A Passenger's Guide to Chiang Mai International Airport (Thailand)

Chiang Mai International Airport is an international gateway serving Chiang Mai, the capital of Chiang Mai province, and the rest of Northern Thailand. The country’s fourth busiest air field, it handles more than 10 million passengers a year, both foreign and domestic.

Chiang Mai Airport Overview

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the largest airport in Northern Thailand.

The air field serves the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s sixth largest city.

Formerly the capital of the Lanna Kingdom (1296 – 1768), Chiang Mai is situated along the banks of the Ping River in a verdant valley surrounded by rolling green hills.

Chiang Mai Airport is also the gateway to the rest of Northern Thailand, which is very different from the rest of the country both physically and culturally.

Chiang Mai Airport is Thailand’s fourth busiest air field after Bangkok’s two airports and Phuket International Airport.

Airlines and Flight Information

Several airlines link Chiang Mai International Airport with Bangkok’s two international airports, with numerous flights a day.

Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and Thai Smile fly between Chiang Mai Airport and Suvarnabhumil International Airport (BKK), operating a total of 23 flights a day on the route.

Nok Air, R Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Smile all fly to Chiang Mai from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, operating a total of 34 daily flights on the route, making it the second most popular route in the country after the Bangkok – Phuket route.

Thai AirAsia operates two daily flights from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, one flight to Khon Kaen, two flights to Krabi, three flights to Phuket, two flights to Surat Thani, one flight to Ubon Ratchathani, and three flights to U-Tapao.

Bangkok Airways operates two daily flights from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, one flight to Phuket, and one flight to Samui,

Thai Smile operates operates one daily flights from Chiang Mai to Phuket.

Nok Air operates three daily flights from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani.

In addition to domestic air carriers, Chiang Mai Airport is served by several foreign carriers., which link the city mostly to nearby travel destinations in China, Korea, Hong Kong, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

An exception is Qatar Airways, which flies from the airport to Doha, Qatar, with links to the Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East.

Chiang Mai International Airport is a hub for Bangkok Airways and Thai Air Asia.

Food and Beverage Outlets at Chiang Mai Airport

Whether you’re looking for a mouth-watering hamburger, a quick cup of coffee, or a yummy Thai dish cooked to order, you’re spoiled for choice at Chiang Mai Airport.

You will find such international fast-food chains as Burger King and McDonald’s as well as local coffee houses such such as Black Canyon Coffee and Eatery and Thailand Coffee..

While waiting for my flight to depart at Chiang Mai Airport, I surveyed the numerous food and beverage outlets. And I must say, I was spoiled for choice!

I settled on Bread Hut, where I ordered a yummy tasty lunch of pork, basil, and rice, which I washed down with orange juice.

Cooked to order, it was absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. Best of all, I was able to recharge my mobile phone while I waited to board my flight.

Shopping at Chiang Mai Airport

You can pick up snacks at one of the airport’s many mini marts, There are also boutiques selling clothing and souvenir shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items. In addition, there are Duty Free shops.

Money exchange counters and ATMs are also located inside the airport terminal, but keep in mind that exchange rates are usually better in town than at the airport.

Ground Transportation

Many hotels will arrange free transfer to and from the airport so make sure to check with your hotel before making your own arrangements.

Taxis, limousines, buses, tuk-tuks, and car rentals are among the transportation options at the airport.

There’s a taxi rank at the north side of the airport terminal. The average fare from the airport to hotels in Chiang Mai is about 160 baht. The fare to the Arcade Bus Terminal is about 200 baht.

The average return fare to the airport is 100 baht. Most Chiang Mai hotels are within a 10 to 15 minutes’ drive of the airport.

If you would prefer to book a taxi in advance, check out Taxi2Airport.

You might also want to try booking a Private Airport Transfer by Car. It is best to reserve in advance.