Chiang Mai International Airport

A small sized airport but handles fairly good air traffic. Since the crowd is less you can check in quite late and the immigration and security check is quick enough. There’s lots of food options to take away. Taxi and car rental services are available at the arrival gates. Local sim is also available. There are many souvenir shops. There’s a separate checkin and boarding line for Buddhist monk and novice.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is a convenient and welcoming gateway to northern Thailand. Its biggest advantage is location—just a short drive from the city center—making it one of the most accessible airports in the country. Arrivals and immigration are usually smooth and efficient, with friendly staff who maintain a clean and organized environment. The airport is compact, easy to navigate, and generally hassle-free compared to much larger airports. However, with passenger numbers increasing every year, the airport is beginning to feel outdated. During peak times, long queues can form at check-in and security, and seating space becomes limited. Dining and shopping options inside the terminal are quite basic, with limited variety and higher-than-average prices. The single runway also restricts capacity, raising concerns about handling larger aircraft and more frequent flights as tourism grows. For the future, it would be wonderful to see upgrades that match the city’s growing reputation. Expanding the terminal, improving facilities, and adding more comfortable lounges and food choices would enhance the passenger experience. With its beautiful setting surrounded by green hills, the airport could also take inspiration from Zurich Airport, blending modern infrastructure with natural landscaping to create a more refreshing, world-class gateway to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai airport is super convenient. What I like about it is just a short ride from the city and really easy to get around. I love the view of the mountains when you land, it makes arriving here feel special. The airport is clean, has some nice cafes and a lot of souvenir shops. From the airport you don’t even need to call a car on Grab, it’s easier to just take their taxi service which is a flat 150 baht to anywhere around the city. The only thing is that the airport feels a bit too small for the number of tourists coming through so it can get crowded at the gates. Other than that, it’s a smooth and easy place to fly in and out of Chiang Mai.

I have visited Chiang Mai a few days ago from Bangkok. The airport is compact and has very comfortable location within the city area. When I arrived in the evening it was raining and there were no buses, so I ordered the taxi to my hotel. However, on my way back it appeared that the distance is not so long, so I got up earlier and walked to the airport. It took less than an hour. I also had a chance to use the VIP lounge. The Coral Lounge is great. They have large comfy chairs, various snacks, different kinds of drinks, including beer! Thanks to that, I was not bored when waiting for my flight back to Bangkok. Everything was excellent, I really enjoyed it!

20/October/2025 Arrived here from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Thai Airways. Compact & clean airport. Clear signages to guide the travellers. We picked up our rental car here.

It is a major gateway that links northern Thailand to the rest of the region and is currently the fourth-busiest airport in the country. The airport began operations in 1934 as Suthep Airport, after it developed as an airstrip in the early 1920s. Until World War Two, it was used mainly for postal delivery services, with some military use. During the war, it was used by the occupying Japanese forces, and was hence attacked by British and US air forces.

Chiang Mai City in Thailand absolutely deserves a 5/5! Everything here is extremely good — from the rich history as an ancient Buddhist city to the stunning temples and mountain villages. The food is unforgettable, especially Khao Soi and Pad Thai. The cool weather adds to the charm, making every experience more enjoyable. People are friendly and welcoming, and the zoo is also a fun visit. Overall, Chiang Mai is an amazing destination that offers culture, nature, and incredible hospitality.

It located near my stay, you can got here by motorcycle, and i got bus when i arrived here to the old town area. Not big, no need to hurry, simple airport, still there were restaurant or souvenirs shop here.