Chiang Rai is the northernmost city of Thailand, famous for its majestic and pristine natural landscapes along with unique architectural temples. Currently, there are many direct flights to Chiang Rai landing at Chiang Rai International Airport. If you have never been here, let’s explore some information about Chiang Rai Airport, Thailand with Vietjet to best prepare for your trip!
1. Does Chiang Rai, Thailand have an airport?
Chiang Rai is a province in the northern part of Thailand, bordering Phayao, Lampang, and Chiang Mai provinces in a clockwise direction from the east, and sharing borders with Myanmar and Laos to the north. There is an international airport here, which is Chiang Rai.
2. Introduction to Chiang Rai Airport
Chiang Rai International Airport is located 8 km from the city center, in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. The airport is fully equipped with facilities to serve international flights.
- Full name: Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport.
- Address: Ban Du Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- Airport code (IATA): CEI
- Country code: +66
- Phone: +66 53 798 000
- Terminal number: 1
- GMT hours: +7
3. The formation and development process of Chiang Rai International Airport
Chiang Rai Airport has undergone the following development process:
- In 1992, Chiang Rai Airport was officially inaugurated and has been in operation for 32 years.
- Since 1998, the airport has been managed by Airports of Thailand Co., Ltd. (AOT).
- In 2013, the airport welcomed over 1,000,000 passengers with more than 7,000 flights.
- In 2014, the airport underwent upgrades, including: extending the runway, constructing an additional taxiway, and opening more shops. This plan is expected to be completed by 2030.
- In 2023, the airport added an Aircraft Maintenance Facility. This facility will be able to service and repair large Airbus and Boeing aircraft from China. The airport will also become a cargo transportation hub for northern Thailand.
4. Overview of Chiang Rai Airport
Let’s explore the outstanding features of Chiang Rai International Airport, Thailand, including scale, area, number of floors, and services available at the airport:
4.1 Scale and area of the runway
The airport's runway is designed to be over 3,000m long. Each year, Chiang Rai Airport welcomes nearly 1 million tourists, over 4,000 flights, and transports more than 3 tons of cargo.
4.2 Number of floors
Chiang Rai International Airport currently has only one terminal. The international and domestic ticketing areas are on the same floor but are divided into separate zones.
4.3 Services available at the terminal
Although there is only one floor, the terminal at Chiang Rai Airport is equipped with all the necessary services:
- High-speed wifi system covering the entire terminal
- Premium business class lounge
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
- A variety of restaurants and cafes from local and global brands
- Free mobile device charging points
- Tax refund area for tourists
- Medical services
- Sauna and spa services
- Meditation room, prayer room,...
5. Types of transportation from Chiang Rai Airport to hotels and attractions
From the airport, you can choose various types of transportation to reach your hotel or entertainment spots.
5.1 Bus
If you are not in a hurry, the bus is the most affordable means of transportation. You can catch the bus at the Mae Fah Luang area. Each bus trip to the airport usually costs around 20 Baht (approximately 13,000 VND).
5.2 Taxi
You can choose a taxi to save travel time. The fare for a taxi from the airport to the city center typically ranges from 160-200 Baht (approximately 110,000 - 136,000 VND).
5.3 Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is a characteristic of Thai culture. You can experience riding a Tuk Tuk from the airport to your hotel for about 100 Baht (approximately 68,000 VND).
6. Distance from Chiang Rai Airport to famous tourist attractions in Chiang Rai
From Chiang Rai Airport, you can easily travel to the famous attractions of Chiang Rai city:
6.1 From Chiang Rai Airport to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is about a 25-minute drive from Chiang Rai Airport. This is one of the famous spiritual sites in Thailand, built with plaster and glass. The architectural complex includes a temple, museum, chapel, art gallery, surrounded by a small park with a clear water lake.
6.2 From Chiang Rai Airport to Baan Dam Museum
It takes only about 15 minutes from Chiang Rai Airport to Baan Dam Museum. This place, also known as the Black House, preserves many artifacts rich in Thai culture and history, along with a mysterious and enchanting space, giving you a surreal feeling.
6.3 From Chiang Rai Airport to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suer Ten)
From the airport, you can easily reach the Blue Temple within 10 minutes. All corners of Wat Rong Suer Ten are covered in a sparkling blue color, creating a sacred yet peaceful and serene atmosphere.
We hope the information above about Chiang Rai International Airport will be useful for your upcoming trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand.
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