Flight + ferry (via Phuket/Krabi)
Best balance of speed, price, smooth connections
Flight + speedboat
Fastest option, shortest travel time, higher total cost
Bus/train + ferry
Cheapest option, very long journey, multiple transfers needed
Direct transport
No direct route, always requires flight or land transfers
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi is by flight to Krabi or Phuket, followed by a ferry. Budget travelers can also travel by train or bus via Bangkok and southern Thailand, but the journey is much longer.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 1,200 km via Krabi or Phuket.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + Ferry ~6–10 hours | Train + Ferry ~24–30 hours | Bus + Ferry ~24–28 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight + Ferry US$60–150 | Train + Ferry US$35–120 | Bus + Ferry US$40–80.
- ✈️ Flight + Ferry: Fastest and most convenient option.
- 🚆 Train + Ferry: Comfortable budget option via Bangkok and Surat Thani.
- 🚌 Bus + Ferry: Cheapest land option, but the longest journey.
Last updated in October 2026
Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus + Ferry | 30–40 h | $40–200/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Flight + Bus + Ferry via Krabi | 7–9 h | $65–120/person | ★★★★★ | Fast & convenient travel |
| Flight + Ferry via Phuket | 6–8 h | $70–140/person | ★★★★★ | Fast travel |
| Bus + Ferry via Krabi | 27–32 h | $60–100/person | ★★★☆☆ | Budget overland travel |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi requires a flight or land transfer to Krabi or Phuket, followed by a ferry or speedboat. Flying via Phuket takes about 6–8 hours, while train or bus combinations are much longer but can be suitable for budget travelers.
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
1. TRAIN + BUS + FERRY from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi
👉 Train + bus + ferry is a budget-friendly but long overland way to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who enjoy scenic journeys and don’t mind multiple transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~27–37 hours via Bangkok, Surat Thani and Krabi
- ✔️ Cost: $35–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium, with sleeper trains available
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Surat Thani + minivan to Krabi + ferry to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book the main connections in advance and allow enough time for transfers.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Overnight trains can save time and one night of accommodation.
A) Train from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani via Bangkok
You can travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani by train with a connection in Bangkok. The journey takes about 22–30 hours and tickets cost around $16–100 per person, depending on the train class.
Seat and sleeper trains are available, with sleeper berths being the better choice for this long journey. Surat Thani is the closest railway station for continuing toward Krabi.
Read How to reach Surat Thani from Chiang Mai? and check the Thailand Railway Map before booking.
B) Bus or Taxi from Surat Thani to Krabi
From Surat Thani you can continue to Krabi by bus, minivan or private taxi. The journey takes about 4 hours, with bus and minivan tickets costing around $8–20 per person.
A private car or taxi costs about $70–125 per vehicle and can be useful for families or groups. Larger minivans are also available for several travelers.
See How to reach Krabi from Surat Thani?
C) Ferry or Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
The final part of the journey is by ferry or speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. The crossing takes about 1.5–3 hours and costs around $13–33 per person.
Several operators run ferries and speedboats between Krabi and Phi Phi. Check the departure time carefully when planning your arrival in Krabi.
Read How to reach Koh Phi Phi from Krabi?
2. FLIGHT + BUS + FERRY from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi
👉 Flight + bus + ferry is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–8 hours including transfers
- ✔️ Cost: $50–130 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Krabi + transfer to the pier + ferry to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book the flight and ferry together with enough transfer time.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Krabi Town or Ao Nang are convenient places for the ferry connection.
A) Direct Flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi
Direct flights connect Chiang Mai with Krabi Airport. The flight takes about 2 hours and costs around $30–80 per person.
Several airlines operate flights on this route, while some services may connect through Bangkok. See How to reach Krabi from Chiang Mai?
B) Bus or Taxi from Krabi Airport to Krabi or Ao Nang
From Krabi Airport you can travel to Krabi Town or Ao Nang by shuttle bus, minivan or taxi. The transfer takes about 30–60 minutes.
Bus or minivan tickets cost around $8–12 per person, while a private car costs about $17–33. See How to travel from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang?
C) Ferry or Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
Ferries and speedboats connect several piers in Krabi with Koh Phi Phi. The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours and costs around $13–33 per person.
