1. Ferry/Boat + Train
2. Ferry/Boat + Bus
3. Flights to Chiang Mai
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🎫 Book Tickets Online
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- Chiang Mai – one of the most visited and popular tourist sites in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is the second largest province of Thailand and offers various activities, historical sites or various nature parks. The city of Chaing Mai is the base for tourists and travelers and there is almost everything what you want, streetfood, hotels, guesthouses or hostels, shops and a wide range of various services. You can rent a bicycle or motorbike and explore this site on your own. There is also a railway station, international airport and various tourist buses to other sites of Thailand.
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- There are 4 options how you can travel to Chiang Mai from Koh Samui in southern Thailand – travel by plane and ferry + train, tourist bus or private car/taxi via Surat Thani and Bangkok. If you do not want to travel by plane – prepare for a long journey, to get there from Koh Samui takes a lot of time. Read the instructions about this travel route below. Before you arrive to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, read carefully this article: Weather in Chiang Mai.
From Koh Samui to Chiang Mai you can travel by plane, ferry + bus, train, car.
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- Travel distance from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai is about 1450 km by ferry + bus/train via Surat Thani and Bangkok. The best and fast way how to reach Chiang Mai from Koh Samui is to take a flight via Bangkok. Flight from Koh Samui Airport to Chiang Mai Airport via Bangkok takes with stopover about 7-9 hours. Travel by plane to Chiang Mai from Koh Samui costs about $70-250/pp. Another option is to travel by land. First you have to travel by ferry or speedboat to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani you can travel to Chiang Mai via Bangkok – by train, tourist bus or private car/taxi.
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- Travel by ferry+train from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai takes totally about 24-35 hours and it costs about $40-130/pp. Ferry + Train is the most cheapest option of transfer to Chiang Mai. There are also sleeper berths in the trains, so it is also a comfortable option. You can also take a ferry+bus via Surat Thani and Bangkok. There are various tourist buses from Surat Thani to Chiang Mai via Bangkok. Transport by ferry+bus from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai takes about 23-30 hours and it costs about $40-80/pp. Book your ferry + bus/train tickets, private car or flight to Chiang Mai easily online. From Chiang Mai you can also travel by bus or taxi to Chiang Rai or Nan, there is no train to Chiang Rai and Nan.
| Transfer Mode – Koh Samui to Chiang Mai: | Travel Duration | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Train | 24-35 hours | $40-130/pp |
| Ferry + Bus | 23-30 hours | $40-80/pp |
| Plane (via Bangkok) | 7-9 hours | $70-250/pp |
| Ferry + Private Car | 26-30 hours | $740-1000 |
How do I get from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
1. FERRY + TRAIN from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
A) Ferry / Boat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani
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- from Koh Samui to Surat Thani town you can travel by ferry/boat or ferry+bus
- ferries and speedboats depart from various piers in Koh Samui – Na Thon, Lipa Noi Koh Samui
- travel by ferry/speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani takes about 2.5-5 hours
- travel by ferry/speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani costs about $8-20/pp
- you can search and book join ticket to Surat Thani (minivan/bus + ferry)
- you can arrive to Surat Thani Railway Station, airport, town or Tapee Pier
B) Train from Surat Thani to Bangkok
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- from Surat Thani to Bangkok you can travel by train of State Railway of Thailand
- there are about 6 trains from Surat Thani Railway Station to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Station)
- travel by train from Surat Thani to Bangkok takes about 9-14.5 hours
- travel by train from Surat Thani to Bangkok costs about $10-55/pp (1st, 2nd class, seats+berths…)
- the most cheapest ticket from Surat Thanii to Bangkok is for hard seat, 3rd class
C) Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
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- from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can travel by another train
- transport by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 11-14.5 hours
- various trains – 1st Class Sleeper, 2nd Class AC seats only, 2nd Class Sleeper AC or FAN, Ladies train, 3rd class…
- travel by train to Chiang Mai costs about $22-33 (2nd class), 1st Class Sleeper – about $40-60/pp
- train departs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station and arrive to Chiang Mai Railway Station
- read this article: How do I get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
- read carefully the instruction before you book your ferry and train tickets to Chiang Mai
2. FERRY + BUS from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
A) Ferry or Boat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani
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- from Koh Samui to Surat Thani you can get by ferry/boat or ferry+bus
