Flight + van (via Surat Thani)
Best balance of speed, price, easiest transfers
Flight + taxi
Fastest option, smooth ride, higher overall cost
Bus/train + van
Cheapest option, very long journey, multiple transfers needed
Direct bus
No direct route, requires Bangkok transfers, very long travel
Quick answer: Traveling from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park is a scenic journey. You can take a bus for an affordable option, a flight to Surat Thani followed by a transfer, or a private taxi for a more direct and comfortable route. The best choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 1400 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~27-37 hours | Flight + Bus ~7-10 via Surat Thani | Taxi ~21-24 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~US$ 50–75 per person | Flight + Bus ~US$ 100-220 per person | Taxi ~US$ 570-950 per car.
- 🚌 Bus: The most budget-friendly option, though it takes the longest.
- ✈️ Flight + Transfer: Fastest option, ideal if you prefer more comfort and have a tighter schedule.
- 🚕 Taxi: Most convenient and fastest, with door-to-door service, ideal for groups or those with lots of luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
From Chiang Mai to Khao Sok you can travel by train, bus, flight + bus or taxi.
The distance from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park is about 1,150 km by flight and 1,470 km by land. The fastest option is a flight to Surat Thani followed by a bus or minivan to Khao Sok, taking about 7–10 hours. Budget travelers can choose a train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani, while buses and private taxis are also available.
Train + bus travel takes about 25–33 hours, while bus + bus connections take around 27–37 hours. Private cars offer the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Book train, bus, taxi and flight tickets online in advance for the best schedules and prices.
Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most spectacular natural destinations, famous for Cheow Lan Lake, limestone cliffs and ancient rainforest. From Khao Sok you can continue to Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui or other popular destinations in southern Thailand.
| Transfer modes from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (via Bangkok, Surat Thani) | 25–33 hours | $30–135 per person |
| Tourist Bus/Van (via Bangkok) | 27–37 hours | $50–75 per person |
| Plane + Bus (via Surat Thani) | 7–10 hours | $100–220 per person |
| Private Car (via Bangkok) | 21–24 hours | $570–950 per car |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok?
1. TRAIN + BUS from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok
👉 Train + bus is the cheapest land option to travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind long journeys with multiple transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~25–33 hours (via Bangkok and Surat Thani)
- ✔️ Cost: $15–40 per person (depends on seat vs sleeper and bus type)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleepers offer better comfort than seats on long routes)
- ✅ Best Option: Night trains to Bangkok & Surat Thani + minivan to Khao Sok
- 💡 Tip: Book all train and bus tickets online in advance to secure sleeper berths.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose sleeper trains to save time and avoid overnight accommodation costs.
The cheapest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok is by train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani. This journey has 3 steps: train to Bangkok, another train to Surat Thani, and a minivan or bus to Khao Sok National Park.
The total travel time is about 25–33 hours. Trains depart from Chiang Mai Railway Station via Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Surat Thani Railway Station. Check the Thailand railway map. Sleeper berths are recommended for this long journey.
From Surat Thani to Khao Sok, travel by minivan or bus in about 1.5–3 hours. Train and bus tickets are booked separately, so reserve them online in advance.
2. BUS from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok (via Bangkok)
👉 Bus is a low-cost land option to travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok via Bangkok.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer direct road transport without trains
- ✔️ Travel time: ~27–37 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–75 per person (depends on bus company and service type)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern long-distance buses with AC, varying service quality)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight bus to Bangkok + connecting bus to Khao Sok
- 💡 Tip: Book both bus tickets online in advance and check departure points carefully.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose reputable bus companies for better comfort on long journeys.
Another budget-friendly option is to travel by bus via Bangkok. This route has 2 steps and uses modern long-distance buses operated by companies such as Sombat Tour, Nara Travel, Transport Co, Nakhonchai Air, Bangkok Busline, Viriya Tour, SOT Travel, Songserm, Montanatip and others.
Buses depart from different locations in Chiang Mai, transfer in Bangkok, and continue to Khao Sok. The total journey takes about 27–37 hours, depending on connections and traffic. Departure and arrival points are shown when booking tickets online.
