GETTING TO OUR LOCATION

I. To Thailand

The best way arrive in Thailand is to fly to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is much nearer to the Kung Fu Retreat but Bangkok has more flights and is usually cheaper. There is an abundance of hotels, guest houses etc in Bangkok to suit all budgets, should you need to arrange an overnight stay. There are usually a lot of good deals available at www.ebookers.com and similar budget airfare sites. Otherwise, search individual airlines and check what deals they are offering.

II. To Chiang Mai:

For flights, check www.bangkokair.com they should come in at 1000-2000 Baht each way and take about 1 hour 15 minutes.

For trains, you could get an overnight sleeper train from Bangkok. This can be done either from Krung Thep Apiwat Central Terminal (formally known as Bang Sue Grand Station) and also from Don Mueang Station. Tickets can be purchased in advance (recommended) online with 12go.asia and be received by either e-ticket, or picked up in person (pick up in person at their office or at the station, details provided while paying). Ticket’s could also be purchased in person. 

Please be aware that trains in Thailand often run very late. The trains are very comfortable and afford great views of the Thai countryside. If you are on a very tight budget, you can go to Kao San Road in Bangkok and get an overnight coach for about 300 Baht or so. This is the least comfortable way to travel. We recommend the flight, especially if you have not spent much time in Thailand before.

III. To Pai

You have a choice between taking a minibus or taxi.

Minibus – The minibus trip from Chiang Mai is about 150 Baht and has awesome views. It takes about three and a half hours, most of which is spent on amazing winding roads through mountains the like of which you have probably never seen before. The views are breathtaking and the journey is an adventure in itself so we recommend that you travel during daylight. You will want to book with the provider Prempracha Transport: https://premprachatransports.com/ To get there from the airport, simply take a taxi with a meter or a Tuk Tuk to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. It should take 15 – 30 minutes depending on traffic and cost very little.

On Prempracha Transport website, you can book your seat in advanced and pick up your bus ticket once you arrive to the Bus Station. Once you arrive, if you didn’t book your seat in advanced, you will need to book on to the next available minibus.

Minibuses run between about 6.30 am and 5.30pm. If you arrive in Chiang Mai later than about 3.30pm you are likely to need to either stay overnight in Chiang Mai or get a taxi to the Kung Fu Retreat. If staying overnight, which is the cheapest option, we recommend that you still go to the Prempracha office when you arrive and book on to a minibus for the next day. Then look for a guesthouse. You should be able to get a nice room near the centre of Chiang Mai with fan for 400 – 500 Baht. If in doubt try looking on tripadvisor.

Taxi – We can arrange for a taxi from Pai to come to the airport to meet you. Alternatively you could speak with drivers in the taxi rank outside the airport. Recently taxis have been charging about 4,200 Baht for the trip. This does vary and will likely be higher if late at night or in December / January. If we arrange a taxi for you we will need to pay in advance so please do not pay the driver otherwise he will think that he has just got the best tip of his life and likely take a week off! If you do want to give a tip, 100 – 250 Baht would be about right.

If you want to book a taxi through us, please let us know so that we can arrange the taxi. We do ask for at least a 48 hour notice when possible and will do as best as we can to assist you.

IV. Pai to the Kung Fu Retreat

When you first arrive in Pai the easiest way to get to us is simply to book a taxi. The taxis are a little way up the main street. Motorcycle is the cheapest taxi and should cost less than 100 Baht. For a minibus / car 150 – 250. Ask for Kung Fu or Kun Iain / Kun Pu. If in doubt, ask the driver to call 0823920556 for directions in Thai. Alternatively, hire a moped and ride to the Kung fu Retreat. It will take about 10 minutes.

Directions: Head out of town towards the airport / Mae Hong Son. On the far side of the airport turn right, parallel to the runway. We are the first turn on the left, about 400m down the road, on a sharp right hand bend. We have a prominent sign. A little way before our sign is a flashing orange sign signalling sharp bend / left hand turn.