How to Get from Krabi to Chiang Mai
Compare flights from about $47 and private transfers from Krabi to Chiang Mai, with travel times and booking tips.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Contents
Krabi's beaches and Chiang Mai's old city and mountains lie at opposite ends of Thailand, so this is a trip for the air. A non-stop flight takes about 2 hours.[1] Most travelers fly to save time for trekking and temple hopping, while a few with a lot of gear or a flexible schedule go door to door by road.
Krabi to Chiang Mai by Flight
Thai AirAsia flies non-stop between Krabi (KBV) and Chiang Mai (CNX) in about 2 hours. A one-stop itinerary through Bangkok takes about 4 hours. Hand luggage is limited to 7 kg.[1] On booking platforms, fares run from about $47 to $88 (October 2026), and itineraries with a long layover can take up to a full day.[2]
Krabi Airport is small and easy to navigate. Chiang Mai's airport sits close to the city center, so a short taxi or songthaew ride takes you to a hotel in the Old City. A layover in Bangkok means a change between Don Mueang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) at worst, so check the total travel time before you book.
Krabi to Chiang Mai by Private Transfer
A private van or economy car for the road trip costs about $872 to $941 on booking platforms (October 2026) and takes from about 22 hours.[2] The route runs through the southern provinces, past the outskirts of Bangkok and across the central plains before climbing into the northern highlands. It is a choice only for groups with a lot of equipment or travelers who want to see the country by road.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | $47 to $88 | From 2h[2] |
| Private transfer | $872 to $941 | From 22h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Krabi to Chiang Mai
- Book flights early: Direct flights are in demand in the peak season from November to February. Booking a few weeks ahead usually gets you a better fare.
- Check your luggage allowance: Low-cost carriers limit hand luggage. If you carry heavy souvenirs from the islands, buy extra checked baggage online before you go.
- Pack for cooler evenings: Krabi is hot and humid, but Chiang Mai can feel chilly in the evenings in winter. Keep a light sweater in your carry-on.
- Plan your arrival: If you land late in Chiang Mai, use a ride-hailing app or the official airport taxi counter.
- Stay hydrated: Air conditioning and the climate dry you out, in the air or on the road.
Timetable
| Flight Krabi - Chiang Mai $ 47.23โ87.85 1h 55m โ 23h 10m | |
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| Taxi Krabi - Chiang Mai $ 871.19โ940.89 22h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Krabi to Chiang Mai, including current prices and schedules.
A flight, with fares from about $47 on booking platforms (October 2026). Booking ahead and choosing a low-cost carrier helps.
A non-stop flight, which takes about 2 hours.
About 2 hours on a non-stop flight, about 4 hours with a stop in Bangkok, and from about 22 hours by road.
Yes. Thai AirAsia flies the route non-stop in about 2 hours, but some itineraries connect through Bangkok, so check before you book.
It costs much more, about $872 to $941, and takes from about 22 hours, so it suits only large groups with a lot of luggage or anyone who wants to see the country by road.
The cool season from November to early February, when the north is pleasantly fresh after Krabi's tropical heat.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Krabi - Chiang Mai. Retrieved October 30, 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.