THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Surat Thani at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Surat Thani สุราษฎร์ธานี
- Road distance
- About 1328 km
- Straight line
- 1073 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~16 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Surat Thani to Chiang Mai →
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 Surat Thani
Check which terminal or office your bus uses. Combined island tickets often continue straight to Donsak pier.
- Surat Thani Bus Terminal
Outside the city off Highway 401. Long-distance buses. - Talad Kaset 1 and 2
In the city centre. Local and regional buses and minivans. - Phun Phin railway station
About 14 km from the city. Trains and many connecting buses.
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.
- Donsak pier for Samui and Phangan ferries is over an hour's drive from the city.
KEEP GOING
From Surat Thani, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Surat Thani
More buses from Chiang Mai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Surat Thani by road?+
About 1328 km by road (1073 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 16 h 15 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. 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 Surat Thani to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Surat Thani to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Surat Thani?+
It depends on the operator. In Surat Thani, services use Surat Thani Bus Terminal, Talad Kaset 1 and 2, Phun Phin railway station. Check which terminal or office your bus uses. Combined island tickets often continue straight to Donsak pier.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Surat Thani?+
Check which terminal or office your bus uses. Combined island tickets often continue straight to Donsak pier.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Mai to Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani by bus?+
Direct buses from Surat Thani include Donsak, Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Chumphon, Khao Lak and more. See all connections on our Surat Thani bus page.
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 Surat Thani bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Surat Thani (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →