Chiang Mai International Airport is situated around 12 kilometres from the centre of Chiang Mai and is on the primary entry points for visitors to Northern Thailand. The airport handles over 5 million passengers each year and currently ranks as the fourth busiest airport in Thailand. The airport has recently benefited from substantial upgrade and renovation work, including becoming a 24-hour airport capable of handling larger models of aircraft.
The airport has two passenger terminals which are home to everything travellers would need including duty-free shopping, souvenir and book shops and even on-site spa and sauna facilities. Terminal 1 is dedicated to all domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles all international flights. There are also a number of places to eat and drink within the airport including the Blank Canyon Café in the departures area of Terminal 2 which is open 24 hours a day. Some additional amenities available to travellers at Chiang Mai International Airport include free Wi-Fi for a 2-hour period and the Coral Executive Lounge in Terminal 2 which offers comfortable amenities including complimentary beverages and television.
Chiang Mai International Airport is linked to the city centre of Chiang Mai by road, either by the Super-Highway or Chiang Mai-Hod Road. There are a number of modes of transportation open to visitors flying into the airport including public taxis which are easily found just outside the airport terminals. In addition to this, private limousine services are available by visiting one of the transport kiosks within the airport terminal. Travellers looking to hire a vehicle during their stay can also find car hire companies here. Alternatively, if visitors are staying at a hotel, then it is worth checking if the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport as many do.
Chiang Mai International Airport first opened in 1921 under the name of Suthep Airport and has since undergone numerous extension and renovation projects to transform it into one of Thailand’s leading passenger airports. The most popular international route at the airport is the service to and from Hong Kong, closely followed by Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, while flights to Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok make up the majority of domestic flights from Chiang Mai International Airport.