Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai: How to Travel Between Them

Fly. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are in three different parts of Thailand: the capital in the central plains, Chiang Mai in the northern hills and Phuket on the Andaman coast in the far south. For most trips of under three weeks, a short domestic flight is the sensible way to link them. The overnight train to Chiang Mai is worth it only if you want the experience and can spare a day. Overland to Phuket is a long day or a night, and little saved by doing it.

The leg people underestimate is Phuket to Chiang Mai. Direct flights have come and gone over the years, so check current options. Otherwise you connect through Bangkok. That shapes the order of your trip.

The simplest order: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Start in Bangkok for temples and the river. Fly or take the train north to Chiang Mai for cooler hills, old-town temples and nature days. Then go south for the beach and finish at the sea. If you book an open-jaw ticket (arrive in Bangkok, leave from Phuket), you avoid doubling back. Our two-week Thailand itinerary follows a similar logic.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai: plane or sleeper train

Flying is about an hour and a bit in the air. Allow for airport transfers and check-in as well, so it becomes a half-day move. Bangkok has two airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, and different airlines use each, so check which one your ticket uses before you book a hotel or taxi. Chiang Mai's airport is close to the city centre, which is a real advantage.

The night train takes roughly a dozen hours, so it uses a night and some of the next morning. Sleeper berths are basic but comfortable enough, and you wake up to northern scenery. The honest downside: it can run late, and the carriages can be cold from air conditioning. Long-distance trains leave from Bangkok's newer main station, Krung Thep Aphiwat, not the old Hua Lamphong, so confirm that before you head to the wrong place.

Bangkok to Phuket: fly

There is no train all the way to Phuket. Rail goes south only as far as the mainland, after which you switch to a bus. Buses run direct, but the journey is very long, so only travellers on a tight budget with plenty of time choose it. Flights are short and frequent. Phuket's airport is in the north of the island, so factor in the drive to your beach. That drive can take a long time to the southern beaches or Old Town, especially in traffic.

Phuket to Chiang Mai: the awkward leg

The distance is more than a thousand kilometres overland, so a road or rail journey is not realistic. Look for a direct flight on the dates you want. If there is none, connect via Bangkok and leave a generous buffer, particularly if you have two separate tickets. A missed connection on separate bookings is your problem, not the airline's.

Fitting in the sights, without clashing with travel days

Do not put a long tour on the same day as a flight. Each city has one day worth protecting.

• Bangkok: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun guided tour is about six hours on foot and by public ferry, run as a small shared group of up to 15. Hotel pickup is not included, and entry tickets are not in the base price, though you can add them when booking. Shoulders and knees must be covered; our temple etiquette guide explains more, and the practical temple guide covers the order of the sites.
• Chiang Mai: the elephant sanctuary day with waterfall and rafting takes nine hours, with hotel pickup in Chiang Mai city where booked, in a shared group of up to 10. There is no riding, chaining or shows. See how to choose an ethical sanctuary, and other day trips from Chiang Mai.
• Phuket: the Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Bamboo Island speedboat day lasts eight hours and is a shared tour with up to 70 guests, so expect a busy boat, not a quiet one. Hotel transfer applies if booked with transfer, and the national park fee is extra unless your booking includes it. Read how to visit Phi Phi and the best excursions from Phuket.

What to verify before you book

Schedules, fares and rules change, so we do not print them here. Check these on official sources:

• Flight times, airports and baggage rules on the airline's own website.
• Train timetables, berth types and the departure station on the State Railway of Thailand site.
• Bus operators' current departures, if you go overland.
• Entry rules for Thailand for your passport, on your government's travel advice and Thailand's official immigration pages.
• Sea conditions and boat operations for Phuket, which depend on the season; see the best time to visit Thailand.

FAQ

Is it worth taking the night train to Chiang Mai?

Only if you enjoy slow travel and have a spare day. It is cheaper in time-value to fly, but the train replaces a night's accommodation and shows you the countryside. Expect basic comfort and possible delays.

Can I travel from Phuket to Chiang Mai in one day?

Only by air. Check for a direct flight, or connect through Bangkok with a comfortable buffer. Overland is not realistic in a day.

Which Bangkok airport should I use?

Whichever your airline uses. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are separate airports, so verify it on your booking before arranging transfers.

Should I book a tour on the day I arrive or leave?

No. Each of our tours runs six to nine hours, and a delayed flight can undo the plan. Keep a spare day around transfers.