Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is a key gateway to Northern Thailand that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Its international airport receives over 2 million tourists each year, with 130 flights per week from Bangkok, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Laos. Visitors to the airport may take use of a wide variety of facilities.
History
The airport, or rather airfield, was established in the early 1920s. According to Wikipedia, Suthep Airport was constructed in 1921, however it might have been the year when the first aircraft touched down in Chiang Mai. According to our research, in 1924, a rich Muslim merchant of Chinese origin named Khun Chowng-liang Lue-kiat donated land for the airport’s construction. It is difficult to discover information regarding the airport’s history. Based on my study, it was more of an airfield than an airport until the late 1950s. There were essentially no buildings on the runway, which was mostly grass or dirt.
In This Post
International Flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the largest airport in Northern Thailand and is situated not far from Chiang Mai’s city center. Flying to this airport is quite convenient if you want to spend your vacation in Thailand’s hilly northern area. Flying to Chiang Mai is not only the quickest but also the cheapest method to go to the north from other parts of Thailand.
Chiang Mai International Airport is serviced by international flights from/to the following cities:
- China
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Hong Kong
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Laos
Domestic Flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport
Domestic flights from/to Chiang Mai Airport may take you to the following cities in Thailand:
- 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
Flight Tickets
We suggest using both flight search methods and comparing costs since, for certain flights, one of them may give a better price.
Using this search tool, you may purchase tickets for domestic and regional flights to and from Chiang Mai Airport.
Thailand Visa at Chiang Mai Airport
You can only get your visa at Chiang Mai Airport if you are traveling straight there without stopping in Bangkok. If you need to change flights in Bangkok, you must get your Visa on Arrival at the Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang airports (DMK).
If you have a passport that allows you to enter Thailand on a Free visa-exemption or if you have obtained your Single Entry Tourist Visa / Multiple Entry Tourist Visa from a Thai embassy or consulate-general in your home country, all you need to do is fill out the Thailand Arrival Card and proceed to immigration. Your passport will be stamped, and you will be allowed entry to Thailand. Thailand’s immigration clearance process at the airport is outlined shortly here: Foreigners’ Immigration Control Procedure in Thailand
If you are a resident of one of the countries eligible for a Thai Visa on Arrival and want to receive your visa at Chiang Mai Airport, you must first go to the Visa on Arrival counters and apply for a Thai visa there.
Thailand E-Visa at Chiang Mai Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport now offers the new Thailand E-Visa. If you wish to acquire your Visa on Arrival sooner, you may apply for a Thailand E-Visa on Arrival online, since Chiang Mai Airport is one of four airports that accept the E-Visa system. More information on this sort of Thailand visa application is available here: Thailand eVisa on Arrival (eVOA) by VFS Global.
Utilities
Airport WiFi/Internet
Chiang Mai Airports provide free WiFi for two hours.
Connect to the network “@ AirportTrueFreeWiFi.”
ATMs / Cash Machines
Do you need money? There are ATMs accessible. If you are traveling overseas, be sure to verify your bank’s charge schedule as well as your daily withdrawal limit.
You should also advise your bank of your trip intentions. Locations: both international and domestic terminals are accessible.
Currency Exchange
Exchange services are available onsite. Locations: Bangkok Bank (International Departures) • Kasikorn Bank (Domestic Departures) • Krung Thai Bank (International Departures) • Siam Commercial Bank (Domestic Departures • International Departures • International Arrivals).
Duty-Free
Duty-free shopping is available at King Power Duty-Free. International Departures is located on the 2nd Floor, Airside. 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. The airport also has a variety of convenience stores, gift shops, apparel stores, and other businesses.
Left Luggage at Phuket Airport
Kai Sun (Thailand) Co. provides service on the 1st Floor, the rate is 200 baht per day for a locker.
Luggage Wrapping
Wrap your bags in plastic to protect them from theft and damage.
Services are available on the first floor of both terminals. Prices begin at 150 Baht for each piece
Information Desk:
Do you need assistance finding your way? There are two information desks on the first floor of the Domestic Arrivals area.
Mobile Charging
Charge your mobile devices at one of the airport’s seven charging stations, which are situated in the airside departure sections of both the Domestic and International Terminals.
Medical Services
If you need medical assistance, the first aid station is situated in the Domestic Terminal, 2nd floor. Hours: 24 hours.
