Pai is served by just a single airport, Chiang Mai Intl. Airport (CNX).

Disembark the plane at Chiang Mai Airport and you’ll be sitting 80 kilometres from the downtown area. PYY is another major airport in Pai. It sits 5 kilometres from the center of the city.

There are 11 air carriers connecting Pai to 22 airports globally.

Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air are the most frequent fliers to Pai. The majority of these flights come from Bangkok, with Thai AirAsia having the most services on this route.

With around 582 nonstop flights running every week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Pai before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently depart from Bangkok, Phuket and Taipei airports when going to Pai.

If you’re going to Pai from Bangkok, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 16 minutes. Those departing from Phuket can expect to be on the plane for 2 hours and 17 minutes. From Khon Kaen it’s about 1 hour and 7 minutes away.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Pai until the last moment. That’s one trick well-versed travelers use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more options and less expensive flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to pick up an excellent price by flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to buy your ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Pai could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We’ve put together some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you’ll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when picking what to wear on board. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Roomy, closed-toed shoes are always a smart option.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. The good news is there are proven ways to lower your risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, walk around the cabin whenever possible and wear compression tights or socks.

Being organized before your flight will help make your getaway to Pai a piece of cake. We’ve compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your ID and boarding pass close by. They’re the first things you’ll be asked for by security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a good chance you’ll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.