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.
International Flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport
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 International Airport is served by international flights from/to:
- China
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Hong Kong
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Laos
Domestic Flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport
You can reach other cities in Thailand by using domestic flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport:
- 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
- Pai
Thailand Visa at Chiang Mai Airport
You can get your visa at Chiang Mai 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:
- Bangkok Visa on Arrival - Thai Visa at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
- Thai Visa on Arrival at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
If you hold a passport that lets you enter Thailand on Free visa-exempt stay 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 fill Thailand Arrival Card and 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 Chiang Mai Airport, you will first need to apply for Thai visa and only later proceed to the immigration. For more details about getting Thai visa at Chiag Mai Airport check: Visa at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX).
Thailand SIM Card at Chiang Mai Airport
There are counters selling SIM cards of all Thailand mobile network providers at Chiang Mai Airport. If you are willing to save some money, you can book Thailand SIM Card online and pick it up at the airport as it will be significantly cheaper.
Book a discounted Thailand SIM Card and pick it up at Chiang Mai Airport: [SALE] SIM Card for Thailand (CNX Airport Pick Up).
Currency Exchange at Chiang Mai Airport
You have 2 options for getting Thai Baht at Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 International Airport (CNX).
Left Luggage at Chiang Mai Airport
At Chiang Mai Airport you can rent a locker and store your luggage there. However, these are not automatic lockers so you can deposit and get your luggage back only during the opening hours of the left luggage office.
Left luggage at Chiang Mai Airport is open daily, from 7:00 to 21:00.
Price for luggage storage at CNX Airport is 200 THB per locker per day.
Taxi from Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel
Airport taxi for a trip from Chiang Mai Airport into the city center charges a flat rate - 150 THB. However, for this rate you get just random can 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 Chiang Mai 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 from Chiang Mai Airport can be booked here: Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai & More.
Public Transport from Chiang Mai Airport
Public Bus
There is a public bus running from Chiang Mai Airport to the old town and other parts of the city.
If you want to reach Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal directly from the airport, you can take B2 Bus.
Airport Shuttle Van
There is also Airport Shuttle Van service available at Chiang Mai 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 cheaper and really convenient.
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: 15 Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City.
For more places to stay in Chiang Mai check Hotels in Chiang Mai on Booking.com or Hotels in Chiang Mai on Agoda.com.
Tips
For more details about other currency exchange options in Chiang Mai check Currency Exchange in Chiang Mai.