- ferries and speedboats depart from piers in Koh Samui – Na Thon, Lipa Noi Koh Samui
- travel time by ferry/speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani is about 2.5-5 hours
- transport by ferry/speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani costs about $8-20/pp
- you can search and book join ticket to Surat Thani (minivan/bus + ferry)
- you can arrive to Surat Thani Railway Station, bus station, airport, town or Tapee Pier
B) Bus from Surat Thani to Bangkok
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- a cheap option how to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok is to travel by tourist bus
- one-way bus ticket from Surat Thani to Bangkok costs about $17-30/pp
- travel by tourist bus from Surat Thani to Bangkok takes about 8.5-10 hours
- bus companies to Bangkok: Sri Suthep Tour, Krung Siam Tour, ChokeAnan Tour, Sombat Tour…
- buses depart from Surat Thani Bus Terminal and arrive to Southern Terminal and other stations in Bangkok
C) Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
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- another cheap option how to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- transfer by tourist bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs about $13-31/pp
- transport by tourist bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 10-12 hours
- bus companies from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Sombat Tour, Bangkok Busline, Lignite Tour (PK), New Viriya…
- read this article: How to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
3. FLIGHT from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
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- from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai you can also travel by plane
- there are flights with stopover in Bangkok
- airlines to Chiang Mai: Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Air…
- travel by plane from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) is the fastest option of transfer
- flight from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai via Bangkok takes about 7-9 hours
- flights from Koh Samui Airport to Suvurnabhumi Airport in Bangkok + Chiang Mai International Airport
- flight from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai costs about $70-250/pp
- you can also travel by plane from Surat Thani Airport
4. FERRY + CAR from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
A) Ferry or Speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani
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- from Koh Samui to Surat Thani you can travel by various boats
- ferries depart from piers in Koh Samui – Na Thon or Lipa Noi Koh Samui
- travel time by ferry/speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani is about 2.5-5 hours
- price of the ferry ticket from Koh Samui to Surat Thani is about $8-20/pp
- you can book join ticket to Surat Thani (minivan/bus + ferry)
- you can arrive to Surat Thani Train Station, bus station, airport, town, Tapee Pier
B) Private Car/Taxi from Surat Thani to Bangkok
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- from Surat Thani to Bangkok you can also travel by private car – minivan
- travel by private car from Surat Thani to Bangkok costs about $455/minivan (9 passengers)
- travel by private car from Surat Thani to Bangkok takes about 13 hours
- taxi companies to Bangkok from Surat Thani: Mr Toon
C) Private Car/Taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
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- from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can also travel by private car or taxi
- transfer by private car from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs about $270-550/car
- transport by private car from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 9-10 hours
- private taxi companies to Chiang Mai: MCC Van, Bangkok Taxi 24, Glassflower, Team Holiday…
- read this article: How to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai:
1. How to book tickets + flights from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
2. What is the travel time from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel by ferry + train from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai takes about 24-35 hours.
- Travel by ferry + bus from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai takes about 23-30 hours.
- Travel by plane – flight from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai via Bangkok takes about 7-9 hours.
- Travel by ferry + private car from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai takes about 26-30 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
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- Travel distance from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai is about 1445 km by land – ferry+bus/train via Bangkok.
4. How much does it cost to get from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
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- Transfer by ferry + train from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai costs about $40-130/pp.
- Transfer by ferry + bus from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai costs about $40-80/pp.
- Transfer by plane – flight from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai via Bangkok costs about $70-250/pp.
- Transfer by ferry + private car from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai costs about $740-1000.
