What is the best way to travel to phuket from bangkok without flying?

Farmington Myself husband and daughter are flying into bangkok and then want to go down to koh phi phi and i understand the best way to do this is via Phuket. I would like to get peoples opinions on the most cost effective way to travel (other than flying!) and how long it would take and cost? St. Marys Chinlak doesn't know what they're talking about, Hat Yai is farther south than Phuket. By bus is the best option, your better off going to the New Southern Bus Terminal to buy your ticket instead, cause you will rarely get through if you call. Total travel time is about 10-12 hrs with a 20 min break for food. Last time I took the bus about 3 months ago it cost 1200 baht for a VIP 24 which is the most comfortable one. You could also take a train which would mean you need to switch to bus in Surat Thani, but train service to the south is limited now and it also takes longer. Rhinelander How to get to Phuket from BangkokBy air (1.20 hrs)Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. Check with your travel agent for more details. By bus (about 12 hrs)Air-conditioned and non air-con buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. The trip by air-con bus, normally leaving in the evening, takes about 12 hours. For further details, call the Southern Bus Terminal, 0 2894 6122By car (about 12 hrs)From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometres. By railThere is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers by train must get off at Phun Phin railway station in Surat Thani and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 (RSVN), 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701. Prairie du Chien Since you don't intend to fly, the cheapest way is to go south by coach. Go to the Southern Route Bus Terminal and book your seats to the southern most city, Haadyai. Upon arrival at the location, enquire from the information counter for your onward journey to Phuket. For a comfortable ride, which will takes about 10 to 12 hours, book a VIP Class coach. Railroad you go by tuk tuk, it very cheap for Americans and good to see thailand with. Lynchburg Car, Bus, Train Chester Hill I have gone there by charter bus and by car. By bus it is best to travel at night as you will be asleep and when you wake up in the morning you are there. New Hartford through car or bus for 12 hrs depending on traffic and stopping by while your in a road Trip.