How to Get from Chiang Rai to Phuket
Compare direct flights and combination bus tickets from Chiang Rai to Phuket, with flight times and what the long bus trip involves.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Contents
Trading the misty hills of the Golden Triangle for the turquoise Andaman Sea is one of the biggest changes of scenery Thailand has to offer. Chiang Rai is a slow-paced base for Lanna culture and artistic temples; Phuket is the country's gateway to island hopping.
The two cities lie at opposite ends of the kingdom. A direct flight gets you to the beach in a couple of hours, while the budget alternative is a very long bus trip with transfers along the way.
Chiang Rai to Phuket by Flight
Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways and Thai Vietjet fly direct from Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to Phuket International Airport (HKT). A sample Thai Vietjet flight leaves at 11:10 and lands at 13:25, a flight time of 2 hours 15 minutes, and fares start at THB 2,142.[1] You arrive in time for a beach afternoon.
Chiang Rai to Phuket by Bus
The bus is a trip for travellers on a tight budget, because it involves transfers on the way south. On booking platforms in November 2026, combination tickets from Chiang Rai cost THB 1,708 to 2,237 (about $51 to $67) and the journey takes from about 26 hours. From Mae Sai, combination tickets cost THB 1,764 to 2,312 (about $53 to $69) and take from about 27 hours 40 minutes.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | From THB 2,142[1] | About 2h 15m (direct) | High |
| Bus (from Chiang Rai) | THB 1,708 - 2,237[2] | From about 26h | Medium |
| Bus (from Mae Sai) | THB 1,764 - 2,312[2] | From about 27h 40m | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Rai to Phuket
- Book flights early: Fares tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so book a few weeks ahead.
- Luggage: If you fly with a low-cost carrier, check the baggage allowance. Adding extra kilos online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Airport transfers: Phuket Airport is in the north of the island, so allow extra time to reach Patong, Kata or Rawai by taxi or shared van.
Timetable
| Flight Chiang Rai - Phuket $ 69.97โ88.73 1h 49m โ 1days 6h 14m | |
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| Bus Chiang Rai - Phuket $ 50.57โ66.23 1days 2h | |
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| Bus Mae Sai - Phuket $ 52.23โ68.45 1days 3h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Rai to Phuket, including current prices and schedules.
Flying is the best value for most travellers, with fares from THB 2,142. The bus combination costs THB 1,708 to 2,237 on booking platforms (November 2026), but the trip takes more than a day.
A direct flight is the fastest way. A sample Thai Vietjet flight takes 2 hours 15 minutes, far quicker than the bus.
A direct flight takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The bus combinations take from about 26 hours from Chiang Rai and from about 27 hours 40 minutes from Mae Sai.
Yes. Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways and Thai Vietjet fly direct from Chiang Rai (CEI) to Phuket (HKT).
Use Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), the airport that has the direct flights to Phuket.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Chiang Rai to Phuket. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Chiang Rai to Phuket. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.