THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Koh Samui at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Koh Samui เกาะสมุย
- Straight line
- 1038 km
- Return route
- Not listed as direct
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the main city of northern Thailand. Long-distance buses use the Arcade bus terminal, with services across Thailand and into Laos.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
Arriving in Koh Samui
Check which pier your boat uses. Taxis and songthaews connect the piers with Chaweng, Lamai and other beaches.
- Island ferry piers
Ferries arrive at Nathon and Lipa Noi; catamarans also use other piers.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Sea conditions can delay boats. Avoid tight flight connections.
KEEP GOING
From Koh Samui, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Koh Samui
More buses from Chiang Mai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui take?+
Journey times depend on the service and any boat connection. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Koh Samui to Chiang Mai as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Koh Samui?+
It depends on the operator. In Koh Samui, services use Island ferry piers. Check which pier your boat uses. Taxis and songthaews connect the piers with Chaweng, Lamai and other beaches.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Koh Samui?+
Check which pier your boat uses. Taxis and songthaews connect the piers with Chaweng, Lamai and other beaches.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui?+
Tickets to Koh Samui usually combine a bus or van with a boat. The vehicle type, seat style and boat connection are shown for each departure on 12Go.
Can I book the Chiang Mai to Koh Samui bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Koh Samui by bus?+
Direct buses from Koh Samui include Bangkok, Donsak, Hat Yai, Hua Hin, Krabi Town and more. See all connections on our Koh Samui bus page.
Does the trip to Koh Samui include a ferry?+
Yes, Koh Samui is an island, so the journey includes a boat crossing. Check whether your ticket covers the boat and the transfer from the pier, and allow for weather delays.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Mai to Koh Samui bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Ko Samui (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →