Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the largest airport in Northern Thailand which is located not far for the city center of Chiang Mai. Flying to this airport is very convenient if you are planning to spend your holidays in mountainous northern region of Thailand. Flying to Chiang Mai is not only the fastest but sometimes even the cheapest way for getting into the north from other regions of Thailand.
Flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport
International Flights
Thailand has international flight connections with a vast number of destinations worldwide. Chiang Mai Airport is the fourth biggest international airport in Thailand and receives plenty of international flights from a number of Asian countries.
Chiang Mai Airport is served by international flights from/to:
- China
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Hong Kong
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Laos
Domestic Flights
You can reach other cities in Thailand by using domestic flights:
- Bangkok
- Phuket
- Krabi
- Hat Yai
- Ko Samui
- Udon Thani
- Chiang Rai
- Surat Thani
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Khon Kaen
- Phitsanulok
- Pattaya
- Nan
- Mae Sot
- Mae Hong Son
- Hua Hin
Flight Tickets
Flight tickets for domestic and regional flights can be booked by using this search form.
Chiang Mai Airport Immigration
If you hold a passport that lets you enter Thailand on Visa Exemption or you've acquired your Single Entry Tourist Visa / Multiple Entry Tourist Visa from Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, you just need to proceed to the immigration. Your passport will get stamped and you will be allowed to enter Thailand.
Thailand Immigration control procedure at the airport is briefly described here: Thailand Immigration Control Procedure for Foreigners.
If you’re a citizen of one of the countries eligible to obtain Thai Visa on Arrival and decided to get your visa at the airport, you will first need to apply for Thai visa and only later proceed to the immigration.
For more details about getting Thai visa there check: Visa on Arrival at Chiang Mai Airport.
You can get your visa at CNX Airport only if you are flying there directly without a connection in Bangkok. If you need to change flights in Bangkok, you must get your Visa on Arrival at the airport in Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). In such a case check:
Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Visa on Arrival at Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Passenger Services at Chiang Mai Airport
As CNX Airport is of a decent size, here you can find all the main passenger services you might need.
Lounge at Chiang Mai International Airport
Relax before your flight with access to the Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Mai International Airport. Enjoy food and drink, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, neck and shoulder massage, and more.
Chiang Mai Airport SIM Card
There are counters selling Thai SIM cards of all Thailand mobile network providers at the airport.
If you are willing to save some money, you can book online a discounted Thailand SIM Card and pick it up at the airport as it will be significantly cheaper. To get the best deal on local SIM card, check the following options:
DTAC SIM Card for Thailand (CNX Airport Pick Up)
TRUE SIM Card for Thailand (CNX Airport Pick Up)
Detailed information about the service providers, data plans, and prices, is provided here: Chiang Mai Airport SIM Card.
Currency Exchange at Chiang Mai Airport
You have 2 options for getting Thai Baht at the airport: withdraw cash from ATM or exchange foreign currency. Cash withdrawal might be the safer but definitely less cost effective option as all Thai banks charge 220 THB for every withdrawal from foreign credit/debit card.
Currency exchange normally is a better option even if foreign exchange rates at the airport are not the best you can get in the city. However, the exchange rates are still better than the same banks are offering at the airports in Bangkok. What exchange rates you can expect to get at CNX Airport? Check here: Currency Exchange at Chiang Mai Airport.
Chiang Mai Airport Luggage Storage & Delivery
Luggage storage at CNX Airport costs depending on the size of the luggage: storage of Normal Luggage (25kg or less) costs 150 THB per unit per day, storage of Special Item (Non-Luggage Item) costs 200 THB per day.
Luggage storage at Chiang Mai Airport can be booked online here: Airport Luggage Storage by AIRPORTELs.
AIRPORTELs also offers luggage delivery from CNX Airport to your hotel or other accommodation in Chiang Mai and vice versa. Scheduled delivery of Normal Luggage (25 kg or less) costs 349 THB per piece, delivery of Special Item (Non-Luggage Item) – 599 THB.
Luggage delivery to/from the airport can be booked online here: AIRPORTELs Luggage Delivery Service.
Luggage storage and delivery service point is located on the 1st floor, near gate 7 (across from Thai Post Office).
Luggage storage is open daily, from 06:00 to 24:00.
Chiang Mai Airport Transportation
Chiang Mai Airport Taxi
Airport taxi for a trip from the airport into the city center charges a flat rate - 150 THB. However, for this rate you get just random car that might be not suitable for travelers with big luggage. If you want to choose the type of car, taxi will cost you 100 THB extra.
The most convenient even if a bit pricier option for getting from the airport to your hotel in Chiang Mai and other destinations in the province is by a private transfer. When choosing this type of transportation, you will be met by the driver who will be waiting for you at the airport and bring you right to the door of your hotel.
Private transfer can be booked online here: Private CNX Airport Transfers.
Public Bus
There is a new RTC Chiang Mai City Bus No. 24 running from the airport to the old town and other parts of the city. It recently changed the previous airport bus R3. Public bus fare is only 50 THB per person, not depending on the distance.
Previously you could take B2 Bus to reach Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal directly from the airport but now this route is closed and yet to be reopened.
Chiang Mai Airport Shuttle Van
There is also Airport Shuttle Van service available at the airport. Shuttle van A1 and A2 costs 40 THB per person, shuttle van A3 - 60 THB per person.
However, minivans don't have fixed schedule and it might be quite a hassle taking them. We would recommend sticking on public bus as it's more convenient.
Chiang Mai Airport to Pai
In case you are flying to CNX Airport and want to get to Pai directly from there, you can hire a private transfer to Pai. One way transfer from the airport to the famous town of Mae Hong Son province can be booked online here: Private transfer to Pai.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
The best area to stay in Chiang Mai is the Old City surrounded by moat. The atmosphere of this area is special and all main attractions are nearby. Find the best place to stay in Chiang Mai Old City here: Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City.
To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.
Tips
For more details about other currency exchange options in Chiang Mai check Currency Exchange in Chiang Mai.
For the best experience in Chiang Mai, get the best deals for the most popular Chiang Mai tours and attractions.