5. What is the most cheapest option of transfer from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
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- The most cheapest option of transfer from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai is to travel by ferry/speedboat + train. You can travel by ferry to Surat Thani, from Surat Thani you can travel by train to Bangkok and from Bangkok you can take another train to Chiang Mai. The most cheapest option should cost about $40.
6. What is the best and fastest way of transfer from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?
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- The best and fastest way of transfer from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai in Thailand is to travel by plane. There are flights with stopover in Bangkok. Sometimes there are various low-cost flights between these sites.
7. How to travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani?
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- There is only one way how to reach Surat Thani from Koh Samui – ferry or speedboat. You can book join ticket and you can travel by ferry+minivan/bus to Surat Thani Railway Station, bus station, airport, city center or Tapee Pier.
8. What you can also visit from Chiang Mai, where to go?
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- If you are already in Chiang Mai you can travel by bus or car to Chiang Rai. It is another popular tourist site of northern Thailand, or you can go by bus or taxi to Pai – a nice place surrounded by nature, or you can also visit Phayao. There are no trains and flights between these places, there are only buses, minivans and cars.
9. Hotel, resort, homestay or bungalow in Chiang Mai?
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- There are various hotels and guesthouses in the city center of Chiang Mai. You can also try various bungalows or homestays around the city. Chiang Mai has also a wide range of luxury resorts. Search and book this accommodation easily online > Book accommodation in Chiang Mai.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chiang Mai ➜
4 Ways of Transfer from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai:
| 1. FERRY + TRAIN from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) | |
|---|---|
| A) Ferry / Boat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani | |
| Transport Time | About 2.5-5 hours |
| Departure Piers | Na Thon, Lipa Noi Koh Samui |
| Ticket Cost | About $8-20/pp |
| B) Train from Surat Thani to Bangkok | |
| Transport Time | About 9-14.5 hours |
| Train Operator | State Railway of Thailand |
| Ticket Cost | About $10-55/pp (1st, 2nd class, seats+berths) |
| C) Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai | |
| Transport Time | About 11-14.5 hours |
| Train Types | 1st Class Sleeper, 2nd Class AC seats only, 2nd Class Sleeper AC or FAN, Ladies train, 3rd class… |
| Ticket Cost | About $22-33 (2nd class), 1st Class Sleeper about $40-60/pp |
| 2. FERRY + BUS from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) | |
| A) Ferry or Boat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani | |
| Transport Time | About 2.5-5 hours |
| Departure Piers | Na Thon, Lipa Noi Koh Samui |
| Ticket Cost | About $8-20/pp |
| B) Bus from Surat Thani to Bangkok | |
| Ticket Cost | About $17-30/pp |
| Transport Time | About 8.5-10 hours |
| Bus Companies | Sri Suthep Tour, Krung Siam Tour, ChokeAnan Tour, Sombat Tour… |
| C) Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai | |
| Ticket Cost | About $13-31/pp |
| Transport Time | About 10-12 hours |
| Bus Companies | Sombat Tour, Bangkok Busline, Lignite Tour (PK), New Viriya… |
| 3. FLIGHT from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) | |
| Flights | Thai Airways, Thai Air Asia, Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Air… |
| Transport Time | About 7-9 hours |
| Ticket Cost | About $70-250/pp |
| 4. FERRY + CAR from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) | |
| A) Ferry or Speedboat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani | |
| Transport Time | About 2.5-5 hours |
| Ticket Cost | About $8-20/pp |
| B) Private Car/Taxi from Surat Thani to Bangkok | |
| Transport Time | About 13 hours |
| Ticket Cost | About $455/minivan (9 passengers) |
| C) Private Car/Taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai | |
| Transport Time | About 9-10 hours |
| Ticket Cost | About $270-550/car |
🎫 Book tickets or flights from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai + Schedule:
(You can change your departure and arrival, eg. Koh Samui > Surat Thani, Surat Thani > Bangkok….)
Chiang Mai > K.Phangan｜Hat Yai > ChiangMai｜Bangkok > Koh Phayam｜Ranong > KohPhayam｜Ranong > Phuket｜Ranong > Bangkok｜Khao Lak