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: Traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi involves a combination of travel modes. The journey typically includes a flight to Krabi or Phuket, followed by a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. Alternatively, you can travel by bus and train, though it takes significantly longer. Your best option depends on your budget, time, and convenience preferences.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 1,200 km (Chiang Mai to Krabi/Phuket), then a ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 hours to Krabi/Phuket + Ferry ~1.5–2 hours | Bus + Train ~16–18 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight ~US$ 50–100 per person | Ferry ~US$ 10–20 per person | Bus + Train ~US$ 30–50 per person.
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest and most convenient; fly to Krabi or Phuket, then take a ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
- 🚢 Ferry: Common way to reach Koh Phi Phi from Krabi or Phuket, providing a scenic, relaxing trip.
- 🚌 Bus + Train: Budget-friendly, but a much longer journey, ideal for those on a tight budget.
Last updated in April 2026
From Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi you can get by plane, train, bus + ferry.
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- The distance from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Bangkok, Krabi) is approximately 1520 km by land. The most efficient and quickest way to reach Koh Phi Phi from Chiang Mai is to travel by plane + ferry via Krabi or Phuket. Flying from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Krabi Airport) takes approximately 7-9 hours and costs around $65-120 per person. Similarly, this route is available via Phuket. Direct flights are available from Chiang Mai to Krabi/Phuket, and ferries or boats to Koh Phi Phi depart from these cities. Another option is to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi by train/bus + ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani. This journey takes approximately 30-40 hours and costs about $40-200 per person (with options for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class trains).
- The closest railway station to Krabi is in Surat Thani; Krabi town does not have a train station. Therefore, you can travel by train from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani with a stopover in Bangkok, then take a bus or private taxi from Surat Thani to Krabi. Alternatively, you can travel by private car from Chiang Mai to Krabi with a stopover in Bangkok, which is the most expensive transfer option. While there are various ways to reach Phi Phi, the island is only accessible by boat or ferry as there is no airport. The preferred method is to take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi.
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- The Thai archipelago of Koh Phi Phi comprises the larger islands of Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh. Here, you’ll discover stunning sandy beaches, forested cliffs, emerald green seas, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life, creating a picturesque setting. Phi Phi Island is relatively small, surrounded by beaches on all sides, ensuring you’re never more than a few minutes from the sea. Thais are known for their warmth, hospitality, and eagerness to showcase unique local sights. Before heading to Koh Phi Phi, familiarize yourself with the island’s weather conditions through this article: Weather in Koh Phi Phi. If you’re already in Koh Phi Phi, consider a boat/ferry trip to Phuket, with a travel time of approximately 1-3 hours.
| Transfer modes from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus + Ferry (via Bangkok) | 30–40 hours | $40–200 per person |
| Plane + Bus + Ferry (via Krabi Airport) | 7–9 hours | $65–120 per person |
| Plane + Ferry (via Phuket Airport) | 6–8 hours | $70–140 per person |
| Bus + Ferry (via Bangkok, Krabi) | 27–32 hours | $60–100 per person |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
1. TRAIN + BUS + FERRY from Chiang Mai to 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 (depends on train class and transfer types)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleepers offer better comfort, multiple transfers required)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Surat Thani + minivan to Krabi + ferry to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book all tickets online in advance and allow enough time between transfers.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose overnight sleeper trains to save time and avoid extra accommodation costs.
A) Train from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani (via Bangkok)
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- from Chiang Mai you can travel by train to Surat Thani via Bankgok
- Surat Thani is the closest railway station to Krabi town, about 240 km north-east of Krabi
- modern seat or sleeper trains, you can buy drinks and snacks, toilet in the train
- transfer by train to Surat Thani from Chiang Mai costs about $16-100/pp (1st, 2nd, 3rd class trains)
- transfer by train to Surat Thani from Chiang Mai with stopover in Bangkok takes about 22-30 hours
- read this article: How to reach Surat Thani from Chiang Mai?
- you can check current Thailand Railway Map
B) Bus or Taxi from Surat Thani to Krabi
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- from Surat Thani to Krabi town you can travel by bus, minivan or taxi
- transfer by bus/minivan from Surat Thani to Krabi costs about $8-20/pp
- private car/taxi from Surat Thani to Krabi costs about $70-125/car
- travel by bus/minivan or taxi from Surat Thani to Krabi takes about 4 hours
- you can also book the whole minivan or private car for 9-12 pax.
