Flying Phuket to Chiang Mai
A number of airlines fly directly between Phuket and Chiang Mai, connecting Thailand's best-known beach destination with its northern cultural capital without needing to route back through Bangkok. Direct flight times run a little over two hours, making it a realistic add-on if you're combining a beach stay with a Northern Thailand leg on the same trip.
Direct vs connecting
Direct flights are the obvious first choice given the route is well served, but it's still worth comparing against a Bangkok connection on dates when direct flight schedules are thin — occasionally a connection through Bangkok works out cheaper or better timed, particularly outside peak season when direct frequency can drop.
Planning the combination
Many visitors build a two-region Thailand trip around this exact route — beach time in the south, culture and mountains in the north. If that's your plan, book the Phuket–Chiang Mai leg once your overall date range is set, since fares and schedules on this route can shift with the season.