Choose a ferry connection that fits your flight arrival time and allow some extra time for the airport transfer.
Read How to reach Koh Phi Phi from Krabi?
3. FLIGHT + FERRY to Koh Phi Phi via Phuket
👉 Flight + ferry via Phuket is a fast and scenic alternative to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer Phuket as a transit point
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–7 hours including the ferry
- ✔️ Cost: $70–140 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Phuket + ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Check the ferry departure time before booking your flight.
- 🌏 Extra tip: A speedboat is a good choice for a faster sea crossing.
A) Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket
You can also fly directly from Chiang Mai to Phuket. The flight takes about 2 hours and usually costs around $50–90 per person.
Several airlines operate flights between Chiang Mai and Phuket, while some connections may include a stop in Bangkok.
B) Ferry or Speedboat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
From Phuket you can continue to Koh Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat. The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours and costs around $18–50 per person.
Several operators serve the route, including Andaman Wave Master, Phi Phi Cruiser and Chaokoh Travel Center. Read How to reach Koh Phi Phi from Phuket?
4. BUS + FERRY to Koh Phi Phi via Krabi
👉 Bus + ferry via Krabi is a cheaper but long overland option to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who are comfortable with long bus journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~25–30 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $60–100 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium
- ✅ Best Option: Tourist bus to Krabi + ferry to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book bus and ferry tickets online in advance.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose a reputable bus company for the long journey.
A) Tourist Bus from Chiang Mai to Krabi via Bangkok
You can travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi by tourist bus with a connection in Bangkok. The journey takes about 23–26 hours and costs around $48–65 per person.
Several bus companies operate services toward Krabi, including Jolly Travel, Songserm, Paradise Travel and Transport Co. Read How to reach Krabi from Chiang Mai?
B) Ferry or Boat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
The final connection from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry or boat. The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours and tickets cost around $13–33 per person.
Check the ferry schedule when planning your arrival in Krabi, especially if your bus arrives later in the day. Read How do you get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi?
❓ FAQ – Travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi:
How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
Flight + ferry takes about 6–9 hours, while train/bus + ferry takes around 27–40 hours.
What is the travel distance from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
The distance is about 1,520 km by land via Bangkok and southern Thailand.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
Prices range from about $40–200, depending on whether you travel by train, bus or plane.
Is there a direct flight to Koh Phi Phi?
No. Fly to Krabi or Phuket first, then continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi.
What is the best way to get to Koh Phi Phi?
The fastest option is a direct flight to Krabi or Phuket, followed by a ferry to the island.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is train or bus via Bangkok, followed by a ferry from Krabi.
Where can you travel from Koh Phi Phi?
Ferries operate to Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Phuket and Koh Lipe.
How can you travel around Thailand?
Thailand offers trains, buses, ferries, domestic flights and private transfers. Read more: Transportation in Thailand.
Which islands are worth visiting in Thailand?
Explore the country’s top islands in this guide: The Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi requires a flight or land transfer to Krabi or Phuket, followed by a ferry. Planning your connections in advance will make the journey much easier.
- Best Option: Fly to Krabi or Phuket, then continue by ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
- Book Early: Flights and ferries often sell out during the high season.
- Morning Flights: Early departures make it easier to catch a same-day ferry.
- Pack Light: A small backpack is more convenient when changing transport.
- Weather: Ferry schedules may be affected during the rainy season.
- No Airport: Koh Phi Phi is accessible only by ferry or speedboat.
Tip: Flight, bus and ferry tickets to Koh Phi Phi can be searched and booked online in advance.
From Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi you can travel by plane, train, bus + ferry.
The journey from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi covers about 1,520 km via Krabi or Phuket. The fastest and most convenient option is a flight to Krabi or Phuket, followed by a ferry to the island. This transfer takes about 7–9 hours and costs around $65–120 per person.
Budget travelers can also travel by train or bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani, followed by a bus to Krabi and a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. This option takes about 30–40 hours but can be cheaper. As Koh Phi Phi has no airport, the final part of every journey is always by ferry or speedboat.
Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s most famous island destinations, known for its turquoise sea, white-sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs. Before your trip, check the weather in Koh Phi Phi. From the island, you can also continue by ferry to Phuket.