- read this article: How to reach Krabi from Surat Thani?
C) Ferry or Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
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- from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi you have to travel by ferry or speedboat
- there are various modern speedboats or ferries
- transfer by ferry/boat to Phi Phi from Krabi costs about $13-33/pp
- travel by ferry/boat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi takes about 1.5-3 hours
- ferry by Andaman Wave Master, Chaokoh Travel Center, Songserm, Chaokoh Travel Center…
- read this article: How to reach Koh Phi Phi from Krabi?
2. FLIGHT + BUS + FERRY from Chiang Mai to 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 and prefer fewer long transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–8 hours (including transfer via Krabi)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–130 per person (flight + transfer + ferry)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + easy ground and boat transfers)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Krabi + transfer to pier + ferry to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and ferry tickets online in advance for best schedules and prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose Ao Nang or Krabi Town transfers with good ferry connections to minimize waiting time.
A) Direct Flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi
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- from Chiang Mai to Krabi you can travel by plane – there are direct flights
- flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi takes about 2 hours
- airlines to Krabi Airport: Bangkok Air, Thai Air Asia, Nok Air…
- travel by plane from Chiang Mai to Krabi costs about $30-80/pp
- read this article: How to reach Krabi from Chiang Mai?
- there are also various flights with stopover in Bangkok
B) Bus or Taxi from the Krabi Airport to Krabi or Ao Nang
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- from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang or Krabi town you can travel by taxi or shuttle bus
- transfer from Krabi Airport to Krabi town or Ao Nang takes about 0.5-1 hour
- travel by bus or minivan from Krabi Airport to Krabi costs about $8-12/pp
- travel by private car from Krabi Airport to Krabi costs about $17-33/pp
- read this article: How to travel from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang?
C) Ferry/Speedboat to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi
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- Koh Phi Phi is accessible by boat or ferry from variosu piers in Krabi
- transport by ferry or boat to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi costs about $13-33/pp
- travel time by boat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi is about 1.5-3 hours
- there are various private boat companies to Koh Phi Phi
- read this article: 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 want a smooth journey and prefer Phuket as a transit hub
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–7 hours (including ferry from Phuket)
- ✔️ Cost: $70–140 per person (flight + ferry transfer)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flight + comfortable ferry or speedboat)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Phuket + ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book both flights and ferry tickets online in advance for better timing and prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose speedboat transfer if you want a faster connection from Phuket to Phi Phi.
A) Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket
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- you can also travel by plane – direct flight to Phuket from Chiang Mai
- direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket takes about 2 hours
- airlines to Phuket: Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Air, Thai Smile, Nok Air…
- travel by plane from Chiang Mai to Phuket costs about $50-90/pp
B) Ferry or Speedboat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
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- from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi you can also travel by ferry or speedboat
- travel by boat to Phi Phi from Phuket costs about $18-50/pp
- travel by boat or ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi takes about 1.5-3 hours
- ferries and boats by Andaman Wave Master, Phi Phi Cruiser, Chaokoh Travel Center, Phi Phi Cruiser…
- read this article: 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 okay with long bus journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~25–30 hours (including transfer in Bangkok and ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: $60–100 per person (bus + ferry transfer)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (long-distance buses + ferry ride)
- ✅ Best Option: Tourist bus to Krabi + ferry to Koh Phi Phi
- 💡 Tip: Book bus and ferry tickets online in advance to secure your schedule.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose reputable bus companies for better comfort on long overnight trips.
A) Tourist Bus from Chiang Mai to Krabi (via Bangkok)
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- from Chiang Mai to Krabi you can also travel by tourist bus via Bangkok
- travel by bus to Krabi from Chiang Mai takes about 23-26 hours with stopover in Bangkok
- various bus companies to Krabi: Jolly Travel, Songserm, Paradise Travel, Lignite, Transport Co…
- travel by bus from Chiang Mai to Krabi costs about $48-65/pp
- read this article: How to reach Krabi from Chiang Mai?