Postal Services
Use the airport post office to send last-minute postcards to friends and family.
Domestic Terminal, Arrivals, First Floor. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Prayer Room
There is a Muslim Prayer Room accessible. Location: 2nd Floor, near International Departures (near Burger King). 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. There is no overnight sleeping permitted.
Rest Zones
There are no designated sleeping places, quiet zones, or rest areas.
If this information has changed, please let us know
Showers
Showers are available inside the Coral Executive Lounge
Smoking
Smoking is permitted in the smoking room, located on the second level, close to Black Canyon Coffee
Spa
Enjoy an airport massage at Pa Kaew Massage Shop to relax and unwind before your trip.
Location: Landside, 2nd Floor, Domestic Terminal. 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Airline Lounges
If you fly in First or Business Class, you may be able to use the lounges mentioned below.
Visit the airline’s website for additional information.
Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside. Lounge Access: Lounge Membership Program.
Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Lounge Membership Program.
Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, 2nd Floor.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside, 2nd Floor.
Travel Smart With Best Price Guarantee
| [Discount Price] Thailand Chiang Mai International Airport Lounge Service |
| [Discount Price] Chiang Mai Private Transfer |
Thailand SIM Card at Phuket Airport
At Phuket Airport, you will find counters for all of Thailand’s major mobile network carriers.
If you want to save money, you may order a Thailand 4, G SIM Card, online and pick it up at the airport, which will be much cheaper.
Currency Exchange at Chiang Mai Airport
At Chiang Mai Airport, you have two options for getting Thai Baht: withdraw cash from an ATM or exchange foreign money. Cash withdrawal is the safest method, but it is also the most expensive since all Thai banks charge 220 THB for every withdrawal from a foreign credit/debit card.
Even though the foreign exchange rates at Chiang Mai Airport are not the best in the city, currency exchange is usually a better alternative. (https://thaiest.com/blog/currency-exchange-in-chiang-mai-best-money-changers)
However, the exchange rates are still better than those offered by the same banks at Bangkok’s airports. What currency rates might you anticipate at CNX Airport?
Left Luggage at Chiang Mai Airport
You can rent a locker and keep your baggage at Chiang Mai Airport.
However, since they are not automated lockers, you may only deposit and retrieve your bags during the left luggage office’s operating hours.
Chiang Mai Airport’s left baggage service is available from 7:00 a.m. to 21:00 every day.
Luggage storage at CNX Airport costs 200 THB per locker, each day
You can book discount price at here: [Discount Price] Thailand Chiang Mai International Airport Lounge Service
Taxi from Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel
The cost of an airport taxi from Chiang Mai Airport to the city center is 150 THB.
However, for this price, you will get a random can, which may not be suited for travelers with large luggage. If you wish to choose the kind of vehicle, a taxi will cost you an additional 100 THB.
Private transport is the most convenient, if somewhat more expensive, choice for going from Chiang Mai Airport to your accommodation in Chiang Mai and other places in the region.
When you choose this mode of transportation, you will be greeted at the airport by a driver who will take you directly 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
The R3 public bus runs from Chiang Mai Airport to the city’s old center and other areas.
The public bus price is simply 20 THB per passenger, regardless of distance.
If you wish to go straight from the airport to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, you may take the B2 Bus, which is much cheaper and costs just 15 THB
Airport Shuttle Van
Airport Shuttle Van service is also provided at Chiang Mai Airport. Shuttle vans A1 and A2 cost 40 THB each, while shuttle van A3 costs 60 THB each.
Minivans
on the other hand, do not have a set timetable and maybe rather inconvenient to use.
We suggest using the bus since it is less expensive and more convenient.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai’s ancient city, which is encircled by a moat, is the ideal place to stay. This region has a unique ambiance, and all of the major attractions are within walking distance.
Here’s where to stay in Chiang Mai ancient city
Chiang Mai International Airport (Airport Code: CNX) FAQs:
Where does Chiang Mai fly direct to?
Nok Air and Thai AirAsia provide nonstop flights to Khon Kaen. Bangkok Airways offers nonstop flights from Chiang Mai to Ko Samui. Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia provide nonstop flights to Krabi. Nok Air is the only airline that flies directly to Mae Hong Son.
How many airports are there in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has just one airport, the Chiang Mai International Airport, which serves Northern Thailand, which also includes some of the most culturally rich areas such as Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Dao, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, and Doi Inthanon, to mention a few.
