Chiang Mai is known as the "Rose of the North" of Thailand, with many distinctive cultural marks and pristine beauty that attract many travelers. When you arrive in Chiang Mai, the first place you step into is Chiang Mai Airport - one of the busiest airports in Thailand. Let's explore all the information about Chiang Mai International Airport before heading to this destination.
1. Does Chiang Mai have an airport?
Chiang Mai city has only one airport, which is Chiang Mai International Airport. This is considered the main gateway that plays a role in promoting tourism, economic, and cultural development in Northern Thailand.
2. Introduction to Chiang Mai Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport is located in Chiang Mai province and is managed by the Airport of Thailand. It takes about 10 minutes by car from the airport to the center of Chiang Mai, making it very convenient for travelers.
- Full name: Chiang Mai International Airport
- Address: 60 Mahidol Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Airport code (symbol): CNX
- Country code: 66
- Phone: +66 53 922 100
- Terminal number: 2
- GMT hours: +7
3. The formation and development process of Chiang Mai International Airport
The airport was first built in 1921 under the name Suthep. In 1941, Chiang Mai Airport was used by the Japanese as an air force base during World War II. In 1947, after World War II ended, this airport welcomed its first flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, marking a new turning point for the development of this place.
In 2008, Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) temporarily closed due to protests, and the airport became a temporary stop for flights from Taipei and Europe to Thailand. On January 24, 2011, this airport officially became a secondary hub for Thai AirAsia, serving the flow of passengers coming to and from Chiang Mai.
To ensure service for the rapidly increasing number of passengers, in 2014 the airport was renovated into the Chiang Mai International Airport as it is today. The renovation process included: expanding the international airport, aircraft parking areas, and runways to accommodate larger aircraft, extending operational hours to 24/7.
4. Overview of Chiang Mai Airport, Thailand
Currently, Chiang Mai International Airport can serve millions of passengers each year and is home to many airlines worldwide. Below are the basic information about this airport.
4.1. Scale, runway area
Chiang Mai Airport has one runway with a length of 3100m and a width of 45m. Therefore, the airport can accommodate medium-sized aircraft such as Airbus models and equivalents.
4.2. Number of floors
Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand has 2 main terminals for domestic and international flights. The two terminals are built in the same large, spacious building divided into 2 floors with a capacity to serve nearly 2 million passengers each year.
The terminals have modern facilities such as check-in counters, baggage claim systems, security screening systems,... specifically:
- Floor 1: The arrivals area of the passenger terminal includes both domestic and international passenger halls. Here, there are services such as baggage claim, information counters, post office, customs, non-aeronautical services like restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops,...
- Floor 2: The departure hall is also divided into domestic and international sections. Here, there are some duty-free shops, currency exchange services, souvenir counters, medical services,...
4.3. Amenities at the terminal
The passenger terminal operates from 5 AM to 12 AM. Here, there are many amenities such as medical services, non-aeronautical services, restaurants, cafes,...
5. Types of transportation from Chiang Mai Airport to hotels and attractions
From Chiang Mai International Airport to the city center is about 4km to the southwest, and it only takes about
5.1. Taxi
To catch a taxi at Chiang Mai Airport, you can go to gate number 1 or buy a ticket at Taxi Meter. The travel time is about 7 - 10 minutes, with fares ranging from 100 - 150 Baht/ride.
5.2. Bus
Two bus routes from the airport to the center of Chiang Mai are the red R3 and yellow R3, both have routes from Chiang Mai Airport to the old town. This is a means that helps travelers save transportation costs and is quite convenient, with a ticket price of 30 Baht/ride (about 20,000 VND/ride) and the first trip at 6:30 AM and the last trip at 11:30 PM.
5.3. Airport shuttle
You can catch the airport shuttle bus to the center of Chiang Mai on the 1st floor (international terminal) at exit number 9. The shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes per trip and has 3 stops; you can choose the stop closest to your accommodation and walk or hire a tuk-tuk to get to your hotel.
5.4 Shared taxi
Songthaews offer shared taxi services with fixed routes to the center of Chiang Mai. This means of transport is suitable for large tourist groups and helps save costs. However, you should consider whether to use this type of transport if you want to maintain your privacy.
6. Distance from Chiang Mai Airport to famous tourist attractions
After arriving at the airport, you can immediately move to famous tourist attractions here to learn about Chiang Mai and its beauty.
6.1. From Chiang Mai Airport to Wat Chedi Luang
The distance from Chiang Mai International Airport to Wat Chedi Luang is over 6km, taking about 14 minutes by car. At Wat Chedi Luang temple, visitors will enjoy the ancient beauty and rich cultural colors of Chiang Mai from past to present. Especially, you can admire the unique architecture and visit the solemn main hall of this temple.
6.2. From Chiang Mai Airport to Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate is about 6.5km from Chiang Mai Airport and takes about 14 minutes to travel. Tha Phae Gate was built during the Lanna dynasty in the 13th century, and along with Chiang Mai, it has withstood many historical events while still standing firm to protect the city.
6.3. From Chiang Mai Airport to Khlong Mae Kha
The small village with Japanese style in the heart of Chiang Mai is attracting many visitors. Khlong Mae Kha is 6km from Chiang Mai Airport and takes about 13 minutes to travel.
This article has provided all about Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand, so travelers have basic information before coming here. Today, booka flight to Chiang Mai with Vietjet for a cost-effective and comfortable trip.