B) Travel by ferry or boat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
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- the only way how to reach Koh Phi Phi from Krabi is to travel by boat/ferry
- ferry or boat tickets to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi cost about $13-33/pp
- travel by boat or ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi takes totally about 1.5-3 hours
- there are various private ferry and boat companies between Krabi – Phi Phi
- read this article: How do you get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi?
❓ FAQ – Travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi:
1. How to book tickets or flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
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- Book + buy tickets/flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can also change + book another route, e.g. Surat Thani > Krabi, Krabi > Koh Phi Phi…
2. How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
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- Transfer by train + bus + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Bangkok, Surat Thani, Krabi) takes about 30-40 hours.
- Transfer by plane + bus + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Krabi Airport) takes about 7-9 hours.
- Transfer by plane + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Phuket Airport) takes about 6-8 hours.
- Transfer by bus + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Bangkok, Krabi) takes about 27-32 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
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- Travel distance from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi is about 1520 km by land (via Bangkok, Surat Thani).
4. How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
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- Travel by train + bus + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Surat Thani, Krabi) costs about $40-200/pp.
- Travel by plane + bus + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Krabi Airport) costs about $65-120/pp.
- Travel by plane + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Phuket Airport) costs about $70-140/pp.
- Travel by bus + ferry from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi (via Bangkok, Krabi) costs about $60-100/pp.
5. Is there a flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
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- No, you can not travel by plane to Koh Phi Phi because there is no airport on this island. The closest airport is Krabi International Airport, about 20 km from Krabi town. There are direct flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi.
6. What is the best way of transfer from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi?
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- The best and also fastest option is to travel by plane to Phuket or Krabi (direct flights, travel time is about 2 hours), and from these cities you can travel by various ferries or speedboats to Koh Phi Phi.
7. What is the cheapest way of transfer to Koh Phi Phi from Chiang Mai?
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- The cheapest option of transfer to Koh Phi Phi from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is to travel by train/bus + ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani or Krabi town. The most cheapest are seats in the train, but you should take a sleeper berth.
8. Where you can travel by ferry or boat from Koh Phi Phi?
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- From Koh Phi Phi you can travel by ferry or speedboat to Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Yao Yai or Phuket.
9. How to explore Thailand, what are the ways of transfer?
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- There are various ways of transport in Thailand, you can use various tourist buses / minivans, trains, private cars / taxi, boats and ferries or you can rent a motorbike or bicycle. Read this article: Transportation in Thailand.
10. Which are the most popular and nice islands in Thailand?
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- There are a lot of various interesting, nice and also isolated or tourist islands in Thailand. Most of them are in the Gulf of Thailand or Phang Nga Bay. Read this article: The Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi
These practical travel tips are based on real travel experience and local insights for the multi-stage journey from Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s cultural hub, to Koh Phi Phi, a stunning island renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond transport, these tips will help you enjoy the journey and the destination.
1. Prepare for a Long and Multi-Leg Trip Involving Flights, Buses, and Ferries
The most common route includes a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket or Krabi, followed by a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. Timing your connections carefully can reduce waiting time and make your trip smoother.
2. Fly Early to Maximize Your Day
Morning flights from Chiang Mai to Phuket or Krabi are ideal to ensure you catch a daytime ferry to Koh Phi Phi, avoiding late arrivals on the island.
3. Book Combined Transfer Tickets to Simplify Your Journey
Many travel operators offer combined tickets including flights, buses, and ferries, coordinating schedules for less hassle and better price deals.
4. Expect Beautiful Coastal Scenery During the Ferry Ride
The ferry crossing to Koh Phi Phi offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea and nearby islands. Choose a window seat and bring a camera for memorable photos.
5. Prepare for Crowds, Especially During Peak Season
Koh Phi Phi is a popular tourist destination, particularly during high season (November to April). Booking accommodation and transfers well in advance is highly recommended.
6. Pack Light and Bring Essentials for Island Life
The island’s limited infrastructure means you should bring cash, sunscreen, and necessary personal items. Waterproof bags are useful for ferry crossings and beach days.
7. Take Time to Explore Beyond the Beaches
While Koh Phi Phi is famous for its beaches and parties, don’t miss hikes to viewpoints, snorkeling trips, and quieter bays for a more balanced experience.
Tip: Flight, bus, and ferry tickets from Chiang Mai to Koh Phi Phi can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure the best schedules, prices, and a smoother journey to this iconic island.