Flight + ferry
Fastest route via Bangkok and Trat
Train + ferry
Sleeper train and relaxed overland travel
Bus + ferry
Lower cost but a much longer journey
Taxi all the way
Very expensive for this long-distance route
Quick answer: The fastest way from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang is flight + ferry via Trat. Train + bus + ferry is a comfortable overland alternative, while bus + ferry is usually the cheaper choice. A private car offers the most flexibility but costs considerably more.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 1,030 km via Bangkok and Trat
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train + Bus + Ferry 20–32 h | Bus + Ferry 20–30 h | Flight + Ferry about 7 h | Car + Ferry 14–18 h
- 💰 Price: Train + Bus + Ferry $25–90 | Bus + Ferry $35–60 | Flight + Ferry $170–320 | Car + Ferry $360–800
- 🚆 Best overland: Train + bus + ferry via Bangkok
- ✈️ Fastest: Flight via Bangkok to Trat + ferry
- 🚕 Best for groups: Private car + ferry
Last updated: August 2026
Chiang Mai to Koh Chang: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train + Bus + Ferry | 20–32 h | $25–90 / person | ★★★★☆ | Scenic overland travel |
| 🚌 Bus + Ferry | 20–30 h | $35–60 / person | ★★★☆☆ | Budget travelers |
| ✈️ Flight + Ferry | ~7 h | $170–320 / person | ★★★★★ | Fastest journey |
| 🚕 Private car + Ferry | 14–18 h | $360–800 / car | ★★★★★ | Groups & flexibility |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang requires a combination of transport because the island has no airport or railway. The fastest route is flight + ferry via Trat, while train or bus connections via Bangkok are better for travelers who prefer overland travel.
Chiang Mai to Koh Chang by Train, Bus, Flight + Ferry
The journey from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang covers about 1,030 km and requires a ferry connection because Koh Chang has no airport or railway. Travelers can go overland via Bangkok and Trat, or save time by flying toward Trat before continuing to the island.
The most practical choices are train + bus + ferry, bus + ferry, or flight + ferry. A private car is also possible and can be useful for groups or travelers with a lot of luggage.
Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island and is known for its forested hills, beaches and relatively relaxed atmosphere. Before traveling, check the weather in Koh Chang and plan your ferry connection accordingly.
1. Train + Bus + Ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang
👉 Train + bus + ferry is a popular overland option from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and scenic overland travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~20–32 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $25–90 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium, with sleeper berths available
- ✅ Best Option: Night train to Bangkok + bus and ferry to Koh Chang
- 💡 Tip: Book the train and onward transfer in advance.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose a sleeper berth for overnight travel.
This route combines a train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok with a bus or minivan toward Trat and a ferry to Koh Chang. There is no railway from Bangkok to Trat, so the journey continues by road.
The complete journey usually takes about 20–32 hours and costs around $25–90 per person, depending on the train class and bus service. Sleeper berths are more comfortable for the long first part of the trip.
From Bangkok, you can use a combined bus and ferry connection to Koh Chang via Thammachat Pier. The journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang usually takes around 5.5–8 hours.
You can find information about the map of Thai railways and book the separate train and onward tickets online.
2. Bus + Ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang
👉 Bus + ferry is a cheaper overland way to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang.
- ✔️ Best for: low-cost travelers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~20–30 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $35–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight bus to Bangkok + bus and ferry onward
- 💡 Tip: Book both parts of the journey in advance.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose a reputable operator for the overnight journey.
Bus + ferry is another practical overland route from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang. The journey normally goes through Bangkok and then continues toward Trat and Thammachat Pier.
The complete journey takes about 20–30 hours and costs around $35–60 per person. Buses from Chiang Mai to Bangkok usually take about 10–15 hours, depending on the operator and traffic.
Modern buses are generally air-conditioned, while some services also offer sleeper seats or additional onboard facilities. From Bangkok, you can continue by bus and ferry to Koh Chang.
Because the journey uses separate connections, allow enough time for transfers and check the departure points carefully before booking.
3. Flight + Ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang
👉 Flight + ferry is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $170–320 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high
- ✅ Best Option: Flight via Bangkok to Trat + ferry
- 💡 Tip: Check flight and ferry connections before booking.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Leave enough time between connecting services.
Flight + ferry is the fastest option from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang. The route uses Chiang Mai International Airport, a connection in Bangkok and Trat Airport, followed by a road transfer to the ferry pier.
The complete journey can take around 7 hours, although the actual time depends on the flight connection and ferry schedule. It can save many hours compared with traveling entirely by train or bus.
Trat Airport is about 15 km from Thammachat Pier, where ferries depart for Koh Chang. The combined flight and ferry journey costs around $170–320 per person.
This option is more expensive, but it is a good choice if your priority is reducing travel time and avoiding a long overland journey.
4. Private Car + Ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang
👉 Private car + ferry is the most flexible but most expensive option from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–18 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $360–800 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer to Thammachat Pier + ferry
- 💡 Tip: Sharing the cost can make a private minivan more affordable.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book the vehicle in advance.
A private car or minivan offers the most flexibility for this long journey. You can choose your departure point in Chiang Mai and arrange the transfer toward Bangkok, Trat and Thammachat Pier.
The journey takes around 14–18 hours and costs approximately $360–800 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type and route.
Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger SUVs and minivans are more suitable for groups. Splitting the cost between several travelers can make this option more reasonable.
The final part of the journey is by ferry from Thammachat Pier to Koh Chang. Private transfers are best suited to travelers who value door-to-door service and flexibility over price.
❓ FAQ: Traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang
How long does it take from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang?
Flight + ferry takes about 7 hours. Train + bus + ferry takes around 20–32 hours, while bus + ferry takes about 20–30 hours.
How far is Koh Chang from Chiang Mai?
The travel distance is about 1,030 km via Bangkok and Trat.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang?
Train + bus + ferry costs about $25–90, bus + ferry $35–60, flight + ferry $170–320, and private car + ferry $360–800.
What is the fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang?
The fastest option is flight + ferry via Bangkok and Trat Airport, followed by a transfer to Thammachat Pier.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Koh Chang?
Train + bus + ferry can be the cheapest option, with prices starting at around $25 per person.
What islands can I visit from Koh Chang?
Does Koh Chang have an airport?
No. Koh Chang has no airport. The nearest airport is Trat Airport, from where you continue by road and ferry.
Is there a train from Chiang Mai to Trat?
No. You can travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, but Trat has no railway connection.
How can I travel from Trat to Bangkok?
You can travel between Trat and Bangkok by bus, minivan, plane or private car. There is no direct railway connection. See how to reach Bangkok from Trat.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Koh Chang
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang is a long journey with several connections. Choose your transport based on your budget, available time and preferred comfort.
- Fastest Option: Fly via Bangkok to Trat, then continue to Koh Chang by road and ferry.
- Overland Travel: Train + bus + ferry is a comfortable alternative for travelers who prefer not to fly.
- Budget Option: Bus + ferry usually costs less but requires a long journey and multiple connections.
- Book Early: Check train, bus, flight and ferry schedules before traveling, especially during busy periods.
- Allow Time: Leave enough time between connections in Bangkok and before the ferry.
- Ferry Connection: Confirm the departure point and ferry schedule before traveling to Trat.
Tip: Train, bus, flight and ferry tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.