Bus tickets cost about $50–75 per person. You need 2 separate tickets—one to Bangkok and another to Khao Sok. It is recommended to book both tickets online in advance.
3. FLIGHT + VAN from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok
👉 Flight + van is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and prefer a smooth journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–10 hours (including transfer via Surat Thani or Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $100–220 per person (combined flight and van/bus transfer)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flights + comfortable minivan transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Flight to Surat Thani + minivan transfer to Khao Sok
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and transfers online in advance for best prices and schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose flights with short layovers to minimize total travel time.
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Khao Sok from Chiang Mai is by flight + bus via Surat Thani, or via Bangkok if needed. Direct flights from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani are available but limited, while connecting flights via Bangkok are offered more frequently by Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways and other airlines.
After arriving at Surat Thani Airport, continue by minivan or bus to Khao Sok National Park. A direct flight takes about 2 hours, while connecting flights usually take 5–7 hours. The total journey, including the bus transfer, takes around 7–10 hours.
The combined flight and bus transfer costs about $100–220 per person. Flights and bus tickets can be booked online in advance, making this the best option if you want to save time.
4. TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok
👉 Private taxi/car is the most flexible but most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park.
- ✔️ Best for: groups or travelers who want maximum comfort and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~21–24 hours (direct or via Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $570–950 per car (price depends on vehicle type and route)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private modern cars, SUVs, or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private minivan transfer for groups to split the cost
- 💡 Tip: Book your private car online in advance to secure availability and better pricing.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Consider splitting the journey via Bangkok for more vehicle options and flexibility.
If you prefer maximum comfort and flexibility, you can also travel by private car or taxi from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park. The main advantage is door-to-door service, allowing you to choose your exact departure point in Chiang Mai and your destination in Khao Sok. This option is best suited for families or small groups.
Direct transfers are offered by companies such as Kanokwan Travel, Gosafe Transport and Van2Travel. If you travel via Bangkok, you will find an even wider selection of private cars, SUVs and minivans with different operators.
The journey by private car takes about 21–24 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Prices range from $570–950 per vehicle, with smaller cars being cheaper than larger SUVs or minivans. You can compare and book private transfers online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok:
How to book tickets and flights from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok?
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok?
Flight + bus: 7–10 hours • Train + bus: 25–33 hours • Bus: 27–37 hours • Private car: 21–24 hours.
How far is Khao Sok from Chiang Mai?
The distance is about 1,470 km by land or around 1,150 km by flight + bus.
How much does the trip cost?
Train + bus: $30–135 • Bus: $50–75 • Flight + bus: $100–220 • Private car: $570–950 per vehicle.
What is the best way to get to Khao Sok?
The fastest option is a flight to Surat Thani followed by a minivan or bus to Khao Sok.
Where can you travel from Khao Sok?
You can continue to Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Yao Noi or Koh Lanta by bus, minivan or ferry.
Is there an airport in Khao Sok?
No. The nearest airport is Surat Thani Airport, about 105 km away.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually the train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani.
Can you travel by train to Khao Sok?
Not directly. Take a train to Surat Thani via Bangkok, then continue by bus or minivan.
Is a private taxi available?
Yes. Private cars and minivans can be booked online, offering the most comfortable but also the most expensive option.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Khao Sok
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park is a long journey that usually involves flights, trains or buses via Bangkok or Surat Thani.
- Best Option: Fly to Surat Thani and continue by minivan or bus to Khao Sok for the fastest journey.
- Budget Choice: Train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani is the cheapest but takes over 25 hours.
- Book Early: Flights, sleeper trains and minivans can sell out during the high season.
- Pack Smart: Bring light clothing, rain gear and insect repellent, as Khao Sok has a tropical rainforest climate.
- Lake Tours: If visiting Cheow Lan Lake, try to arrive before noon for easier boat departures.
- Private Transfer: A private car offers maximum comfort but is only practical for families or small groups.
Tip: Flights, trains, buses and private transfers from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok can be searched and booked online in advance.