, while private cars usually take 5–7 hours.
What is the distance from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
The road distance is about 240 km via Pai in northern Thailand.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
Minivan tickets cost about $9 per person, while private cars cost around $150–350 per vehicle.
Are private transfers available?
Yes. Private taxis, SUVs and minivans are available and can be booked online in advance.
Can you travel by train from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
No. Mae Hong Son has no railway station. See the Chiang Mai to Bangkok train schedule.
Is there a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son?
No. Direct flights are available only on the Bangkok to Mae Hong Son route.
What is the cheapest way to get to Mae Hong Son?
The cheapest option is a tourist minivan, with tickets starting at about $9 per person.
How do you travel from Mae Hong Son back to Chiang Mai?
You can return by minivan, private car or motorbike. Minivans are the most popular choice.
How do you travel from Chiang Mai to Nan or Phayao?
Where to stay in Mae Hong Son?
Mae Hong Son offers hotels, resorts, guesthouses and bungalows. Book accommodation via Book Your Stay in Mae Hong Son ➜.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
🧭 Popular travel routes from Chiang Mai:
If you’re planning your next trip from Chiang Mai, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Chiang Mai for visitors exploring Southern + Northern Thailand + Laos.
BOOK Your STAY in Mae Hong Son ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son by tourist minivan or private car through the scenic mountains of northern Thailand via Pai.
- Best Option: Tourist minivans are cheap, comfortable and widely available.
- Mountain Road: The route has over 1,800 curves, so prepare for a winding journey.
- Best Departure: Morning departures usually offer better road conditions.
- Private Transfer: Ideal for families, groups and travelers with extra luggage.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets ahead during weekends and holidays.
- Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks and a light jacket.
Tip: Minivan tickets and private transfers can be booked online in advance.