Chiang Mai Airport: Tourist Information

Posted by Keith Taylor on September 18th, 2011 in Thailand ~ Comments Off

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There was a time not so long ago that the prospect of flying into a small city in northern Thailand would be enough to fill a tourist with dread. Long haul flights on enormous jets are all well and good, but tiny little twin prop ‘planes heading for a place you’ve never heard of? Isn’t that how most of our favourite musicians died?

Chiang Mai airport, I’m sure, was once among the number of feared destinations for anyone who has… let’s say a ‘healthy respect’ for air travel. Tucked away in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai was for a long time a remote backwater in the minds of western travellers; a place reached by bus or rickety train. Chiang Mai airport certainly didn’t figure in the travel plans of any backpacker.

Chiang Mai Airport

Today, though, Chiang Mai airport is ground zero for a vast number of the wealthier tourists – those who can afford to prioritise comfort and speed in their journey to Chiang Mai (while the rest of us resign ourselves to the cheap and slow road and rail alternatives).

Chiang Mai airport itself is today a sleek, modern transport hub, far from the cracked runways and shaky hangars of the provincial Asian airports of yesteryear.

So, you’re in Chiang Mai, and you’ve decided to shun the trains and buses and opted for the airport as your exit point. Where can you go from Chiang Mai airport?

Chiang Mai Airport Domestic Flights

Since 2003, Thai airline deregulation has thrown the market wide open on a wide range of domestic routes, and today you can fly from Chiang Mai airport to eight destinations within Thailand.

By far the greatest number of flights from Chiang Mai airport are bound for Bangkok, with up to 24 flights departing daily for the capital on multiple carriers. Chiang Mai to Bangkok flights ore operated by Air Asia, Bangkok Air and Thai Airways, ensuring a healthy level of competition that keeps prices at an attractive level.

In addition to Bangkok bound flights, Chiang Mai airport also offers regular flights to Chiang Rai, Pai, Nan and Mae Hong Son in the north, and Sukhotai in central Thailand. Heading to the south from Chiang Mai airport you can fly to Krabi, Ko Samui and Phuket.

Chiang Mai Airport International Flights

International carriers operate flights from Chiang Mai airport to the following destinations:

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Singapore

Kunming, China

Luang Prabang, Laos

Taipei, Taiwan

Seoul, South Korea

Each of these destinations are served from Chiang Mai airport by a single carrier, so prices can be comparatively high given the lack of competition.

Getting to Chiang Mai Airport

Chiang Mai airport is located around 3km south of Chiang Mai. From the south west corner of Chiang Mai old town you should head due south on highway 1141. Metered taxis are in short supply in Chiang Mai, but there are more than enough tuk tuks and songthaews shuttling to and from the airport.

The taxi ride from Chiang Mai airport into the city will cost around 120 Baht, while the return trip from the city to Chiang Mai airport will cost around 50 Baht.

Chiang Mai Airport Facilities

Chiang Mai airport is completely modern, and offers all services you would usually expect from a well-outfitted small international airport. The facilities and services available at Chiang Mai airport include:

Chiang Mai Airport Money Matters

Chiang Mai Airport has a currency exchange booth in the first floor Arrivals lounge, and numerous ATMs are located in both Arrivals and Departures. Most ATMs offer an English language option, though some will only accept Thai debit and credit cards.

Chiang Mai Airport Medical Facilities

You would hope never to require this service, but Chiang Mai airport has a first aid station manned by a qualified nurse to tend to minor injuries. The first aid station can be found in the first floor international Departures area.

Chiang Mai Airport Duty Free

Duty free stores can be found in both the international Arrivals and Departures lounges, though the stores often close before the final flights of the evening arrive and depart.

Chiang Mai Airport Transportation

The airport offers a limousine and metered taxi service from booths adjacent to the domestic and international Arrivals lounge. Tuk tuks and songthaews can be caught outside the terminal, and a car rental booth is located adjacent to the domestic Arrivals lounge on the first floor.

Chiang Mai Airport Postal Service

A post office can be found adjacent to the first floor domestic arrivals lounge, offering both local and international postal services.

Chiang Mai Airport Restaurants

Numerous restaurants and cafes can be found before the check-in desks and in the Departures and Arrivals lounges.

Chiang Mai Airport Hotels

Chiang Mai airport is only around 3km south of Chiang Mai itself, so for even a brief layover it may make sense to head into Chiang Mai to find a hotel for the night.

However, if you prefer to stay in a hotel close to Chiang Mai airport there are several options available. A hotel reservation desk can be found adjacent to the domestic Arrivals lounge.

Budget hotels at Chiang Mai airport

Noble Place Chiang Mai

With rooms starting at just 500 Baht per night, Noble Place Chiang Mai offers a comfortable budget option. The hotel is located opposite the Aiport Plaza department store, just a couple of minutes from Chiang Mai airport.

Mid range hotels at Chiang Mai airport

The Airport Greenery

On the western side of Chiang Mai’s old town, the Airport Greenery is a few minutes north of Chiang Mai airport by car. Rooms start at a little over 800 Baht, and the hotel offers a swimming pool, internet access and an on-site restaurant.

Luxury hotels at Chiang Mai airport

Assaradevi Villa and Spa

Built in the traditional Lanna style, this luxury spa is located south of Chiang Mai airport in a sleepy suburb of the city, and is surrounded by green fields and tranquility. With rooms starting from 1,300 Baht, the Assaradevi Villa offers a luxury layover while passing through Chiang Mai airport.