Cheap Flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai

Flight Information

Air Asia, Thai Smile, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airlines all run direct flights from Phuket (HKT) to Chiang Mai (CNX) daily. These cheap flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai have a variety of departure times throughout the day.

If you are looking for a stopover or trying to earn points on a different airline, China Eastern, China Southern, Hahn Air Systems, Nok Air, Silk Air, and Thai Air Asia all run connecting flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai. Stopover options are domestic and limited to both airport options in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

A stopover allows you a long layover so that you can get out of the airport and see the city. It's an economical way to take advantage of cheap flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai. You can see as much of Thailand as possible during your trip. Book stopovers directly with the carrier's website, or you may have to call the company.

There are no visa requirements for domestic flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai. The entire flight, including stopover options, stays within the boundaries of Thailand. You'll be able to board and deplane without passport control because you've already been granted entry into the country. However, you will still need a valid government-issued picture ID to board your flight. Your passport is universally accepted. It's your easiest and best option for ID.

Phuket Airport (HKT) is small in size and has limited options for shopping and dining. The entire airport is one terminal, and it can get rather crowded with long lines throughout the day. Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) is noticeably newer and nicer though it still only operates one terminal. There are a few more shopping and dining options in Chiang Mai.

Weather and Time Differences

You are essentially flying straight north from Phuket to Chiang Mai, so there is no time difference between the two cities, but there is a substantial difference in weather.

Phuket has a tropical, hot, and humid climate. Chiang Mai is elevated in the mountains and has a much cooler climate. Phuket stays up over 30°C year-round while Chiang Mai generally stays in the mid-20s except during March, April, and May when the temperatures soar to Phuket-level hotness. Geography Differences from Phuket to Chiang Mai Phuket is essentially an island, and its main attraction is the beach and nightlife. The nightlife is notoriously loud, which draws a diverse crowd of partiers from all over the world. In response to these visitors, Phuket has many chain restaurants and shops.

Chiang Mai is in the Mae Ping River basin about 1,000 feet above Phuket. The city is surrounded by mountains on both sides and is in a thick jungle. Chiang Mai is more of a cultural destination featuring ruins, temples, and monkey forests. It's also famous for North Thai cuisine, which is distinct from the food found in the rest of the country.