Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): What you need to know
Your trip gets off the ground at one of Bangkok's main airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Explore the options for booking a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) departing from either of these bases.
The average duration of a direct Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport flight is 1 hour 20 minutes.
Chiang Mai International Airport is located in Chiang Mai. The city's timezone is UTC+7 — the same as Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the most popular route. There are 170 direct flights a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, take the last flight with Thai Vietjet Air at 10pm. Opt for the first BKK to CNX departure operated by Thai Vietjet Air at 6am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your flight from Bangkok to CNX.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow even more breathing space. The recommendation for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Fly without interruptions from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) operate from here.
Leading airlines that operate direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport out of BKK include:
Most passengers prefer to fly with Thai Vietjet Air between BKK and CNX.
With 74.66% of its services arriving as planned, Thai AirAsia is the top on-time carrier on this route.
BKK is about 32 kilometres from central Bangkok. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to Suvarnabhumi Airport:
67.87% of flights that depart Suvarnabhumi Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
You can book a direct Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) plane ticket with departures from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Figure out if flying from DMK works better for your plans.
The most popular airlines that have direct flights from Bangkok to CNX setting off from DMK include:
Thai AirAsia is the top choice for passengers flying from DMK to CNX.
Thai AirAsia is the most reliable carrier flying between Don Mueang International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport, with 74.66% of its services arriving as scheduled.
With public transport, you can travel from central Bangkok to DMK in about 1 hour 5 minutes. The airport is roughly 27 kilometres away, and making the journey by car will take approximately 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Bangkok to CNX flight? Unwind in a hotel near Don Mueang International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are expecting you:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Don Mueang International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 66.48%.
About Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near CNX instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Chiang Mai International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Chic Car Rent, asap car hire or Hertz to explore Chiang Mai and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle around two weeks ahead of your Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport flight.
Getting from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to central Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai International Airport to central Chiang Mai is roughly 3 kilometres. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, plan in advance to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times will vary based on traffic and the time of day.
Travelling by public transport takes around 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
24 € is the best price for a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport. A return flight starts from 39 €. These prices can change depending on availability and demand.
To score cheap flights from Bangkok to CNX, book your ticket two months ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for scoring cheap Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport tickets is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Bangkok to CNX is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Filters make it easier to snap up a deal on your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport. Pick the flight times, carriers and stops that work for you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Think about the kind of experience you want when planning the timing of your trip. February is the quietest month to go to Chiang Mai. August is when most people book flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which may be perfect if you're after more action.
Lock in a Bangkok to CNX plane ticket departing in April if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chiang Mai to range from 22ºC (72ºF) to 42ºC (108ºF).
January has temperatures of between 12ºC (54ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Look for cheap tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chiang Mai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Chiang Mai right here. Explore these options once you've locked in your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Songkran Festival Chiang Mai, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) and Doi Suthep are must-do's during your Chiang Mai adventure.
Explore more of Thailand
You've visited Chiang Mai, now it's time to explore more of Thailand. Journey around 257 kilometres south-east to Phitsanulok to tick off its top sights. From Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai) and Wat Ratcha Burada Temple, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Chiang Rai is another essential stop in Thailand and is around 153 kilometres north-east of Chiang Mai. No journey is complete without dropping by Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Huai Pla Kung.